Dodecanese
Symi
A harbour ringed by pastel neoclassical mansions — the most photogenic port in Greece.
Getting around
Walkable
Cost
€€€
In peak season
Moderate
Best months
May, Jun, Sep, Oct
From Athens
Ferry only
In pictures
Symi
Symi is a small, hilly island in the Dodecanese whose main harbour (Gialos) is one of the most spectacular in the Mediterranean — tiered neoclassical houses in ochre, terracotta and cream climbing steeply from the waterfront. The island was enormously wealthy in the 19th century from sponge diving and shipbuilding, and the architecture shows it. Day-trippers arrive from Rhodes by the boatload, but those who stay overnight get the island back to themselves.
How it scores
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Food
- Culture
- Nature
- Family
- Accessibility
- Value for money
The catch
Day-tripper boats from Rhodes flood the harbour every morning. Stay overnight to experience the island properly.
Where it sits
Dodecanese, Greece
Symi — frequently asked
- When is the best time to visit Symi? +
- The best months to visit Symi are May to October. It's busy but manageable in peak season, so even peak season is workable.
- How do you get to Symi from Athens? +
- Symi has no airport — you'll need to take a ferry from Piraeus or Rafina. Some travellers fly to a nearby island and ferry across.
- Is Symi good for couples? +
- Symi is one of the most romantic Greek islands — sunsets, candlelit tavernas, sea-view rooms.
- Is Symi good for families with kids? +
- Symi is a solid family option, though you'll want a car for the best beaches.
- Is Symi expensive? +
- Symi is affordable by Greek-island standards — value-for-money is on the weaker side, so set expectations.
- Do you need a car on Symi? +
- Symi is small and walkable — you don't need a car or scooter for most stays.
- What's the catch with Symi? +
- Day-tripper boats from Rhodes flood the harbour every morning. Stay overnight to experience the island properly.