Introduction to Symi

The Greek island of Symi, sometimes also referred to as Simi, is a small, quiet and lesser known island located in the group of Dodecanese islands just 41 km /25 mi northwest of Rhodes (fourth largest Greek island).

Symi is a great place to vacation if you’re looking for stunning views, a tranquil port, beautiful seaside hikes, shopping for hand-made leather goods and for those who are interested in getting a more traditional and genuine Greek island experience.

With views that overlook the calm sea, and a chance to take a nice stroll from the beach to the houses built on the slopes of a hill – Symi is a paradise for those willing to take part and enjoy all the natural beauty that the island has to offer.

Before You Go: Travel Insurance

When planning a trip to Greece and the Greek Islands your first priority should be to make sure you make a small investment towards your health and well being by considering an affordable travel insurance policy for your trip.

Not only will this budget friendly travel insurance policy cover you if your bags are lost/stolen and if your flight is delayed/cancelled, but you’ll also be covered for all medical and injury related issues as well. 

Let’s face it. No parents, family or friends want to have to cover the cost of you getting medevaced home from Greece.

Unfortunate things do happen.

Especially when you least expect it.

Do yourself a favor and consider purchasing travel insurance coverage for your trip so you can rest assured that you’ll be taken care of in the event of a serious emergency in Greece. 

P.S. You won’t believe how reasonably priced this travel insurance is.

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How to Get to Symi

Ferry to Symi:

The best way to get to Symi is by ferry as there are no airports on the island.

Unfortunately, traveling by ferry from Athens is nearly impossible as you would waste somewhere in the range of 10-15 hours.

Trust me when I tell you that nobody in their right mind wants to be stuck on a ferry for that long.

Here’s my best advice:

Fly to Rhodes and then from there you can hop on the one of the many ferry services that operate from Rhodes to Symi and vice versa.

From Rhodes, Symi is only 45 min sail away.

You can find cheap flights from Athens to Rhodes using Skyscanner.

I’ve personally flown round-trip from Athens to Rhodes for as low as 45 Euros!

For more info on the ferries between Rhodes and Symi, please check the schedule using this tool:

Fly:

Unfortunately, there are no flights to Symi at this time although the airport in Rhodes services flights from a wide variety of destinations, Athens being the most common.

  • Athens to Rhodes flight time: 50 minutes
  • Rhodes to Symi ferry time: 50 minutes

Tip: Begin your flight search by using the Skyscanner engine embedded below.

Hillside Homes in Symi, Greece

Where to Stay in Symi

Fortunately, there are plenty of quality options when it comes to finding accommodations in Symi no matter if you’re traveling the Greek islands on a budget or if you’re looking for something a little more luxurious.

You can start by viewing this list of Airbnb apartments in Symi or you can dive a little deeper by jumping straight into the recommendations below.

Budget:

Quite Symi Cosmopolitan

Quiet Cosmopolitan Symi Apartment

This budget friendly apartment is suited for people who prefer silence and relaxation.

Perfect for nature lovers and people who enjoy walking.

The apartment has two bedrooms, one equipped with a double bed and the other with a single bed – enough to accommodate three people in total.

Mid-Range:

Asterope- Symi

Asterope Traditional House of Symi

My mid-range pick is the Asterope Traditional House of Symi-Anoi and it offers up some incredible views of Symi harbour.

The apartment is fully furnished with two bedrooms; the first bedroom has a double bed and the other is equipped with two single beds – enough to accommodate four people in total.

The beautiful views from the balcony should be enough to take your breath away. The apartment is conveniently located near all of the action — bars, restaurants, supermarkets, you name it.

Splurge:

Dream Holiday Home- Symi

Symi Dream Holiday Home

Lastly, priced the highest among the three is Dream Holiday Home in Symi. 

This home is perfect for large families or groups of friends due to the space and that fact that it has 5 beds — one bedroom with two double beds, a single bedroom with a cot bed and a mezzanine.

Other things to note include air-conditioned bed rooms, good wifi, a washing machine, BBQ grill and three showers. Oh, and did I mention the views?

Hotels in Symi:

Not interested in renting Airbnb apartments in Symi?

No worries — here are a few Symi hotel recommendations for you below.

Booking.com

Where to Eat in Symi

Symi has several great options when it comes to dining and I’ve went ahead and listed a few recommendations below based on overall reviews.

Below you’ll find three restaurant recommendations from ranging from budget to splurge.

Budget:

To Steno Restaurant

For an unbelievable price of around 25 euros, you’ll get 6 dishes which are all made from ingredients directly from the owners farm.

The restaurant is family owned and operated and they really take care of their customers.

The owner is very friendly so don’t be surprised if he pops over to your table to say Hi.

Mid-range:

Taverna To Spitiko

My mid-range recommendation has to be Taverna To Spitiko.

The dishes on offer here include seafood, grill, Mediterranean, and of course, Greek.

They also offer options for gluten free and vegan customers.

The food here is delicious and the staff is very friendly as well.

Add to the fact that this place is located on the sea front and you’ve got yourself a great little dinner spot.

Splurge:

Muses Restaurant

If you’re interested in planning a nice night out and you’re feeling like splurging a little bit then I would recommend you check out Muses.

The food itself is more on the Mediterranean and contemporary side of dining.

It’s a restaurant I’d recommend for those looking to take a date or if you’re looking to enjoy some nice  wine along with a great view.

Port of Symi Greece

Things to Do in Symi

As the island of Symi is fairly small, there are not too many options for activities.

That said, you can still enjoy the beaches and a few other tourist spots that the island has to offer.

Sightseeing:

Panormitis Monastery

The Panormitis Monastery is located south-west of town.

This is the main monastery on the island of Symi and it includes two museums; the first one houses various religious items and vessels.

The second one displays exhibits from folk culture.

There is also a gallery of paintings depicting the monastery and the landscape which surrounds it.

If you enjoy art, knowing more about the culture and history of the island – the Monastery is great little pit-stop.

Beaches:

Who doesn’t want to visit a beautiful beach when you’re on a trip to the Greek islands?

Well, it’s no surprise that an island like Symi with its breathtaking views also happens to be home to a few beautiful beaches.

Here are a few you should check out:

  • Nos Beach * (Closest to the port)
  • Agios Nikolaos
  • Agia Marina

Don’t miss: 14 Recommended Things to Do in Symi, Greece

Conclusion

Overall, Symi is an island I would definitely recommend if the Greek island of Rhodes is on your itinerary.

This is not an island where you’ll find parties running until all hours of the morning.

Symi is a very quiet and laid back island that will be a perfect stop for those who want to escape the noise of the city (Athens) and be in a little Greek paradise.

Being that it’s a tiny island, many of the things you’d want to be close for the sake of convenience, such as restaurants and bars — all can be reached by just a few minutes walk.

The accommodations on the island (specifically the ones listed above) will really make you feel at home and the fact that you have a few choices when it comes to your budget gives you some flexibility to choose from.

Interested in visiting the Greek islands? If so, be sure to check out my full collection of Greek Island Travel Guides.

You might also enjoy this beautiful video of Symi below:

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