Hidden Greece: Symi Island Offers Authentic Charm Beyond Crete And Rhodes

Published on November 3, 2025

For those who wish to bask nan little crowded beauties of Crete and Rhodes, nan mini land of Symi enveloped successful spectacular culture, colour and seashore is simply a hidden gem of tranquillity. It lies to nan northbound of Rhodes, 41 kilometres away, and captivates attraction pinch its pastel harbor and statues of neoclassical architecture, positive its pristine beaches, reachable only by boats.

Inhabitants of nan larger islands suffer themselves successful nan story of nan thousands of visitors that flock to nan islands, while Symi prefers to stay elusive. Visitors to Symi activity nan traditiona,l untouched Aegean landscapes, wishing to walk value clip distant from nan changeless buzz of nan modern world. Symi is nan cleanable destination for specified travellers.

Location and Access

Symi sits disconnected nan dock of nan Turkish seashore and is 1 of nan Dodecanese islands that see Kos, Patmos and Leros. It is not difficult to access. Ferries that run betwixt Rhodes and Symi only return an hr to complete nan trip.

To scope nan island, 1 tin alert to Rhodes International Airport (RHO) first and past return a vessel to Symi. Also, successful nan summer, and backstage yachts that spell from Marmaris successful Turkey make a extremity for a speedy visit.

Even though it is small, Symi is still an charismatic replacement to larger tourer centers owed to its preserved beautiful spaces and easy accessibility.

Discovery of nan Capital City, Symi Gorge.

Snap a photograph of nan Symi main town, Gialos. It’s a dazzler and is considered 1 of nan astir charismatic harbors successful nan full Aegean. Its neoclassical structures, immoderate of which widen to nan 19th period erstwhile sponge diving and shipbuilding thrived successful Symi, gives Gialos a pastel glory.

As nan ferry brings its passengers to nan island, they get to acquisition nan timepiece building and nan signature Panormitis Monastery ferry that tin beryllium heard done nan bay filled pinch terrecota homes. Fishing boats travel mini cafes and tavernas export nan caught food from their nets onto plates and customers.

As you measurement disconnected nan vessel and agelong your legs, you’re bitten by a activity of relaxation which energizes you to rotation done nan constrictive walkways. Stone stairways that called to “kali strata”, and mini shops pinch debased prices that waste sponges, olives, and chromatic that is locally sourced.

Historic structures and Ano Symi.

Above Gialos is nan Ano Symi (Chorio), nan island’s precocious part. It tin beryllium reached by much than 500 blocks that link to nan harbor. Chorio still remains existent to its older Greek settlements. Its constrictive streets and older Byzantine churches travel pinch courtyards of bougainvilleas.

Artifacts, images, and aged home items showing nan land and its’ people’s adjacent narration pinch nan oversea and onshore are kept successful nan Symi Archaeological and Folklore Museum, which immoderate visitant to nan land tin and should visit.

Natural Wonders and nan Beach

Symi whitethorn beryllium small, but it boasts aggregate scenic beaches pinch abundant quality and clear, turquoise waters. Many are accessible only via a h2o taxi, making them moreover much attractive.

Beach Highlights

Nanou Beach- Surrounded by cliffs, cleanable for swimming and snorkeling.

Agios Georgios Dysalonas- Renowned for its steep, white, limestone cliffs rising supra heavy bluish sea.

Marathounda Beach- Family-friendly, pinch gentle waves and a taverna adjacent nan shore.

No Beach- Close to nan harbour and celebrated pinch day-trippers.

For progressive walkers, nan land offers a scope of hiking trails which provides marvellous vistas complete nan rugged hills steeped successful dense conifer wood and nan plants of nan heavy Mediterranean.

Walkers tin observe nan pine-clad hills and Mediterranean vegetation on routes linking nan villages pinch nan island’s galore monasteries.

Cultural Highlights pinch nan Monasteries

The Duomo of Archangel Michael Panormitis is simply a Monastery which is recovered successful nan South West of nan island. Built successful nan 18th period it’s visited by pilgrims from each complete nan country.During nan Orthodox Easter holidays, on pinch nan Panormitis Feast Day successful November, immoderate of nan belief festivals pull travelers who wish to witnesser accepted Greek civilization on pinch nan section cuisine intertwined pinch music.

Symi is an land well-known for its caller seafood and section cuisine. One of nan accepted dishes is nan octopus, wherever it is either grilled aliases marinated successful vinegar, on pinch nan section specialty, Symi shrimp, wherever nan shrimp is simply a tiny, crispy assortment served whole. These dishes, successful summation to Greek meze, salads, and ouzo, tin beryllium enjoyed astatine respective taverns located astatine Gialos harbor and successful Chorio.

In Symi, 1 tin find section bakeries serving filled pastries specified arsenic boutrekia, and amygdalota, which are almond saccharine dishes. Meals successful Symi are usually taken correct on nan water, wherever 1 tin observe nan sportfishing boats and bask nan beautiful sunset that nan Aegean has to offer.

In opposition to nan different islands, Symi is not arsenic developed and maintains much of an authentic land feel. Most accommodation options are small, family-owned hotels and guesthouses, which creates a much friendly environment.

Due to its temperate weather, Drip Torch Mountain, memorial to nan victims of nan quality price, aliases “Bloody Ridge,” is champion from May to October. Drip Torch Mountain is accessible and manageable for each ages and fittingness levels, and early May, June, and October are considered to beryllium nan champion months for hiking. Symi is besides perfect for swimming from June to August.

The past fewer decades of nan precocious summertime months are characterized by nan Symi land Cultural Festival, afloat to nan brim pinch captivating and inspiring philharmonic performances that tie attraction and attendees from acold and near.

Conclusion

The harbor’s neoclassical architecture and nan discreet hit of life some create an unthinkable relaxing acquisition while nan breathtaking views astir nan land boast nan awesome Greek scenery, each enhanced by nan stunning clear waters. Symi is an bonzer land that promises tranquility distant from nan much touristic areas specified arsenic Crete and Rhodes.

For nan adventurers that activity to flight nan hustle and bustle of nan much celebrated Greek islands, Symi is nan epitome of untouched Aegean islands. Symi, an land that is nan cleanable Greek island, afloat of life and history, untouched and peaceful.