Symi, the most beautiful island of the Dodecanese. With its colorful neoclassical mansions rising in an amphitheater shape and its rich 3,500-year history, it is truly a hidden gem of the Mediterranean. We visited this island with our dog Robin in mid-June, and it’s a perfect haven, especially for those seeking the elegant details of local architecture and the island’s unhurried rhythm.
In our opinion, the biggest mistake visitors make is seeing Symi as just a day trip destination. Symi truly reveals its magic in the early morning hours, after the day-trippers have left, and after 4 PM. To truly experience the slow, calm rhythm of the Dodecanese and enjoy the island, it’s essential to stay here for at least a few nights. Before diving into our Symi guide, you can browse all our other Greece guides here.
The most practical way to reach Symi is via a connecting flight through the Greek islands. You can easily reach the island via Rhodes or Kos. Since flights from Istanbul to Rhodes have also started, you can fly to Rhodes and then take a ferry to Symi.
Via Rhodes: You can take a ferry from Marmaris or Fethiye to Rhodes, and from there catch a ferry to Symi.
Via Kos: Another great alternative is to travel from Bodrum to Kos (Istanköy) and then take a ferry from there to Symi.
Symi is an island where the summer heat is quite intense due to its steep hills and cobblestone streets. Therefore, planning your trip correctly will double your enjoyment of the island. Symi?
Ideal Time (May – June and September – October): Late spring and early autumn are the most wonderful times to explore the island. The weather is mild enough to comfortably stroll through the neoclassical streets, and the sea is perfectly warm for swimming. Plus, you won’t encounter the large day-tripper crowds of July and August.
Mid-Summer (July – August): If you’re going during peak season, plan to spend the hottest hours of the day by the sea or on shaded terraces.
To truly capture the island’s rhythm, feel the tranquility of the early mornings, explore its diverse coves, and spend leisurely evenings in the taverns at the harbor, we believe you should stay at least two nights or three days. Day trips are possible, but I can’t even imagine leaving this island without having dinner at sunset or waking up to the sunrise – it was that beautiful.
For our accommodation, we chose Nimborio, one of the island’s most peaceful and unspoiled bays. Away from the hustle and bustle of the main harbor, it’s an ancient trading port with very few houses, entirely situated by the sea. Our preference was for The Selene (@theselenegreece), the island’s most beautiful villa, ideal for larger groups.
Located just steps from crystal-clear waters, this five-suite private villa is a wonderful, unpretentious yet lived-in sanctuary. Its architecture shows infinite respect for the island’s nature; the terraced gardens shaded by centuries-old olive trees and the sustainable amphora composting systems that honor the island’s soil are the best evidence of this.
Each of the five suites at The Selene has been meticulously designed with natural materials to suit different moods and moments:
With its earth-toned veranda, Gaia connects you to the earth.
The Eos tower, embracing the bright, dimly lit mornings,
And Nykta, with its warm and inviting atmosphere, will envelop you…
We stayed in the magnificent 2-bedroom Thalassa suite, but honestly, The Selini, the master suite right next to the living room, completely stole our hearts. The ultimate luxury here is having a refreshingly empty schedule. Days are measured by refreshing swims with our furry companions on private stone terraces, moments of quiet contemplation by the water’s edge, or adventures sailing with Infinity (@symiinfinitysailing) to explore the island’s rugged coastline. The Selene is a rare gem, effortlessly anchoring you in the timeless tranquility of the Mediterranean.
If you’d like to extend your Symi trip a bit or enrich your Dodecanese itinerary, you can visit nearby islands that haven’t yet been completely taken over by mass tourism like Rhodes.
1. Kastellorizo (Meis): Meis, the furthest island from the Greek mainland, is just 15 minutes from Kas. Like Symi, it’s the perfect final stop to document the local architecture and the tranquil island life. This small island, the easternmost of the Dodecanese, takes the serenity of Symi a step further. It can be visited with a visa on arrival.
2. Chalki (Halki): Chalki, quite close to Rhodes, is practically a smaller, quieter prototype of Symi. With almost no car traffic, life on the island is entirely focused on the sea.
3. Tilos: Located west of Symi, Tilos is a favorite among those who value ecological tourism. The island, which uses 100% renewable energy and embraces a zero-waste philosophy, is famous for its pristine hiking trails and abandoned stone villages.
4. Nisyros (Nisiros): A volcanic island with a dramatic atmosphere. Its massive crater at the center and white-walled, volcanic black stone architecture offer a completely different, mystical experience from other islands.
Getting to the Island: There are currently no direct flights from Turkey to Symi. Therefore, to reach the island, you need to use ferries via Bodrum to Kos (Istanköy) or via Marmaris/Fethiye to Rhodes.
Car Rental: Since Symi is a relatively small island, renting a car isn’t an absolute necessity. However, because we were traveling with our dog Robin and wanted to be able to reach different parts of the island more easily, we rented a car from Lakis Travel.
Road Conditions and Goats: There is essentially only one main road providing access to the island, and it narrows considerably in some places. The most important thing to watch out for is the island’s famous mountain goats! They can occasionally jump onto the road or damage parked vehicles, so keep this in mind when parking your car.
Payment: While most businesses on the island accept credit cards, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash with you for smaller businesses or sun lounger rentals.
Restaurants and Taverns:
Cocktail: AETHERA
Cafes:
Historical and Natural Discoveries:
Beaches and Coves (Accessible by Land):
Beaches and Coves (Accessible by Sea Only):
Symi exceeded our expectations in terms of food and drink. As always, let us state from the outset that all the places you will read about in this guide were experienced entirely on our own budget, without any invitations or hospitality, and that we are sharing our unbiased reviews. Since agriculture is not very widespread on the island, vegetables are generally imported; however, the cheese varieties and fresh seafood are simply amazing.
Agora Symi (The Old Markets): For those seeking a refined experience and fine dining on the island, the Agora, located within The Old Markets boutique hotel, is the one and only address. Only a tasting menu is served. The Aethera cocktail bar inside also offers a delightful atmosphere before or after your meal.
Kali Strata & Tholos: If you want to enjoy a meal with a wonderful view and experience the popular tavern culture, these two places stand out. They do classic Greek cuisine very well; their seafood pasta and shrimp dishes are a must-try.
Lyris: If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist center but still stay close, we can wholeheartedly recommend Lyris, a much more local and friendly tavern. It has become one of our favorite spots for dinner with Abdurragıp.
Dafnes Taverna: If you’d like to enjoy a casual lunch break by the sea during the day, Dafnes Taverna in Toli Beach is the perfect solution.
Coffee Break: On those warm afternoons on the island, or while strolling through its neoclassical streets, you can head to Elpida Cafeneio, Rementzo Coffee, or Mediterraneo Cafe to sip on an ice-cold espresso freddo.
As you emerge from Symi’s postcard-perfect neoclassical streets and head towards its shores, you realize the island whispers its most beautiful secrets only to those who arrive by sea. For here, the rhythm of the places worth exploring is determined by the waves. Symi’s hallmark is not its long sandy beaches, but rather its pebbled, secluded coves where pine trees meet the turquoise waters.
But the island’s truly captivating treasures lie in its completely unspoiled coves… Paradise spots like Agios Georgios and Nanou can only be reached by sea. While some are served by water taxis, the best way to explore the island from the sea is definitely by taking a boat trip, even if it’s just a day trip.
We made this trip with the Infinity (@symiinfinitysailing) team, some of the most genuine people we’ve met recently. This wonderful four-cabin sailboat, run by Captain Denis, a local, and his Italian wife Francesca, who came here to work over 20 years ago and fell in love with the island, is like a warm home in the middle of the sea. Francesca’s admiration for the island, as she says, “Even after all these years, I’m still enchanted every time I come to the harbor,” was especially well understood when we explored Symi from the sea.
What made this wonderful day unforgettable was the unique meal we prepared on the sailboat in the late afternoon. Together, we created a magnificent feast with tuna caught by our captains the day before on their return from Chalki, appetizers made up of Francesca’s family recipes, and crispy bruschettas. The scent of the sea, the taste of fresh food, and the wonderful conversation all came together to make me ask myself: “Could I have had a better day?” I don’t think so.
It’s best to divide Symi’s bays into two categories based on their mode of transportation:
🚗 Locations Accessible by Land (By Vehicle or on Foot):
Toli Beach: Ideal for those seeking a quieter, more secluded seaside experience. (Dafnes Taverna is located here).
Nimborio: One of the most peaceful and unspoiled bays on the island, where we often spent time while staying at The Selene.
Pedi: A popular bay relatively close to the center and very easy to access.
Marathounda: Sparkling water, but be prepared for goats sunbathing alongside you on the beach!
Agia Marina: This stylish beach is very close to the center and can be reached with a short walk (or by water taxi). (It is a managed beach).
⛵️ Accessible Only by Sea (Boat): Symi’s cinematic, unspoiled true beauty is actually hidden in these bays that can only be reached by sea. If you have time, be sure to add a few of these bays to your itinerary with boats departing from the harbor:
Agios Georgios: The island’s most impressive bay, nestled in the shadow of a massive and dramatic cliff.
Nanou: A very wide bay with incredibly clear water, starting where the forest ends.
Maroni, Saint Aemilianus, and Agios Isidoros are other wonderful stops that are completely isolated from the crowds, giving you a feeling as if they belong to you.
