Symi

Few Greek arrivals can match Symi. As your ferry swings into the harbour of Gialos, a natural amphitheatre of ochre and terracotta neoclassical mansions rises from the water, a scene that has made this one of the most photographed ports in Greece. Most visitors come by sea from Rhodes, whose daily boats have turned Symi into a beloved day trip, while a few mainline ferries each week link the island directly with Piraeus. Stay longer and Symi rewards you: climb the Kali Strata steps to the quiet upper town of Chorio, taste the famous small Symi shrimp at a waterside taverna, trace the island's sponge-diving heritage, and sail south to the great pilgrimage monastery of Panormitis or the boat-only cove of St George's Bay.

Highlights

The harbour of Gialos, an amphitheatre of neoclassical mansions and one of Greece's most photographed arrivals
The Kali Strata steps up to the old upper town of Chorio
Panormitis Monastery, the great pilgrimage site in the island's south
St George's Bay, a dramatic cove reachable only by boat
Tiny sweet Symi shrimp and a proud sponge-diving heritage

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit

Late spring and early autumn are ideal on Symi, with warm seas, soft light on the neoclassical facades and space to linger after the Rhodes day boats depart. High summer is hottest and busiest around midday, when day-trippers fill Gialos, but mornings and evenings stay magical. In the shoulder months the harbour is calm and the Kali Strata climb far more comfortable.

Port Information

Boats arrive right on the quay of Gialos, in the heart of the amphitheatre of mansions, with cafes, tavernas and ticket offices steps from the gangway. Daily boats run from Rhodes, making Symi one of the Aegean's favourite day trips, and a few mainline ferries each week connect the island with Piraeus. The waterfront doubles as the island's social hub, so the arrival itself feels like an event.

Transport Tips

Symi is small and vertical, so comfortable shoes matter more than wheels. Walk the Kali Strata steps between Gialos and Chorio, and use the little local bus or taxis for the road to Pedi and the upper town. Water taxis and excursion boats from the harbour serve St George's Bay and other coves no road reaches, while mopeds and hire cars cover the road towards Panormitis.