How to visit Symi Island from Rhodes Guide

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Symi is a charming Greek island in the Aegean Sea, known for its colorful houses and picturesque harbor. This small island in the Dodecanese is the perfect day trip destination for your holiday in Rhodes. Symi offers breathtaking photo opportunities, as well as coves with crystal-clear water perfect for swimming, far away from mass tourism. Follow my guide the best sights on the island of Symi and how to get there.

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Symi Island – A Hidden Gem that you should visit!

About 20 nautical miles (approximately 35 km) from Rhodes Town and only about 4 km from the Turkish coast lies the “Pearl of the Aegean,” as Symi island is also known. I took a boat tour to the small paradise at the end of my 10-day Rhodes road trip. It turned out to be the perfect day trip to finish off my holiday as it was easy to get there and has a very peaceful athmosphere to it.

Already the approach to the ferry port of Gialos is a highlight: the colorful facades of the houses, old fishing boats, and small sailboats offer a fantastic sight. The harbor itself has a peaceful atmosphere—the people here are relaxed, and everything seems to move at a slower pace than on the “big” Greek islands. This laid-back vibe is enhanced by the fact that Symi is an island with no large hotels or other tall buildings.

How to get to Symi island?

Symi does not have an airport, the island is only accessible by sea. The fastest and most common route to Symi is via Rhodes. Ferries and high-speed boats depart from the harbour of Rhodes Town several times a day for Symi and reach the island in about 1 to 1.5 hours. The Dodekanisos Seaways ferry line, in particular, offers regular service.

How much is the ferry ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The cost of the crossing varies depending on the season and type of boat, ranging from 15 to 30 Euros per person for a one-way trip. You can purchase ferry tickets either online in advance or on-site in Rhodes right before your crossing to Symi. During peak season, however, it’s advisable to book early, as demand is higher and ferry capacity is limited.

How to get around the island?

• On Foot: Walk the along harbor of Gialos or climb the Kali Strata (a historic stone stairway with about 500 steps) up to the upper town of Chorio.
• Public Buses: Local yellow minibuses run hourly between Gialos, Chorio, and Pedi beach for around €2.50. The turquoise bus serves the Panormitis Monastery.
• Water Taxis: Small boats depart regularly from Gialos harbor taking you to hidden coves and beaches like St. Nicholas, Agia Marina, and Nanou.

Things to do in Symi

Symi isn’t your typical beach holiday island, but it still offers beautiful coves like Maroni Beach and Agios Georgios. You won’t find mass tourism here—instead, you’ll discover a peaceful, authentic atmosphere. A two day stay is ideal for exploring the main attractions, such as Gialos Harbor, the impressive Panormitis Monastery, and the picturesque village of Chorio.

Tip: If, like most tourists, you’re visiting the island from Rhodes for a day trip, go against the flow. Getting off the boat, turn right at the clock tower, walk past the nice bars and cafés, and head toward the small shipyard where work is done on the boats every day. Then climb a few steps up to the Evangelistria Church. It’s about a 500-meter walk from the clock tower. The view from the top is fantastic, and you’ll avoid the hustle and bustle of the market stalls at the harbor. Just don’t forget to haggle later!

Panormitis Monastery

The Panormitis Monastery, one of the most famous monasteries in the Dodecanese, is picturesquely situated in a sheltered bay in the southwest of the island. With its magnificent neoclassical architecture, it attracts numerous visitors and pilgrims to Symi every year, who arrive directly from Rhodes or via Gialos. Particularly impressive is the large icon of the Archangel Michael, who is considered the patron saint of the island.

Gialos clock tower

Another landmark of Symi is the clock tower in Gialos, which dominates the harbor’s skyline and is one of the first things you see as you arrive by ferry.

Around the tower, also known as “Roloi,” you’ll find numerous taverns and small shops—and from here, you can easily reach the old town of Chorios. In the winding historic alleys with their traditional houses and small cafés, time seems to have stood still.

Mouse Castle

The mouse castle (or Kastro) was built by the Knights of the Order of St. John on the island of Symi in 1407. From the top, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Chorio and Gialos. The Kastro was built on the site of the former acropolis and later served as an extension of the Byzantine fortress, parts of which are still visible today. Within the walls you can find a small chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Walk along Kali Strata – A cute Alleyway Between Gialos and Chorio

Kali Strata, a historic alleyway on Symi, runs between the villages of Gialos and Chorio and consists of about five hundred steps. Originally, it served as a path for the island’s wealthy residents to take pleasant strolls between the villages.

Today, the well-maintained white alley still retains its historic charm and offers hikers a fascinating view of the island’s architecture and landscape. Along the way, you can stop at one of the cafés or taverns, such as the one named “Kali Strata.” Their terraces offer a wonderful view across the bay. Sturdy shoes are recommended for the ascent and descent, as the stones can be slippery.

Tip: Kali Strata Restaurant offers some of the best views down the picturesque alley. Anyone visiting Symi should definitely try the traditionally prepared Symi shrimps, which are caught every year in May and June off the coast of Symi. These tiny shrimp are simply delicious!

The follow the steps further up until the Citadel (Kastro). The trek that takes you from the bustling Gialos up into the historic, labyrinthine streets of the upper town, Chorio.

At the very peak, you will find the ruins of the castle built by the Knights of St. John, offering panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea.

Dreamy Beaches and Hidden Snorkeling Spots

The beaches of Symi are every bit as good as those of Rhodes, Crete, and other popular destinations. In fact, on Symi you’ll find several hidden coves and secluded beaches, some of which are accessible only by boat. The beaches of Agios Georgios Disalonas, Marathounda, and Nanou, for example, are perfect for both relaxing and snorkeling.

In addition to colorful fish and octopuses, with a little luck you might even spot seahorses and sea turtles here. Symi also has a lot to offer nature lovers despite the island’s small size: Numerous small hiking trails wind through the partly barren landscape and offer spectacular views of the Aegean Sea time and again.

Maroni Beach – Hidden Pebble Beach

Maroni Beach is a pebble beach nestled amid idyllic and unspoiled nature. You can reach this enchanting cove, framed by pine forests, only by water taxi. But that’s also its advantage, as very few tourists find their way here.

This allows you to enjoy the tranquility of this place, swim undisturbed in the turquoise-blue water, and relax on the beach. Upon your arrival by boat, you’ll also discover a small church hidden among the trees.

• Getting there: by boat only
• Special feature: secluded pebble beach surrounded by pine forests

Where to stay on Symi Island?

For convenience, I suggest staying in Symi Town, where the harbour is located. There are some great options right next to the ferry, and if you’re willing to walk for 5-10 minutes, you will be able to find even more affordable options up the hill. You will mainly find accommodation is private apartments and restored neoclassical mansions here, there almost no hotels.

Staying overnight in Symi allows for quiet evenings once the day-trip boats from Rhodes have left the harbour. The old town climbs in stepped lanes with limited road access, so a room near the harbour front saves you carrying luggage up steps. 

Thea is my recommendation for your stay in Symi. The location is excellent and requires climbing just a few steep steps. The best value—great views, clean, and excellent service in my experience. Panagiotis is a great host and made my stay very memorable.

If you are looking for luxury take a look at Nisomar Suites. I met a nothamerican couple that wa speaking highly of the beautiful design of their suites.

Practical Information for your visit

Useful Links

• Official website of Symi: Visit Symi
• Archaeological Museum of Symi

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