The tiny, steep Dodecanese island of Symi is best known for its shipbuilding and sea sponge industry. Symi is one of the smaller tourist islands in the Dodecanese group, measuring 12km x 12km.

You will be in awe of the island’s beauty when you enter the port of Symi, where vibrant Venetian mansions line the mountainside and azure seas lap at the coast.

You’ll find isolated beaches, towering monasteries, breathtaking scenery, and pristine waterways that occasionally even turtles of the harbour as you continue your exploration!

The Symi island can accommodate all your travel needs, whether you’re a yachtie stopping by for a few days, a writer searching for a pristine paradise to inspire your next piece, or just a tourist looking for a romantic getaway.

The monastery of Panormitis, Pedi Beach, Chorio, and Nos Beach in Gialos port are all destinations of the island bus service, which departs from the town every hour on the hour. This implies that you can access all of the major attractions and beaches even if you don’t have a car.

1. Things To Do In Symi Greece

Here are some fantastic things to do in Symi, Greece!

1.1. Explore The Well-Known Panormitis Monastery

The Archangel Michael Panormitis monastery, situated on the far southwest shore of the island, is among Symi’s most well-known locations. It was constructed in the 18th century.

Visitors can visit the majestic church and bell tower, find the two modest museums (one presenting things showcasing the folk culture and the other featuring religious symbols and relics), and even buy baked delicacies from the fourno (bakery) on the premises. A great area to take a plunge is directly next to the monastery, situated on the seaside.

Each year, on November 8th, the Panormitis monastery holds its largest festival in honour of Archangel Michael, drawing a sizable number of visitors from across the island and beyond.

No other location better demonstrates this than the Panormitis Monastery. It is the best place to visit in Symi, Greece.

1.2. Explore The Venetian Castle’s Remains In Chorio

Like the bulk of the Greek islands, Symi does have a lengthy and rich history and has been inhabited for many millennia. There has always been an Acropolis in Chorio, located on a hill above the town. The Knights of Saint John built the Venetian Castle in the 13th century.

Over the ruins of the ancient acropolis, the Knights of Saint John constructed a castle in the fifteenth century. Although not many of the castle grounds are intact, you may still take in the wonderful views of the harbour.

The castle is not well-marked, and Google Maps does not always give you the most precise directions. You can easily get lost here for a short period while walking away from the world’s stresses because the streets are so beautiful.

1.3. Jump On A Boat Tour Of The Island Of Symi, Greece

Don’t worry if you lack the courage to rent a motorcycle on Symi. There are several fantastic boat cruises available to reach the Symi beaches from town.

To choose the best boat excursion for you, stroll along the waterfront and consider your possibilities. If you don’t plan to rent a car, this is a great way to discover all the hidden coves and beaches.

The most breathtaking beach on the island, St. George Bay, is accessible quickly from the point of departure. This location is well-known for its turquoise sea and is surrounded by bluffs.

Don’t forget to pause, take a swim, and take in the scenery. Additionally, pack supplies and water since there is nothing else nearby! It is the best thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.4. Enjoy The Scenery From Kastro Castle

The Venetian Castle, constructed by the Knights of the Order of Saint John in the fourteenth century, will come into view as you ascend Chorio.

This castle was built to defend the neighbourhood from invasions, but the Turks captured it following their siege in 1522. Although there is not much to do or see, you can still wander about the ruins.

The charming small Panagia Church with a view of Gialos and the Aegean Sea is the next building you’ll encounter inside the castle grounds. After unwinding for a while, head to the viewpoint to photograph the most beautiful views of the town.

If you have the time, go to the castle when the sun is setting around the mountains. It is the best thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.5. Explore Around The Symi Town’s Harbour Area By Foot

Upon reaching Symi Island, you will undoubtedly be eager to explore the town. In all honesty, we’ve never seen a place that vibrant!

Different shades of red, yellow, orange, and blue float above the harbour’s eateries and cafes. They encircle a lovely bay with a multitude of small boats and the Aegean Sea.

With kafenions strewn all throughout the harbour and provided with Greek coffee and snacks, it’s a tranquil area to observe the world go. It is the best thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.6. A Day Trip To Rhodes

If Symi Island is where you want to spend your vacation, you should visit Rhodes for the day. The ferries depart early in the day and arrive back in the late afternoon.

As Rhodes’s old town and the port area are packed with tavernas and coffee shops, historical sites, and retail stalls, you’ll have plenty of time to explore them. Don’t make any other plans because you will be able to see all of it on a day trip to Rhodes.

It is the best thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.7. A Night Tour Of the Symi Island, Greece

Even though Symi has stunning hues during the day, there is something particularly magical about witnessing it at night. When we went down for supper one night, we couldn’t believe how the port lit up.

It’s intriguing to watch the locals leave their homes after a hard day’s work and sit next to them as we dined. The majority of day-trip visitors had returned back to Rhodes, leaving the village in peace and quiet. Another justification for spending the night on Symi! It is the best thing to do at night in Symi, Greece.

1.8. Obtain A Taste Of The Cuisine In The Area

On the island, seafood and fresh fish are typically your top options. The most popular dish appears to be Greek salad, often known as “Guladaki Cimiako” or popcorn shrimp.

This meal features entire, crispy, sweet shrimp that have been fried and served with a lemon slice. Delicious and easy! Additionally, try salad, grilled octopus, mussels, calamari, and baked feta cheese.

1.9. Discover Gialos, The Main Town On Symi Island

You will be in awe of the colourful houses that border the shore as you approach the port of Symi. One of the nicest things to do on Symi Island is to explore this harbour, which is one of the prettiest in all of Greece.

Take lots of pictures, get lost in the tiny streets, stroll around the port, and observe the stunning architecture. Even a replica of the renowned Big Ben, a clock tower constructed in 1843, can be found here. It is the best place to visit in Symi, Greece.

1.10. Visit Takis Leather And Look At The Artwork There

Takis Leather Store, which is situated in the main port town, is a store filled with exquisite leather items, but behind the eye-catching shoes, belts, wallets, and purses are an even more artistic invention.

Takis uses soldering iron strokes and dots to burn elaborate, precise designs into the leather to create his works of art, which are inspired by the island and Greece in general.

Takis refers to his creations as “leather pixels” since the fabric is scorched with millions of small dotwork marks to add depth and texture. His creations are incredibly distinctive and lovely, and they merit serious inspection.

It is the best thing to observe the beautiful artwork in Symi, Greece.

1.11. Visit The Symi Island Castle

Do you want to hike? Visit Symi Castle for the perfect way to end your day! Going to sunset will provide you with breathtaking views of Symi Island. Thus, we strongly advise it.

On the side streets above the town, there are a few neighbourhood tavernas where you may get a drink or a meal. Among the popular eateries are Taverna Zoe, Georgio & Maria, and the Secret Garden.

Do you own a motorcycle? Even better! It will take you 30 minutes less to trek to the mountain’s peak. The remains of a stronghold built by the Knights of St. John in 1407 can be found next to the Church of Agios Nikolaos. This is the most amazing thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.12. Let Pedi Village Pass You By Without A Thought

It was challenging to keep from feeling something for them. Numerous cats are taken care of by the locals while they cruise the streets in search of food. If you can, leave some food or cool water outside your lodge because they depend on travellers to feed them. This is a lovely thing to do in Symi, Greece.

1.14. Take A Look At The Gift Shops

After seeing the main attractions of Symi Island, you might wish to purchase a memento to take back home. Many of the well-known Greek souvenirs are available, but if you want something special, I recommend looking into real sea sponges.

One of the things Symi Island used to be known for was sponge diving. Hundreds of sponge divers once called the two Dodecanese islands, together with Kalymnos, home.

Visit one of the shops where they sell sea sponges. You will learn more about the various sponge varieties, their characteristics, and their numerous applications.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to view the gear that divers from a few decades ago utilized! It is the best idea to shop in Symi, Greece.

1.15. Crossing Symi Island Via Hiking

If you didn’t know, Symi Island’s tallest point is The Vigla, which rises to a height of 616 meters. Trekking is thus among the top things to do on Symi Island.

Even if there aren’t any clearly marked walking paths, you can’t get lost. A town or village can be reached via any route. Bring a lot of water, wear cozy shoes, and use sunscreen to protect your skin.

The views are amazing, and you might soon discover some calm locations. The finest thing to do in Symi, Greece, is to enjoy trekking.

1.16. Plan To Stay One Or More Nights

Most visitors only stay overnight on Symi Island in Greece. You should stay at least one night, though, in our opinion. Iapetos Village offers lodging options, and it was a great home base for our travels on Symi.

We adored the balcony, the setting of the garden and jungle, and the gorgeous pool area. Nothing compares to waking up on Symi, grabbing a coffee at a nearby cafe, and diving right into the water.

On Symi Island in Greece, the sunset alone is worth the overnight stay, I’ll be honest. Spend a night or two in the city if you have the time. It is the best thing to do in Symi, Greece.

Symi Island Suggestion: The Niriides Hotel Apartments are a good option if you want to stay outside of the city close to the beach. The same family manages Iapetos Village and oversees this gorgeous oceanfront property.

1.17. Swim On the Lovely Beaches

Do you have your car? It’s time to explore all of Symi Island’s enchanted beaches! Some of our favourite swimming spots are included here, along with links to their locations.

Small rocky outcrops and lengthy pebbly beaches are among them. Nevertheless, they all share a characteristic… Of course, the water is absolutely pure!

Symi Island’s enchanting beaches are as follows:-

• Nimborio Beach
• Marathounda Bay
• Nos Beach
• Agia Marina
• Pedi Beach

1.18. Speak With The People!

Some of Greece’s nicest and chattiest folks reside in Symi! I learned a lot about the island’s recent past and way of life.

As a side note, a large portion of those who reside permanently in Symi have immigrated from other countries. Since English is commonly spoken, we highly recommend engaging in conversation with locals to learn more about the beautiful island.

2. In a Nutshell

There are many things to do on the Island of Symi, Greece.

Visitors can enjoy the island’s natural beauty, relax on the beach, or explore the island’s history and culture. If you are having a boring life and hoping for adventure, this is your chance. Have fun at it!

Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty