Symi, So Much More Than A Day Trip

​Symi is an island in the Dodecanese just 24 miles from Rhodes. This makes it a popular destination for day trippers from the island, but Symi has a lot more to offer for those wanting the stay longer as well and can be a good addition to an island hopping itinerary. We’re also seeing an increase in enquiries for those looking to do the majority of their stay on the island. This is because before and after the day trippers leave, and if you venture further from Symi Town the island takes on a whole new personality. In this blog we’ll take you through why Symi is much more than a day trip island. 

A Close Up of Symi Town Waterfront

Explore the town
Symi Town is not only the capital and largest settlement on the island, but is also the port of the island. As you are brought in and taken back from Symi Town, many day trippers only visit the town (mostly the Yialos) and depending on how long you are there, you would have to rush to see all of it in one day. The capital has two distinctive sections to it – Chorio (at the top) and Yialos (the bottom). They are linked by 400 steps called Kali Strata. They each have their own tavernas, shops and cafes as well as their own atmosphere. When you enter on the ferry you are immediately taken aback by the beauty of the port area, it looks like something only possible in your imagination. The many beautiful houses and buildings lining the port hint at the islands past as a commercial centre. Another reminder of its past is the Venetian castle which sits overlooking the town. The history of the island can be learned about in the Nautical and Archaeological museums in Symi Town. 

Overlooking Symi Town Waterfront

​Discover the beaches
If you’re staying on the island you’re going to need some good beaches to relax on when you aren’t exploring. Don’t worry, Symi has got you covered on that front. The island has some organised beaches, the rest aren’t, with a mixture of sandy and pebble although the majority tend to be pebble. This, however makes them perfect for snorkeling. Some of the best beaches can be found at Nos and Yialos, both of which are near Symi Town. Others further away that are good are Emborio, Pedi, Panormitis and Marathounda. Many of the smaller beaches are best reached by small boat. These beaches are a great way to escape the busy town during the day when the boats arrive from Rhodes.

Nos Beach

Hike the trails
Symi has the hikers dream combination of being fairly mountainous and not having a huge number of roads, with the main ones running through the centre. There are a number of trails across the island that can take you to some truly beautiful and secluded spots where you can get away from all of it. Whilst hiking around any of the trails you will likely come across some of the wine presses built long ago. 11 of these presses have been reconstructed and can be found by walking through the forest of Kourkouniotis. Exploring can also take you to the many monasteries and churches on the island

The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis

See the monasteries
The most famous of the many religious sites on the island is the Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. This site which dates back to the 18th century, has ornate paintings across its walls and a number of carved wooden icons. This site can be reached by road or by boat from Symi Town. If you’re around the island on August 15th you should check out the traditional folk festival held at the monastery of Panagia Altheini. You’re in luck again if you’re on the island then as a feast is held at Panagia Myrtariotissa. There are many more monasteries and churches across the island worth checking out, many of them off the main road which runs north to south on the island.

We hope this has helped you see what Symi has to offer and why it is more than just a day trip island from Rhodes. To find out more about the rest of Greece, take a look around our website or call us on 0115 6547795. If you know where you’re looking to book call us, email [email protected] or fill in our contact form with what you’re looking for. Don't forget to follow us on social media to find out the next Destination of the Week and for all your Greek Holiday needs. If you've been to Symi, where was your favourite place? What was the best thing you did or do you think we missed anything? Let us know in the comments or on social media, just click the buttons below which take you to our social pages

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