The Colorful Island Escape with Turquoise Water That Will Take Your Breath Away

If you are looking for yet another hidden Greek gem, this island combines colorful architecture, crystal-clear turquoise water, historic villages, and a slower pace of life. For these reasons alone and the feeling you will get once you arrive there, Symi deserves a place on your list.

Located just north of Rhodes in the Dodecanese, the small island is famous for its spectacular harbor, pastel-colored neoclassical houses and rugged landscape.

Choose Your Base: Gialos or Chorio

The main settlement is generally referred to simply as Symi, but it is divided into two distinct areas: Gialos and Chorio.

Gialos is the harbor area and where most visitors first arrive. Colorful houses climb the surrounding hillsides, while ferries, fishing boats and excursion vessels fill the water. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafés and small shops.

Photo: Shutterstock

Above Gialos sits Chorio, the older part of town. Reaching it means climbing the famous Kali Strata, a long staircase leading uphill through the historic settlement. The effort is rewarded with beautiful views over the harbor and surrounding mountains.

If you do not want to tackle the stairs, a local bus connects the harbor with Chorio.

Photo: Shutterstock

Symi is not a resort island dominated by large hotels and all-inclusive complexes. Instead, accommodation tends to consist of boutique hotels, guesthouses, studios and apartments.

For first-time visitors, staying within walking distance of Gialos is particularly convenient. You will have restaurants, cafés, excursion boats and the harbor close by, while staying slightly away from the busiest waterfront can provide a quieter experience.

Pedi and Nimborio are alternatives for travelers looking for a more peaceful base with easier access to beaches.

If you dislike stairs, choose accommodation near the waterfront. Symi is exceptionally hilly, and even a short walk can involve a surprising number of steps.

How to Get to Symi

Symi does not have an airport, so most visitors arrive by ferry from Rhodes. Regular services connect Rhodes Town with Symi, with journey times generally ranging from around 50 minutes to 90 minutes.

One thing worth checking carefully is the departure point for your return journey. Some services leave from the main harbor, while others use a different port that can require a walk from the center.

Because the route passes close to Turkish waters, it is also sensible to switch off mobile roaming or use flight mode during the crossing to avoid unexpected roaming charges.

The Best Things to Do in Symi

The biggest attraction is arguably the island itself. Rather than filling every day with organized sightseeing, Symi is ideal for slowing down.

Pedi and Emporios beach on Symi island. Photo: Shutterstock

Beach-hopping should be high on your list. The island has numerous small bays and pebble beaches with exceptionally clear water.

Toli beach. Photo: Shutterstock

Many can be reached by taxi boat from the main harbor, making it easy to spend the day swimming at a different location.

Photo: Liya_Blumesser / Shutterstock.com

A full-day boat trip is another excellent way to experience Symi. Excursions visit remote beaches and bays that can be difficult to reach by land, with some tours including lunch.

Symi's mountainous landscape also makes it a rewarding destination for walkers. Old paths and donkey trails cross parts of the island, while shorter walks can connect the main town with nearby beaches.

An electric bike is another option for exploring the island. However, the roads are narrow and winding, so anyone renting a motorbike, quad bike or car should be comfortable driving on steep roads.

What to Eat and Buy

Photo: Shutterstock

There is no shortage of places to eat around Gialos, from traditional Greek tavernas and fish restaurants to casual gyros, pizza and international food.

For a quieter dinner, head uphill into Chorio. Restaurants there can offer beautiful evening views over the harbor, particularly around sunset.

Photo: Damira / Shutterstock.com

Don't leave without looking for natural sea sponges, one of Symi's most recognizable traditional products. Sponge diving is deeply connected to the island's history, and local shops sell sponges alongside jewelry, leather goods, olive products and artwork.

Accomodation Prices

For two adults and two children, we found a 90-square-meter apartment for around €830 for September 1–8.

Another option, priced at around €1,000 for the same dates, is a holiday home with one bedroom, two bathrooms and a spacious living room. 

For September 15-22, you can find a two-bedroom apartment with one bathroom and a kitchenette for 540 EUR.

Located around 60 km from Rhodes Airport, these properties can provide a comfortable base for families who want to spend several nights exploring Symi rather than rushing through the island on a day trip.