Symi

Day 1: Harbour to hillside (architecture and views)

Arrive by sea if you can—the amphitheatre of pastel façades around Gialos reveals itself all at once and sets the tone for the next three days. Today is about Symi’s neoclassical splendour and the lived-in texture of Chorio, with lots of steps and plenty of pauses.

• Morning: Ease in with a coffee by the clock tower on the harbourfront and a slow stroll along Gialos, noticing iron balconies, carved pediments and painted shutters. Step into the Naval Museum if open to ground yourself in sponge-diving history before you climb.
• Midday: Tackle the Kali Strata, the broad staircase linking Gialos to Chorio; take it steadily, ducking into shady lanes. Pop into the Symi Museum (a traditional house) to see interiors and chochlakia courtyards; wear non-slip shoes, as polished stone can be slick, especially after a shower.
• Afternoon: Continue up to the Kastro ruins for panoramic views over Gialos, Pedi bay and the Turkish coast beyond. In spring and autumn the light is softer and ideal for photography; in high summer, plan the climb for later to avoid the heat.
• Evening: Descend for a waterfront volta and dinner—try Symi shrimp and a simple Aegean salad. Finish with the night view from the small stone bridge at the harbour mouth; the reflections and bell towers are especially photogenic after blue hour.

Day 2: Circle the coast by boat (swim, snorkel, monastery)

Symi is understood best from the water. Choose either a round-the-island boat (set departures from Gialos) or a private/self-drive boat for flexibility; in summer, book a day ahead and go early to beat the Meltemi.

• Morning: Cruise to Agios Georgios Dysalonas to swim beneath sheer limestone cliffs in emerald-clear water; bring sea shoes for pebbles and a mask for effortless snorkelling. Skippers time this stop before the wind freshens; if self-driving, keep an eye on conditions and conserve battery/phone for navigation.
• Midday: Swim-and-lunch at Nanou (big pebble beach with taverna) or peaceful Marathounda (expect goats on the shore). Sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water are essential—the glare is intense on the water.
• Afternoon: Enter Panormitis bay for the monastery of the Archangel Michael; step into the pebbled courtyard and small museum, and observe the custom of sounding the horn on arrival/departure. If time allows, add a final swim off Sesklia islet before the run back.
• Evening: Aperitivo on the quay as yachts raft up, then a leisurely dinner in Gialos. Summer nights are lively; in shoulder seasons the atmosphere is calmer and service unhurried.

Day 3: Villages, windmills and sunset on the west

Blend village life with quieter bays and big-sky viewpoints. Today works well by foot plus short rides (bus or taxi), or by hiring a scooter/car for the interior road if you’re confident on bends.

• Morning: Wander the backstreets of Chorio beyond the Kali Strata, reading dates over lintels and spotting fragments of old chochlakia underfoot. Continue along the ridge to the line of windmills above Harani for elevated harbour views and a different angle on Gialos.
• Midday: Drop down on the old path to Pedi for a swim and simple lunch by the water, or hop a water taxi to Agios Nikolaos/Agia Marina for clearer water and fewer crowds. In winter, swap the swim for a taverna lunch and a quiet bay walk.
• Afternoon: Drive or taxi the island road for sweeping interior vistas; pause at signed lay-bys for photos and wild herbs in spring. If you prefer sea over road, book a kayak outing from Pedi to explore caves and pocket coves at a human pace.
• Evening: Aim for a west-coast sunset at Toli (Agios Vasilios) when the light drops behind the headlands; access is easier with wheels, and crowds are rare. Back in town, toast your last night with loukoumades or a spoon sweet and one final waterfront stroll.

Notes

• Summer: Plan uphill walks for early/late; the Meltemi often rises after midday, so schedule exposed boating/kayaking in the morning.
• Spring/Autumn: Best for walking and photography—golden light, wildflowers and thinner crowds.
• Winter: Many businesses close; focus on architecture, museums and monastery visits, enjoying deeper colours in soft light.

By Air

• Symi has no airport. Fly to Rhodes International Airport (RHO).
• Flight times: Athens to RHO ~1 hr; many seasonal direct flights from major European cities.
• Transfer to Rhodes port: taxi 25–35 mins; public bus 30–45 mins to Rhodes Town (KTEL Rhodes).
• Alternative: Kos International Airport (KGS), then ferry from Kos Town to Symi (allow 30–40 mins airport–port transfer).

By Ferry/Boat

• Primary route: Rhodes to Symi.
  • Fast catamarans: 50–75 mins (Dodekanisos Seaways, Sebeco Lines).
  • Conventional ferries: 1.5–3 hrs (Blue Star Ferries; less frequent).
  • Summer: multiple daily departures; winter: reduced schedules.
  • Departures use Rhodes Tourist Port (check quay: Kolona/Mandraki/Akandia as per ticket).
• From Kos Town: typically 1.5–2.5 hrs (mainly Dodekanisos Seaways; seasonal frequency).
• From Piraeus (Athens): rare/seasonal through-services that call at Symi; 12–17 hrs and usually only weekly—most travellers fly to Rhodes instead.
• From Turkey (seasonal): boats from Marmaris/Datça to Symi (1–1.5 hrs). Passport control required; check visa requirements for Schengen entry.

By Train

• No rail to the Dodecanese islands. If coming via Athens, you can use the metro/suburban rail to reach Piraeus port for ferries (rarely practical for Symi); most travellers fly to Rhodes.

By Bus

• On Rhodes: frequent KTEL buses link RHO airport and Rhodes Town/port (30–45 mins). Useful if you’re connecting to a ferry the same day.

By Car

• You cannot drive to Symi. If bringing a vehicle by ferry (limited sailings accept cars), roads on Symi are few and most historic areas are pedestrianised. Practically, park or return a hire car on Rhodes and travel as a foot passenger.