An excursion to Symi from Rhodes

Compared to Rhodes, Symi seems very small, squeezed as it is between two mountainous peninsulas of Anatolia, its imposing neighbour... Turkey is only a few kilometres from Symi's coast!

Although the history of Symi has its roots in antiquity, its prosperity went hand in hand with that of Rhodes under the rule of the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem from the 14th century onwards. A veritable small maritime and commercial power, the island built up a wealthy class of notable shipowners, who retained their privileges under Ottoman rule. In the 19th century, Symi experienced a golden age: commercial activity was at its peak, and its sponge fishermen earned a reputation that extended far beyond the borders of their small island. Beautiful neoclassical houses abound between Chorio, the hilltop capital, and Gialos, the harbour below. The two are linked by impressive staircases, kalistrata, and the whole dominated by the remains of an ancient kastro erected by the Order of St John.

Symi had a population of up to 12,000 in 1900, and today has a population of 2,600: it has regained its status as a small island in the Dodecanese, living mainly from tourism. But not at any price: unlike some of the resorts on Rhodes, Symi takes great care with its appearance and its architecture, and is keen to cater for a high-end clientele.

A day trip to Symi is a classic among excursions from Rhodes. The island is worth its weight in photos and superb scenery, and is only 1 to 2 hours' sailing time at most from the port of Rhodes: it would be a mistake to miss out.

At the southern tip of Symi, the monastery of Panormitis is a must for Greek Orthodox and other curious visitors: founded in the 18th century on the water's edge, it houses a miraculous icon of the Archangel Michael, found right here, which believers take turns kissing!

You have to go round the whole of Symi to reach its port, Gialos: the arrival is spectacular, with its superb pedimented houses in the typical neo-classical style of the island, dapper and colourful. The village covers the heights without interruption as far as Chorio, a veritable maze of ancient streets, squares and small churches. The view of the port and Chorio alone makes the trip worthwhile!

If you stay in Symi for any length of time, there are a number of beautiful walks and seaside excursions to discover the island's most beautiful sites: Pedi beach behind the mill ridge, the superb bay of Agios Georgios (only by boat), the fortified monasteries of Taxiarques and Agii Anargiri, and the little chapel of Agios Emilianos on its islet, sheltered by a bay on the edge of Symi... there's plenty to keep you busy for a few days!

🚢 How do I get to Symi from Rhodes?

There are two options: excursion boats and scheduled services.

• All the local tourist agencies in Rhodes offer day trips to Symi, departing from the port. One example is Sea Dreams (in English). Allow a full day, departing in the morning at around 9am. Two options: with a stopover at the monastery of Panormitis (3-hour crossing), or direct to Gialos (2-hour crossing). Time to visit the port of Symi, then return to Rhodes in the late afternoon.

• Dodekanisos Seaways offers daily services between Rhodes and Symi, with the Dodekanisos Express catamaran (55 mins) and the Panagia Skiadeni ferry (1.5 hrs). You can book your own return trip for 1 day or more.

  👉 What can I visit on my day trip to Symi?

  With the day trip from Rhodes, focus your visit on the port of Gialos, then take the kalistrata to climb to the heights of Chorio: the most beautiful sight in Symi. Take the time to get lost, without missing the return boat!

🍴 Where to eat?

A host of tavernas await you in the port of Gialos. Fish specialities, but also good gyros for eating on the go.

🕑 How long should I stay in Symi?

If you take the option of staying on the island, one night will already allow you to appreciate the port of Symi in the evening, very pleasant when the excursionists from Rhodes have left. In two or three days, you can explore further: beaches, hikes, monasteries, etc. Beware, however, as the island is very endearing and it doesn't take long to want to spend your whole stay there!