During the day, Symi can be quite busy with day-trippers from Rhodes. The islands are in close proximity to each other, and regular ferries provide good transport links. Once the day-trippers return to Rhodes, the evening is much quieter.
Symi town is at the heart of the island and divided into two areas, called Yialos and Chorio. Yialos Harbour is very picturesque and boasts an impressive hillside landscape of Venetian mansions. The harbour is where the ferries from Rhodes and other destinations moor.
North of Yialos is the bay of Nimborios, which consists of a small number of houses and monasteries. There is also a tavern and a shingle beach. At the top of the island is Chorio. This enchanting small village offers walkers a challenging climb up stairways and through cobbled streets. The houses within this older part of the island have been restored to their former glory.
Holidays to Symi should include a visit to one of the secluded beaches. One way to see them is to travel by sea taxi – they’re available from Symi harbour and Pedi Bay. Pedi Bay is the valley below Chorio.
Two of the most popular bays in the area are Agios Georgios and Agios Nikolaos. The stunning Agios Georgios is a remote shingle beach offering a place for sun worshippers to relax. Agios Nikolaos, on the other hand, is a more family-friendly beach. It offers a place for children to swim safely due to its shallow, sloping shoreline and beach bars for the adults.
Marathounda beach is one of the last stops on the sea taxi route. It’s also accessible by road. The beach is an ideal venue for snorkelling due to its crystal clear waters. Panormitis is on the island's south-west coast. The town boasts a beautiful monastery that’s home to Byzantine frescoes and an image of the Archangel Michael.
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