Information on the Island of Symi
The island of Symi has to be one of the most picturesque arrival points in the whole of the Greek
Archipelago! It is a tiny island with a population of approximately 2500 inhabitants, the majority of
whom live in the architecturally protected port town, Gialos, that is the arrival point on the island.
Steep hills rise on either side of this beautiful harbour inlet tiered with colourful pastel-shaded
neo-classical style houses with peaked red tiled roofs, a reminder of the past and a positive sign of
its character today. The town has two parts, Ano Symi and Gialos, the upper and the lower town,
which are joined by a steep street, Kali Strata, with approximately 500 wide steps. The trek to the top
is well worth it and rewarded by the most marvellous views as well as the islands Archaelogical Museum, which houses a collection of Hellenistic and Roman sculptures amongst its range of exhibits.
Images of Symi
Symi in more detail
This rocky island is only 67 square kilometres in size and Gialos is the only settlement of any size.
Away from this wonderfully picturesque harbour, there is little development, the land rocky and hilly
and interspersed with fragrant forests of pine, tall cypress and towering oak trees, wonderful for
exploring on foot particularly in the cooler months of spring and autumn. The small pretty bay of Pedi
with its handful of accommodation and tavernas is the only other settlement of any size, situated just a few kilometres west of Gialos, and, on the south west of the island, sitting on the edge of the most
stunning enclosed bay, is the Panormitis Monastery. Built in the early 18th century the monastery is
dedicated to the patron saint of seafarers, the Archangel Michael, and has become a place of
pilgrimage for Greek sailors. The monastery has some wonderful Byzantine frescoes and there are
two small museums containing historical artifacts. It is second only in importance in the region to the
Monastery of St John on the island of Patmos.
There is no lack of wonderful beaches on Symi, some a little more difficult to access than others but
after a leisurely breakfast you can choose your beach and method of transport and either catch a
water taxi or excursion boat to the wide sweeping and beautiful sandy beach of Nanou Bay or the
dramatic cove of Agios Georgios or wander on foot from Gialos to pretty Pedi Bay or to Nos beach that is situated an easy walk just round the headland from Gialos.
Gialos, where you can find most facilities you might need during your stay, is a busy little place
during the day when the day trippers land from Rhodes and spend a few hours exploring, shopping
and eating. But by mid afternoon as the last excursion boats leave the place reverts to the islanders and residing visitors who, as the sun goes down, wander leisurely along the waterfront enjoying the relaxed atmosphere before finding somewhere for a sunset drink and a relaxed supper overlooking the colourful boats and the occasional yacht that arrives to moor up for the night.
We have just a handful of accommodation on Symi all based in Gialos. Wherever you choose to stay
we feel you will experience the island’s charm and the unspoiled ambience of the ‘real’ Greece!
