Some places shout for attention. Symi doesn’t bother — it just quietly steals your heart. With pastel mansions tumbling into a sparkling harbour, secret beaches only reachable by boat, and meals that last three hours for no reason other than joy, Symi is Greece at its most effortlessly magical.
Holiday Details
How to get there: Fly to Rhodes, then hop on a ferry or high-speed catamaran to Symi.
Where you fly into: Rhodes International Airport (RHO)
Flight time from the UK: Approximately 4 hours
Transfer time to resort: Around 1–2 hours, including ferry time depending on service
Jet2 just gets holidays right. Reliable flight times, generous baggage allowances, smooth transfers, and genuinely helpful staff make everything feel easy — which is exactly how a Symi holiday should feel. Less stress, more sunshine, and no faffing about when you should be ordering your second coffee.
Why Symi Is So Special
Symi is one of those islands that feels like it was designed for slow living. It’s part of the Dodecanese but somehow still flies under the radar, which honestly feels criminal. Italian influences show up everywhere — especially in the candy-coloured harbour — and the whole place feels polished but never pretentious. Life here is beautifully simple. Swim in water so blue it looks filtered. Eat fried shrimp so famous they deserve their own fan club. Wander into a taverna, order ouzo, and somehow still be there at sunset without meaning to be.
The Showstopper: Symi Port
Let’s not pretend — Symi’s harbour is the main character. As your boat pulls in, neoclassical mansions rise up the hillside like they’re auditioning for a postcard. Yachts sparkle, sponge sellers chat away, and everything feels cinematic without trying. Duck off the quayside and into the backstreets and you’ll find chic little boutiques, elegant restaurants, and corners that feel impossibly photogenic. It’s one of those places where even getting lost feels like a good decision.
Exploring the Island Properly
Symi is best explored by boat — no debate. Water taxis zip you off to hidden coves and pebble beaches that feel wildly untouched. If sand is more your thing, St Nicholas’ Beach is your best bet and absolutely worth the trip. On land, walking trails snake through pine forest, past monasteries, and into tiny villages where time seems to have politely stopped. Comfortable shoes help. Curiosity is essential.
Where to Stay in Symi
Symi Town is the beating heart of the island. Lively but never chaotic, with pastel houses tumbling down to the waterfront and endless places to eat, wander, and people-watch. Emporios, a laidback fishing village on the north coast, has an untouched, authentic feel — perfect for maximum peace and minimum agenda. Pedi, tucked into a quiet valley, is gloriously tranquil. Ideal for calm waters, easy beach days, and evenings that revolve around food and stars.
Things You’ll Be Glad You Didn’t Skip
Panormitis Monastery is a stunning day trip to the island’s south. Quiet, peaceful, and impressive. Horio, the Old Town above the harbour, lets you step into Symi’s past with views that fully justify the uphill walk. And Symi Castle, a 15th-century Byzantine relic perched high above the port, offers both history and panoramic vistas that feel worth every step.
Best Beaches
Agia Marina, Emporios Beach, Marathounda, Pedi Beach, Nos Beach (the only spot for watersports), and St Nicholas’ Beach all bring different vibes — but they share the same unreal water and “just one more swim” energy. Whether you want peace, adventure, or a sun-soaked lounge session, Symi’s beaches are ready to deliver.
Eating, Drinking & Romantic Moments
Food in Symi is a lifestyle choice. Meraklis is a proper Greek taverna hidden in Symi Town’s backstreets — no fuss, all flavour. Tholos, on the other hand, is ridiculously romantic: think candlelight, sea views, and “should we stay for another bottle?” energy. Beyond the food, the rhythm of meals and drinks is part of the magic: slow, indulgent, and utterly Greek.
Symi Secrets
Take cash — small tavernas and water taxis don’t always love cards.
Boat days beat car days. Always.
Pebble shoes save feet and dignity.
Eat late. Symi does not rush dinner.
Sunset drinks are non-negotiable.
Pack light layers — evenings cool fast.
Walk everywhere, taxi nowhere.
Don’t overplan. Symi rewards spontaneity.
Symi isn’t about ticking boxes or racing around. It’s about slowing down, eating well, swimming often, and watching the sun dip behind pastel hills with a drink in hand. You don’t visit Symi to escape life — you visit to remember how good it’s supposed to feel.
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