16 Best Things To Do In Symi, Greece 2026
The best things to do in Symi, Greece, are pretty hard to narrow down. Symi island is just spectacular in every way, and you’ll be hard pushed to find a prettier town in Greece.
Add to that the fact that it isn’t as popular or touristy as some of Greece’s better-known islands and you’ve got a great combination of local charm and pure beauty.
We stopped in Symi to shelter for a storm and probably would have missed it altogether otherwise. Luckily the weather forced us there, and we ended up loving it so much that we stayed for over three weeks! During that time we got to properly explore the island and learned so much about it.
Symi town is the main place to head when visiting Symi island. Before you head here you should be aware that there are stairs literally everywhere! It isn’t the easiest place to explore without climbing your way through the many stair-cased alleyways.
That being said, the harbourfront is all pretty flat and lined with lovely tavernas and shops. Some of the most impressive views are from the harbourfront and as you enter the bay by sea, so if you don’t fancy getting a sweat on then you won’t miss out!
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Quick Menu
- Top 15 Things To Do On Symi Island, Greece
- How To Get There
- Where To Stay
- When To Visit
- Is Symi Worth Visiting?
- What to Pack
Top 15 Things To Do In Symi, Greece
The Greek island of Symi is a place of natural beauty and history. With its whitewashed houses, turquoise waters, and winding streets, it is no wonder that Symi is a popular tourist destination. While there are many things to see and do on the island, here are some of the best.
#1 Explore The Beautiful Town
The top thing to do in Symi has to be simply exploring Symi town. Visiting the colourful town of Symi is on most people’s bucket lists, and when we visited we could see why.
The pastel-coloured houses, each with their own individual architecture, appear to be stacked on top of one another as they tumble down the hillside. You could easily spend a whole day just wondering about the little alleyways and stopping for refreshing drinks at pretty tavernas.
Remember that although summer is one of the best times to visit Greece it can get pretty darn hot here! Bring plenty of water for exploring and some form of sun protection!
#2 Pick A Beach On Symi Island
If it’s relaxation you’re after then Symi has beaches galore. The beach right next to Symi town is small and can get crowded but there are watersports on offer here for the restless. If you want a little more peace then head to Pedi, a short bus ride away.
Explore the little village before taking the walking route to the south. Follow the seafront until you reach a gate, which will take you over a little hill and down a pretty flight of stairs to a secluded beach. There are sun umbrellas and a shower here, as well as a beach café.
#3 Climb To The Kastro For Sunset
Built in 1407 by the Knights of the Order of Saint John, the Kastro overlooks Symi town and gives incredible views of both Symi town and Pedi.
There isn’t much to see of the actual castle but you can walk around some of its remains and see the pretty church that stands there. It’s still in use and was locked up when we visited.
We went at sunset on several occasions and it was very quiet. We often had the site all to ourselves and it was a lovely spot to sit and watch the sun go down behind the mountains.
#4 Visit Panormitis
This is the Monastery of Archangel Micheal Panormitis and is one of the top tourist attractions in Symi. The 18th-century monastery is located on the seafront of the village and is a working monastery where monks live and practice today.
It’s a peaceful place and interesting to explore, with two small museums and beautiful inner courtyards.
#5 Go Diving
If you prefer to explore under the water then Symi has some interesting dive sites to check out.
Take a dive trip with knowledgeable locals who will show you two of the best dive spots in the area (weather permitting). Check out the WW2 German shipwreck, turtle beach, beautiful wall dives with incredible visibility, or explore some of the caverns surrounding the island.
There are even the ancient ruins of an earthquake-crumbled village.
#6 Hike your way across the island
Hiking is a little tricky on Symi island, but if you’re prepared to get a little lost then you’ll be rewarded with amazing views and little beach coves.
Although there are many walking trails around they are hard to find and follow, so we just picked a direction and followed whatever trails we could find!
You can try asking the locals, though they didn’t seem any the wiser! You can pick up maps from the shops in town but they don’t always correlate with accessible paths.
Be aware that you’ll need good walking shoes, plenty of water, and sun cream/sun covers! Try to make sure you have phone signal and if possible, tell someone the route you’re heading on and your expected return time.
Luckily Symi island isn’t that big and the paths almost always lead back to a main village or town!
#7 Hire A Boat In Pedi
If you’re bored of exploring on land then hire a little day boat from Pedi and explore the nearby coves of the island.
As you motor out of Pedi bay turn left into the next-door bay and you’ll find a gorgeous little cove with a very shallow sandbank next to a tiny island with a chapel. This is the perfect lunch spot and the snorkelling in the shallows is great!
#8 Enjoy Dinner With A View In Symi
This isn’t the top-rated restaurant in Symi, though we’re pretty sure it should be! You’ve got a bit of a climb to get here but I promise it’s worth it.
This restaurant is perfectly positioned for you to watch the sunset behind Symi town, and the food is absolutely delicious. Try the courgette fritters – they were our favourite!
#9 Visit The Archaeological & Folklore Museum
This small museum has a certain amount of charm and is well worth a look if you’re in Symi for a few days.
It’s only a few euros to get in and contains lots of interesting and well-displayed artifacts detailing Symi’s historical past, with a special focus on its maritime history. It won’t take you long to wander around but will give you a new insight into this beautiful Greek island.
#10 Take In Symi At Night
Nothing can beat watching Symi town turn hazy in the sunset light, but Symi at night comes quite close! As darkness falls and the street lamps come alight it takes on a new kind of magic.
Symi is also a lot quieter come the evening as a lot of people only head here on a day trip. While away the evening at a local restaurant and pretend you’re one of the locals for a night!
#11 Have Drinks At The Secret Garden
This hidden gem of a restaurant can be found between Symi and Pedi. It’s hidden away from the main town but that doesn’t mean it’s any less popular. It’s a little different from your usual Greek tavernas, with a garden of tropical plants and a sort of Asian feel to it – you could be sitting in a café in Bali!
They put on live music some evenings so check the billboard outside to see what’s going on. They also have a small menu, though we’d recommend it as a place for evening drinks and a whole lot of atmosphere!
#12 Shop For Souvenirs
One of the best activities to do in Symi is browse the beautiful little shops you’ll find around the main harbour. There are some super cute souvenir shops just crying out to be perused and it will be hard to come away from here empty-handed.
Symi is famous for its sea sponges and early methods of collection. You can grab one of your own and enjoy a little bit of Symi history for years to come!
#13 See The Traditional Greek Windmills
Only for the energetic! The walk up the Kali Strata through Symi’s unique colourful houses and past several old windmills is one of the best in Symi, and also one of the steepest!
The windmills are mostly in a state of ruin, which only adds to their charm. The views looking down into Symi bay are spectacular and this is one of the most photographed places on Symi island.
#14 Walk to the top of the town
One of the best hikes in Symi is up to the church at the top of the town and take in the stunning views. It’s a bit of a hike, so take some water and don’t go in the middle of the day (unless you want to look a sweaty mess by the time you reach the top as I did!) We enjoyed it best at sunset when the town turns golden.
#15 Hire a car
Why not hire a car while you’re here and go exploring further inland? Car hire in Greece is relatively cheap, and the roads are easy to drive on. Take a coastal road and stop off at some of Symi’s beautiful beaches, or head to reach some of the best views over the island.
#16 Take a day trip to Rhodes Town
Rhodes is just a really short hop from Symi island, so one of the best things to do here is to hop on a ferry and make your way to Rhodes Old Town. Rhodes is beautiful in a very different way from Symi. Walk around the ancient streets and take in the culture, visit the fort or simply pick a little taverna and watch the world go by.
You can either time a sightseeing trip here with when you arrive or leave, or you can make it there and back within a day easily. We use Ferry Scanner to find the best deals.
✅ Book a trip to Rhodes with Ferry Scanner
How To Get To Symi Island
There is no airport on the little island of Symi in Greece, so the easiest place to fly into is Rhodes. Depending on when you visit there are usually good flight deals to be had to Rhodes as it’s such a tourist hub.
We use Skyscanner to book all our flights, as they find the cheapest deals and best times to fly, plus you have a range of filter options that make finding flights super convenient.
Ferry
Once you’re in Rhodes it’s super easy to get directly to Symi island via ferry, just make sure you book in advance and read through their terms.
We booked through Ferry Scanner, which finds the best ferry for the day and time you want to leave. It cost about 8 euros.
You’ll need to wear a mask and fill out a little form (though they didn’t request ours!) You can use the booking confirmation on your phone, just make sure you have battery!
The ferry terminal in Rhodes is easy to find – just follow the southeast road along the harbourfront until you reach a shipyard. It’s at the end of the pontoon here.
The ferries are large, with all the facilities you could need on board. They don’t all terminate at Symi island so don’t fall asleep and miss your stop!
Day Trip
Personally, I would want to stay for at least a night or two on Symi island in Greece, as it’s so beautiful here and there’s a lot to explore.
If you don’t have the time then the best way to see Symi would be by tour boat. That way you can see all the best bits of the island without any faff! Book your day tour from Rhodes in advance as they sell out quickly.
Where To Stay
There are tonnes of incredible places to stay on Symi island in Greece, most of them are concentrated around Symi town itself.
From the many we saw I’ve included some of the ones we felt looked the nicest, and some of the best budget options. I’ve also included a few based in the little village of Pedi – find out why below.
Where To Stay In Symi Town
As I mentioned earlier, Symi is a town of stairs! It’s tricky to find accommodation that doesn’t involve climbing at least a few flights!
That being said, I managed to seek out a great option listed below if you’d rather not make the climb, but be aware that Symi isn’t very flat in nature!
Pitini apartment
This apartment boasts the perfect location, being only a few minutes’ walk from the harbour and all the restaurants and bars.
It’s got a real traditional vibe, and coffee on the balcony in the morning with those views is like something from a movie set! You have to stay here to believe it!
✅ You can book here now but be aware this place sells out quickly during peak season!
Hotel Thea
This is one of the highest-rated places to stay in the whole of Symi and we can see why! This apartment is worth staying in just for the bathroom! With incredible views and in a great location you should definitely consider a stay here when visiting Symi island in Greece.
Danezis
This is a great option if you aren’t keen on stairs. This villa is on the harbourfront and is just a short walk from the main town, so you still get the views but without the big climb!
Where To Stay In Pedi, Symi
Just a short bus ride or a half an hour’s walk from Symi town itself is the pretty village of Pedi. If you’re looking for quieter surroundings then head here.
There are a few pretty tavernas on the harbourfront and a bay that’s perfect for swimming. There’s also a pretty beach just 10 minute walk away.
The main place to stay in Pedi is Pedi Beach Hotel. The outside is a little tired looking but it’s nice inside, and the front terrace is a lovely spot for evening drinks.
If you’re visiting as a family or big group then head to Royal Villa Pedi, a luxury accommodation that sleeps 12 with its own private pool and gorgeous interior and exterior (check out that pizza oven/outdoor cooking area!)
When To Go To Symi
Symi is beautiful at all times of the year, but like most places, it’s definitely a little better in the sunshine.
Symi in the winter
Luckily Greece enjoys good weather most of the year-round, so even if you’re visiting in the winter months you should get at least a few days of sunshine.
In fact, Rhodes is one of the top places to head to for winter sun in Europe and Symi is just a few hours north of here – why not combine the two on a cheeky winter getaway?
Use the winter months to go hiking around the many trails (as listed below), but don’t expect to enjoy sunbathing on the beaches and you’ll have to be a little braver about swimming in the sea!
Symi in the summer
If you decide to visit Symi during the peak summer months of July and August you should be aware that it will probably be blisteringly hot.
There are A LOT of stairs in Symi and if you want to really make the most of the island you’ll want to be a little active, so if you don’t cope well in the heat then try to wait for the cooler shoulder months.
July and August are also peak seasons for the Meltemi, a wind system that blows strongly from North to South, so be prepared for some windy days too!
We were there from the end of August till the end of September and the weather began to cool noticeably.
It was still a lovely temperature for a morning swim in the sea and evening drinks on the terraces, but walking around became considerably more comfortable!
Symi in the shoulder season
May, June, and October would also be ideal for this (though the sea may be a little colder in the Spring!) These shoulder months often bring impressive thunderstorms so make sure you’re prepared for the odd downpour!
Is Symi Worth Visiting?
As with everything in travel, it’s partly up to your own personal taste. Symi is absolutely stunning. In fact, we’d go so far as to say it’s one of the best beach towns in all of Greece, and in our three years exploring this beautiful country we’ve been to quite a few!
Symi is perfect for romance and views and it has a boutique-like feel. It has some gorgeous beaches and the people here are friendly and welcoming. It has managed to retain some local charm despite being a big tourist destination.
What you won’t find here is the kind of nightlife you can get in Rhodes. This isn’t a party-the-night-away kind of place, it’s more of a talk-the-night-away at a lovely restaurant kind of town!
The other thing that might put people off visiting Symi is the number of stairs here. One of the things that makes it beautiful is the houses tumbling down the hill, but that doesn’t make it the most accessible town.
Bear these things in mind before you visit, but in our opinion, a visit to Symi is definitely worth it!
What To Pack For A Trip To Symi
There are certain things you’ll want to pack for a trip to Symi (asides from the obvious things like a camera and your bikini!) that will make life easier and save you some money. You can get them all pretty cheaply on Amazon (links below).
For a super detailed packing list for a holiday to Greece check out our Greek packing list with some top tips about what clothes to bring and some ways to save space in your luggage.
✅ Filter water bottle – The tap water in Greece isn’t great for you. Most of the locals buy bottled water, which becomes not only expensive but also terrible for the environment. Get yourself a filter water bottle so you can fill up where ever you go!
✅ Walking shoes – Even if you aren’t planning on going hiking in Symi, you’ll want a pair of decent walking shoes to tackle all the uneven stairs. Get some walking sandals that are comfortable and keep you cool.
✅ Travel torch – Symi is one big maze of alleyways, not all of them well-lit. Keep a torch on you for evening strolls back from tavernas.
✅ Reusable straw – They haven’t seem to have cottoned on here just how bad straws are for the environment. Bring your own and show them it when you order your drinks and they won’t bring one out for you.
Conclusion: The Best Things To Do In Symi, Greece
I hope this article was useful, and that it’s helped you plan an awesome trip to Symi island in Greece. If we’ve missed anything out then make sure you comment below and we’ll add it to our list! Be sure to follow us on social media to get more travel tips and inspiration.
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