12 Amazing Things to do on Symi Island in Greece

Symi Island is a gem that should be on every travelers list that’s heading to Greece. So what are some of the best things to do in Symi? From the moment your ferry pulls in you will be mesmerized by the colors and magic of this island. So whether you’re just making a day trip to Symi Island or staying overnight, we got you covered.

12 Best Things to do in Symi

1. Picture Perfect Port

Get your cameras out! Believe it or not, the best place to get a photo of Symi island in Greece is from the water. Trust us, as soon as you see the colorful buildings of the harbor you’ll be completely blown away.

Snap some photos but still leave yourself time to take it all in before exiting the boat. Here’s our complete guide for how to get from Rhodes to Symi by ferry.

2. Walk Along the Symi Island Harbor

Once you’ve arrived on Symi Island you’ll surely be ready to explore the town. Honestly, we’ve never seen such a place exploding with colors!

The different reds, yellows, oranges, and blues hover above the restaurants and cafes of the harbor. They surround a beautiful bay filled with small boats and the sparkling blue water of the Aegean Sea.

3. See the Symi Island Castle

Up for a hike? A visit to Symi Castle is the perfect way to end your day! We recommend going for sunset as you’ll get spectacular views of Symi Island.

Also, in the back streets above the town are some local tavernas to go for a drink or meal. Some popular places to eat are Taverna Zoe, Georgio & Maria, and the Secret Garden.

Have a motorbike?? Even better! You’ll save yourself time hiking 30 minutes to the top of the mountain. The ruins are from a castle built in 1407 by the Knights of St. John, and you will also see the Church of Agios Nikolaos here.

4. Rent a Vehicle to Explore Symi Island

Although it’s a small island, one of the best things to do in Symi is to rent a car or motorbike. The shops in town have scooters, cars, and even ATVs for you to explore more of Symi island in Greece.

For as beautiful as the harbor is, you’ll need to get out on the road if you really want to experience the beaches and more of Symi!

→ Symi Greece Island & Beach Guide: How to Explore the Tiny Paradise

5. Swim at the Beautiful Symi Beaches

Got your vehicle? It’s time to see all of the magical beaches of Symi Island! Below you’ll find some of our favorite places to swim with the locations linked. They range from small rocky enclaves to long pebbly beaches. Yet, they all have one thing in common… And that’s of course the crystal clear water!

6. Stop at the Symi Island Lookouts

At this point, it should be no surprise that Symi Island has incredible views everywhere you look. In some places, you can even see Turkey from the shores!

Take your time searching for each lookout and peer out over the ocean and other Greek islands. Once you get up in the mountains there will amazing views at almost every turn.

→ Costantinos View is a great spot to grab a sunset drink or lunch overlooking the island!

7. Visit the Panormitis Monastery

For as much as travelers rave about the beaches, Symi has plenty of history and culture to see as well. No place is this better exemplified than at the Panormitis Monastery. Built in the late 18th century, this masterpiece is certainly worth the trip from town.

The colors alone will wow you, and the setting on the water of the Panormitis Port is breathtaking. Visit the museum inside and grab a refreshing drink at the cafe next door before continuing on.

→ Panormitis Monastery Location

8. Shop for Local Goods in Town

On any Greek island, you should be sure to sample and experience the local goods. Symi is famous for its sea sponges and there are even a few places that sell them as souvenirs in town.

Other things you’ll find are oils, honey, spices, and wild herbs. Symi Island in Greece is also known for its high-quality wines that they have been producing here for centuries. Stroll the harbor but also cut into the backstreets of town to see it all.

9. Hop on a Symi Island Boat Tour

If you weren’t brave enough to rent a motorbike on Symi don’t worry! There are plenty of great boat tours to get to the Symi beaches from town.

Walk along the harbor and check out your options so you can pick the right boat tour for you. This is a great way to see all the secluded beaches and coves if you’re not going to get a vehicle.

10. Spend One or More Nights

Most travelers head to Symi Island in Greece for just a day trip. However, we really recommend you spend at least one night! We stayed at Iapetos Village and it was the perfect place to base our Symi adventures from. We loved the balcony, garden and jungle-like atmosphere, and the lovely pool area.

There’s nothing like waking up on Symi, grabbing a coffee and a local cafe, and jumping straight in the ocean. Honestly, watching the sunset on Symi island in Greece is worth the overnight stay in itself! So if you have time definitely spend one or two nights in town.

Symi Island Tip: If you’d rather stay outside of town near the beach check out the Niriides Hotel Apartments. It’s run by the same family as Iapetos Village and has stunning views of the ocean.

11. Eat a Traditional Symi Meal

Now that you’ve read about some of the great activities, you should know that one of the best things to do in Symi is to eat! The port of Symi is filled with traditional tavernas and restaurants, all with great views of the harbor.

If there’s one local food you should try here it’s the delightful Symi shrimp. This juicy seafood may be smaller than normal shrimp yet doesn’t lack any flavor. You can find them on Rhodes and other islands as well, but they’ll never be fresher than in Symi!

12. See Symi Island at Night

Although the colors of Symi are extraordinary during the day, there’s something so special about seeing it at night! We couldn’t believe the way the port lit up as we sat down for dinner one evening.

It was also interesting to see the locals come out after a long day of work, and sit side by side with them as we enjoyed our meal. Most of the tourists on day trips had gone back to Rhodes which left a quiet and peaceful scene in town. Just another reason to stay overnight on Symi!

More Things to do on Symi Island

Obviously, there are more than 12 things to do in Symi! These were some of our favorites activities. However, some of our best memories were just exploring and enjoying the beauty of Symi island.

If possible, we recommend spending a night or two on Symi instead of just taking a day trip from Rhodes. Have any questions on this article or want to share your own thoughts on Symi? Leave us a comment below!

Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake

Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!

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Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Crete to Athens for under $50 USD!

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Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities in Greece. You can find everything from visiting the Acropolis in Athens to wine tasting in Santorini, and a boat tour in Milos.

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Explore Greece

Travel Planning: Planning a Trip – Cyclades Itinerary – Greek Ferry Questions – Sky Express Review

Rhodes: 1 Week Itinerary – 23 Things to Do – Old Town – Elli Beach – Kallithea Springs – Lindos Guide – Lindos Acropolis – Monolithos – Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – Anthony Quinn Bay

Karpathos: Fun Things to Do – 1 Week Itinerary – Must Try Food – 6 Best Beaches – Olympos – Saria Island Boat Tour

Crete: 10 Day Itinerary – 19 Food & Drinks – Matala Hippie Caves – Elafonisi (Pink Sand) – Renting a Car – Bus Tips – 20 Facts – Vai Beach Palm Trees – Best Things to Do

Cyclades: Moon Beach Milos – Adamas Milos – Ios – Naxos Beaches – Naousa Paros – Galissas Syros – Mykonos Old Town – Santorini

Corfu: Old Town Food – Greece to Albania Ferry