Symi is an island that I enjoyed immediately. Not only does it look beautiful from a distance, but also as soon as the ferry turns into the bay and you suddenly see the main town, is very impressive. I found Yialos (or Gialos, the harbour of arrival) one of the nicest and prettiest villages on the Greek islands that I have ever visited, together with Skopelos town and Mykonos Chora. Symi is a busy daytrip destination for vistors from the island of Rhodes. In the early morning hours and after the boats have returned to Rhodes the peace falls back over the village. In the future years it is unlikely that Symi will develop as a major tourist attraction because of a lack of beaches. Almost all beaches on Symi, with a few exceptions, can only be reached by watertaxi or special small boats. On the island of Symi itself there is no airport. Allthough there is a connection with the capitol Athens by ferry, most people arrive at the island with a ferry that sails daily from the nearby larger island of Rhodes. In the area most of the ferries visit the islands in the same islandgroup (the Dodecanese). Symi rises out of the sea in a steep way and has high mountains, making the approach by ferry a beautiful one. Most of the inhabitants, around 2500, live in the capital of the island and in a few small villages that are spread over the island. In front of the bay where the ferries sail in there is a small island called Nomos. You will not find many roads on Symi: one road connects the coastal villages in the north to eachother and another one leads from the north to the Panormitis Monastery in the south. The harbour where the daytrip boats and the ferries come in is an attractive place that has adapted itself to the (day)tourism, with in the harbour front and the streets immediately behind it quite some restaurants and a just a few hotels. There are a couple of beautiful churches, and a single free standing clock tower that stands at the water, an one of the churches (the Evangelismos) is situated at the east side of the village. Closeby this church there is also a very small beach. High at the top of the village, after climbing some steep stairs, you can reach a row of old stone windmills.

THE SPONGES OF ISLAND OF SYMI IN THE DODECANESE IN GREECE - VEGETATION, THE LANDSCAPE OF SYMI

At around 1850 the demand for sponges increased. Because of this it became lucrative busines on many of the islands in the Dodecanese to look for natural sponges. This job was not without danger. The divers brought the sponges to the surface that were soemtimes on a depth of 70 meters. Many of these divers suffered from illnesses. It was also a way to make quick money. At the end of the 20th century the sponge trade ended. Because of an unknow disease the majority of the sponges in the Aegean Sea was killed. Once the island of Symi was densely forested, but the building of ships that took place here (around 500 kaiks a day were build) has left the island barren. At a certain time trees had to be imported from the mainland of Turkey. After the Turkish occupied the island of Cyprus in 1974 this stopped and Symi became a more popular destination for daytrippers from Rhodes.

THE BEACHES AND NATURIST BEACHES OF ISLAND OF SYMI IN THE DODECANESE IN GREECE

Agios Nikolaos Beach - The beach of Agios Nikolaos is situated in the northeast of the island and can be reached by taxi boat from the harbour of Symi or by foot over a path that leads from Pedi bay. This journey takes about 20 minutes. It is an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, but there are also some trees if you like to lay down in the shade. The beach is shallow making it easy to get into the water and safe for small children. On the beach there is a taverna where you can buy cold drinks.

Nanou Beach - Nanou Beach is situated in a bay on the east side of the island of Symi. It can be reached by taxi boat in about 45 minutes or after a very long walk (of a couple of hours). The bay is surrounded by high cliffs and with its clear waters it is a good place for snorkeling. The beach is more quiet than the beach at Agios Nikolaos. Nanou beach is a an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and it is a pebble beach instead of a sandbeach. It is rather difficult to get into the water so it is adviced to wear plastic slippers or sandals. At the beach there is a very good taverna that sells drinks and food. The farthest end of the beach from where you get off the taxi boat from Symi harbour is discrete nudist beach.

Agios Georgios Beach - The beach of Agios Georgios is a small beach situated in a bay in the east side of the island of Symi. It is surrounded by high cliffs and it can only be reached by watertaxi from the harbour of Symi. On this beach there are no facilities (no sunbeds, umbrellas, taverna) so you must bring your own water and food. On the beach there are just a couple of trees if you want to sit in the shade. Because it is hard to reach this beach it is also a quiet beach. This beach is also used as a naturist beach.

Agia Marina Beach - The beach of Agia Marina is situated in the northern part of the island of Symi and can be reached on foot or by water-taxi from the harbour or Pedi Bay. It is a more touristic and organized beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds, and there is also a taverna on the beach. The beach is shallow and the water is clear, good for snorkeling and safe for small children. At the beach of Agia Marina there is a little white chapel, a favorite for weddings.

Nos Beach - Nos Beach is probably the most popular beach on the island. This is because it is convieniantly situated at the edge of the harbour of Gialos. You can easily reach this beach on foot. The beach is also known as the town beach and is to be found by turning left at the clock tower in the harbour and following the road round. Nos Beach is an organized beach where you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds. There is also a busy taverna where you can get cold drinks or food. On some of the small beaches and coves that aren't too visible from the main road nudism is tolerated, maybe less in high season.

Pedi Bay - Pedi Bay is a popular destination on Symi and it is situated on the eastside of the island within walking distance of the harbour of Gialos. Pedi Bay has several small beaches and serves as a starting point by water-taxi and on foot to several other beaches. Pedi Bay is served by a bus and there are several tavernas in the village. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. It is an easy walk from Chorio. In Pedi Bay there are also several hotels where you can rent a room.

Emborio Beach - Emborio Beach, sometimes also referred to as Nimborio is situated at the west side and within walking distance of the harbour of Gialos (about 2 kilometer). It is a large bay with a pebble beach. Emborio is an old fishing village and there are some summer houses as well as churches but there are no shops. At the beach there is a taverna and it is an organized beach so it is possible to rent sunbeds and umbrellas. At Emborio there is also accommodation for tourists.

Panormitis Bay - Panormitis Bay can best be reached with an excursion boat or by road. The bay is situated in the south of the island and is famous for its monastery, the monastery of the Archangel Michael, that stands at the head of the bay and attracts many visitors every summer. In the bay of Panormitis there is also a beach and there are a couple of tavernas and shops to serve all the tourists that come to take a look at the monastery (mainly daytrippers from Rhodes).

Marathounda Beach - Marathounda Beach is situated on the southeast coast of the island of Symi. This beach can be reached by taxi boat (it is the last stop) or by road. This was the last beach on the island to be developped. It is an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. There is a large, newly-built taverna which serves snacks and meals and where you can buy drinks. The water of the sea at Marathounda Beach is very clear and excellent for snorkeling.

Agios Vasilios Beach - This beach, the Agios Vasilios or Lapathos Beach, cannot be reached by water taxi (except as I understand for wednesdays in the high season). If you want to visit the beach the only way is by foot. The walk takes a couple of hours. It is a remote and quiet beach without any facilities, which means that you have to bring your own water supply and something to eat. Because it is so remote and quiet it is an ideal naturist beach. It is made out of pebbles and just a few bits of sand. At the beach there are a couple of trees where you can get some shade (so no umbrellas & sunbeds). The last part of the walk you is a rather steep and a bit slippery climb down, so it is adviced to wear good walking shoes.

Toli Bay Beach - Toli Bay is situated on the north coast of Symi, west of Emborio. You can go there by scooter or by car. Keep right when going up hill a few km after leaving Chorio. The road is in good condition - keep your eyes open for a footpath leading down to the left of the road. The walk downhill takes about half an hour. There are 4 beaches in the area. Toli Beach is divided into two beaches, and one of those beaches is a naturist beach. There are no facilities here like sunbeds and umbrellas but I was told that there is a taverna nowadays.

HOTELS, APARTMENTS AND STUDIOS ON THE ISLAND OF SYMI IN THE DODECANESE IN GREECE

On Symi there are not that many hotels (partly because of lack of water). The island is quite exclusive and not for the low budget traveller. In high season it will be a crime to find a bed to sleep in. Most of the hotels are situated in the harbour Gialos and a few more can be found in Chora. I have no experience with hotels in Symi but below are a few of the options. For all hotels, apartments and studios on Symi - click here

Symi Hotels - Eos Studios - good reviews

Situated in Yialos, the main town of Symi, Eos Studios offers self-catering accommodation with furnished terrace overlooking the port and the scenic surroundings. Free 2-way transfer to the port is provided. The studios and apartments of the family-run Eos are bright and tastefully furnished. They have a well-equipped kitchenette with dining area, while some also have a living room. Facilities include a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and hairdryer. Eos offers free beach towels to its guests. Within a 10-minute walk, they can reach the port of Yialos. The town centre is a 5-minute walk. Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the hotel. Check availability and prices & book Eos Studios on Symi - click here.

Symi Hotels - Dorian Hotel

In a beautiful part of town, only 10 metres from the sea, this rustically furnished hotel offers comfortable rooms with orthopaedic beds and a well equipped kitchen. Parking is available on adjacent streets. Each of the Dorian apartments is air conditioned and has a balcony or patio with outdoor furniture, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or evening ouzo. Some have views over the harbour. With the beach at 50 metres, Dorian’s location, just up from the Akti Gennimata, allows guests easy access to all local amenities. The port, bus stop, centre and local market are all within 150 metres. The hotel staff will be happy to assist you with tourist information. Check availability and prices & book the Dorian Hotel on Symi - click here.

Symi Hotels - Pantheon Mansion Hotel - small luxury hotel with 5 rooms

This restored mansion is situated between the shore and Ano Hora and offers panoramic views of Symi and luxury accommodation appointed with a combination of antique furnishings and modern amenities. Pantheon Mansion is situated in the middle of Kali Strata, the road of steps that connects the coast with the settlement of Ano Hora. Enjoy traditional and beautifully appointed surroundings as you explore Symi. Enjoy a sumptuous buffet breakfast at the start of each day. Prepare light snacks in your modern kitchen. Cool down in your air-conditioned room and watch satellite TV after a day of exploration. Pantheon’s terrace is an ideal place to relax with a drink and enjoy a panoramic view of the harbour, Symi and your picturesque surroundings. The atrium of the mansion is ideal for relaxing afternoons with friends. Taking the steps up to Ano Hora leads you to breathtaking views of Symi and her cute, traditional cafés. Otherwise, you can walk down to Gialos and experience the cosmopolitan district with its nightlife, shops and unobtrusive bars and taverns featuring local and international cuisine. Check availability and prices & book the Pantheon Mansion Hotel - click here.

Symi Hotels - Iapetos Village Hotel - 5***** hotel on Symi island

Iapetos Village is an oasis very close to the Symi city centre within a group of traditional houses, with an exotic garden and an amazing swimming pool. In the bar of the hotel, you can enjoy your drink next to the beautiful Neoclassical House at the swimming-pool. Enjoy the lovely atmosphere on the terrace and in the garden. To relax further, be pampered at the beauty salon. Write home about the location and facilities using the free Wi-fi internet access. Check availability and prices & book the Iapetos Village Hotel - click here.

CAR RENTAL ON THE ISLAND OF SYMI IN GREECE - RENT A CAR IN SYMI

Sometimes it pays off to reserve a car ahead of your arrival on an island, even if it is just for one day. This way you can quickly get a good impression of an island as a whole and take a look at many places. Who knows you might find something really nice. I don't get the impression that there are a lot of car rentals on the island (the island isn't that large and there really aren't that many kilometers of road), but I did find this one: Glaros rent a car in Gialos. They say that they are based in the harbour at a few meters distance of the place where the ferries come in. If you really want to be assured of a rental car when you arrive at Symi (for instance in high season this might be wise) than you could try to reserve a car. Τel.: 0030 22460 71926 & 71713 Fax: 0030 22460 71926 Mob: 0030 6948 36 20 79 - Send an e-mail to Glaros Rent a Car in Symi.

© Hans Huisman, http://www.angelfire.com/super2/greece/ 2014