Explore the main town
Arriving in Symi never fails to stun visitors. The welcoming and colorful island’s capital, though small, is actually divided into two parts. First the harbor, called Gialos, with its colorful neoclassical mansions welcomes anyone willing to discover it with open arms. Then Chorio, the more town-like part is located uphill. You will love strolling around the small streets and alleys and spotting church domes while sipping on a Greek coffee at the local kafenio.
Nautical Museum
The Nautical Museum is near the Folk Museum in Yialos. Here you can learn about the interesting sponge diving culture of the Dodecanese islands. Take a look at tools, model ships and vintage anchors used in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Hike Up to the Chorio
One of the top things to do on your day trip to Symi – is get walking up that hill!
It isn’t a long hike but you do need to take hundreds of steps (500 to be exact) to get to the panoramic views of the hilltop village called Chorio.
Visit Panormitis
A famous landmark on Symi is the 18th-century Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis. This monastery is on the southwest coast, overlooking the sea. During the summer, the monks rent out cells of the monastery for overnight stays.
Agios Nikolaos
(St. Nicholas-often shortened to 'St. Nick's) is a popular beach on Symi by virtue of its sand/shingle beach, natural shade, safe swimming, excellent taverna and beach-bar. Popular with families with younger children, as the beach slopes gently into the sea, particularly on the far side. The journey on a taxi-boat from Symi harbour or Pedi Bay will take you about twenty minutes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, but many people opt for the natural shade provided by the trees. You can buy cold soft drinks, beer and water from the taverna as well as meals and there are two modern, clean toilets there. The last taxi-boat back leaves at 6.30 p.m.
You can also walk from Pedi Bay; following a path marked by red paint circles over the rocks will take you around 20 minutes.
Agia Marina
Agia Marina on the northern side of the entrance to Pedi can be reached on foot or by water-taxi from the harbour or Pedi Bay. It has a newly-built taverna, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. You can buy a drink from the bar and relax on the terrace. There is a picturesque chapel on a small island which is very popular as a wedding venue.
The water is incredibly clear; great for snorkelling and and safe for children.
Nanou Bay
Nanou is only accessible by taxi-boat or a very long walk! The journey will take between 30-45 minutes. The last taxi boat back to the harbour leaves at 6.30pm.
Nanou is a large, sweeping bay, backed by high cliffs, with astonishingly clear water, marvellous for snorkelling (particularly on the far side). The beach itself is made up of medium to large pebbles, so wear something more substantial than flip-flops.
It is quieter than Agios Nikolaos and the lack of sand makes it less popular for families with children.
There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. There is also a taverna which sells water, soft drinks and beer as well as a meals. There are two clean, modern toilets inside the taverna.
Pedi Bay
Pedi Bay has several small beaches and serves as a starting point by water-taxi and on foot to several other beaches.
It is on the bus route and has tavernas, cafés and a kiosk. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available. It is an easy walk from Chorio.
Nimborios
Nimborios is a large bay with a pebble beach. There is a taverna with sunbeds. An old fishing village, there are some summer houses as well as churches but no shops. Accessible by taxi-boat or road.
Marathounda
Marathounda is the last stop on the taxi boat run and the latest of Symi's beaches to be developed for tourism. It is also accessible by road. The water is very clear and perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
There is a large, newly-built taverna which serves snacks and meals and where you can buy drinks.
Nos Beach
Nos beach, also known as 'Paradise Beach' or sometimes the 'town beach', is to be found by turning left at the clock tower in the harbour and following the road round, through the boatyard at Harani.
Nos is a popular beach made up of small shingle. It has a busy taverna on the water's edge which serves meals and also drinks for the beach. There are modern, clean toilets at the taverna. The beach has sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire.