Sweet-as-they-come Symi is a dreamy Dodecanese isle just begging to be experienced. Visually, think a pastel patchwork of dainty buildings amid rugged hinterland and twirling, turquoise water. Glossy travel mag vibes, much? And while it might as well have been designed for the front of a postcard, it also beckons with snug seafronts, teeny towns and excellent eateries. To help you box this beachy beauty off your bucket list, we’ve only gone and added it to our destination map from Summer 2025!

We make getting there as easy as possible, as you’ll fly into Rhodes then hop on a ferry transfer to your hotel. That means you can cruise back across to get the best of both worlds by sightseeing in Rhodes too, though there’s a whole stack to get stuck into in Symi...

Amble around the Old Town, Horio

Colour-clad in custard-yellows and rich blues, Horio, the official Old Town of Symi, is quite the treasure trove to wander around. It’s a bit of a warren of a place, so be sure to pull on your comfiest shoes, as you might as well take to the cobbles to conquer Kali Strata, the wide, staired path, while you’re at it. Horio’s also placed right by the harbour and lined by mansions, shops and little cafés, where you can reward yourself with a refreshing drink.

Explore Panormitis Monastery

Sitting on the southern side of Symi, Panormitis Monastery is up there on the must-sees for history buffs. It’s enveloped by thick forest and, when you arrive, you can choose whether you head to the chapel or the bell tower first. And as it’s another landmark all bright and colourful, it’s just begging to be snapped by your camera’s lens as well. Look out for paintings, hand-carved artefacts and more too.

Visit Symi Castle

Built way back in the 15th century, the Byzantine Symi Castle takes about 30 minutes to hike up to, but you’ll be treated to epic, far-spanning vistas when you complete it. Follow the path to the main entrance for a good peer inside, then make your way over to the small chapel to cover all the elements of the site. Before you begin your walk back down into town, make sure you’ve got those holiday pics in the bag – the views are unrivalled!

Relax on the handful of brilliant beaches

Peppered across the isle, as well as in the major resorts of Emporio and Pedi, there’s a cluster of beaches worth lazing on. So, it’s sunhats at the ready, as you embark on being beside the seaside as much as possible. Nos Beach is one for the water sports fans, while Marathounda is a pebble-blanketed patch suited to those wanting to simply unwind. It’s a winner! Over in Emporios, its namesake swathe is fairly remote, so it’s nice and quiet for the bookworms among you. In Pedi, there’s the main beach, as well as St. Nicholas and Agia Marina – soft sand, glinting sea and loungers to hang out on await.

Eat like a Greek

Do as the locals do and pitch up at a waterfront taverna to dine around the clock. Be it in the midday rays for lunch or as the sun’s setting, these al fresco restaurants are dotted all around, and they couldn’t be more enticing. Unsurprisingly, fresh fish is a main-menu staple, including a speciality seafood plate. Moussaka and stuffed vine leaves are palate-pleasers, while lots of beef dishes, chickpea stews and crispy, sugary doughnut variants prove popular too.

Shop ‘til you drop

Up for a spot of retail therapy? Symi’s a go-slow destination but it brims with souvenir stores in the centre. We’re talking leather bags and other goods, wooden trinkets, and various yummy foodstuffs including olive oil, spices, honey. Oh, and wait for it – sponges! Although this might seem a little unusual compared to most take-home knick-knacks, it isn’t hard to come by.

Set sail on a boat trip

As mentioned, you’ll use Rhodes as your springboard to Symi, which means it’s within reach if you want to spend the day there. But it’s not the only place you could catch a boat ride to – how about cruising from one part of the island to another? It’s even possible to get to Kos from there on a longer tour!

Like the sound of Symi? It’s on our map from Summer 2025.