Symi is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese, known for its sea sponge and shipbuilding industry. It’s definitely got the ‘wow’ factor.
If we had a time machine and travelled back to the 19th Century on Symi, the island was full of expert sponge divers and keen merchants who made their fortunes by selling their hauls to the Italians, English and French. Sadly, times changed and as the rest of the world transitioned from sail to steam and the Symiots ‘missed the boat’. Now, all that remains to remind us of this prosperous sea sponge past are the souvenir shops in Gialos which sell a whole manner of sponges from kapadiko (honeycomb), fino (natural sea silk) and lagofito (elephant ear) sponges from the Aegean.
Symi is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese, known for its sea sponge and shipbuilding industry. The capital of Symi – Gialos – is famous for its colourful, neoclassical mansions. It’s definitely got the ‘wow’ factor. The island is also famous for the Symi Festival: a massive cultural event held from July to September and attracts visitors from all over Greece and beyond.
The festival includes music, theatre and dance performances, and the Symi International Film Festival; where you can watch a variety of films, all screened outdoors for free.
Symi has beautiful beaches with crystal clear waters, almost all of which have pebbles and little or no sand. Most can only be reached by boat, the famous taxi boats that make several trips during the day and of course start from Yialos. There are also several boats that organize day trips to remote beaches for swimming and dining.
The main town is home to several lovely churches and colourful houses painted in warm pastel tones, with beautiful balconies and red tile roofs. Its interior is often decorated with wood carvings, from ancient times.
Take a day trip and explore the windmills of Symi.
The Secret Garden is a bar/cafe which takes a bit of hunting down but it’s definitely worth it. It has the dreamiest courtyard setting coupled with apple pie that really is worth writing home about! They also have fantastic regular music nights – Greek night on a Monday and jazz, rock and blues on a Friday. It’s our favourite place to while away any time of day with a cocktail or coffee.
Tholos is located on the far side of Harani and is our favourite restaurant on Symi. A must visit on your trip to Greece. Make sure you book in advance because this place is very popular (and deservedly so). We give a 10 to the chicken in almonds sauce as well as a hefty, whole-hearted recommendation for the Kolokythakia avgolemono (zucchini in egg-lemon sauce)
A quintessential seafood delicacy on Symi is simiako garidaki: a small fried shrimp dish, crispy fried with olive oil and garlic and served with chilli flakes. Bright red, flavourful, and absolutely delicious! This meze dish is so popular on the Greek island of Symi that a festival day has been dedicated to these special shrimps in August every year.
This full day trip on the traditional ‘Poseidon’ boat lets you take in all the highlights of the island while being expertly looked after. On this trip you’ll get to see Fokospilia and its hidden beach inside a cave (where there are often seals!), the secluded bay of St Basil, the beautiful Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, the small island of Sesko where you’ll eat a delicious lunch before checking out Agios Giorgis Dyssalonas on the return back to port. It’s a chockablock day full of swimming and really gives you a delicious taste of Symi’s ‘best bits’.
Agios Giorgis Dyssalonas with its 300 meter vertical rock face is the most spectacular beach on the island. Just note that it doesn’t have a lot of shade-giving trees so make sure you slip-slop-slap before heading there. Oh, and the beach’s large pebbles can make getting in and out of the water slightly less than glamorous…!
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. Pure Aegean magic! The views looking down into Symi bay are truly spectacular. The perfect place to sit and watch the sunset.
Would you like to find out more about this destination or speak with one of our Epicureans about the best options in Greece? Reach out to one of our experts who can tailor an unforgettable experience that will be the envy of your friends.