Symi

Σύμη

A picturesque island famous for its colorful harbor-front houses cascading down to the sea and traditional sponge-diving culture. The charming main town offers exceptional seafood restaurants, pristine beaches, and an authentic Greek island atmosphere without mass tourism.

Things to do

• Explore Gialos Harbor — Walk among the iconic pastel-colored neoclassical mansions that line the waterfront, many dating back to the 18th-century sponge-diving heyday.
• Sponge-diving boat tours — Join a guided boat excursion to learn traditional sponge-diving techniques from local captains and see divers demonstrate their craft in shallow waters.
• Visit Pedi Beach — Swim at this sheltered sandy cove just 15 minutes by foot or boat from Gialos, offering calm, clear waters ideal for families.
• Hike to Nannou monastery — Trek uphill through maquis scrubland to this serene hillside monastery with panoramic views over the island and Aegean sea.
• Climb the Kali Strata steps — Ascend the 500-year-old stone staircase connecting Gialos harbor to Chorio village, a steep but scenic traditional route lined with whitewashed buildings.
• Symi Museum — Tour this small but informative museum in Chorio documenting the island's maritime heritage, sponge-diving history, and traditional costumes.
• Boat excursion to Seski island — Take a short boat ride to this tiny inhabited islet to visit a family-run taverna and experience the quietest corner of Symi's waters.

Food to try

• Garides saganaki — Fresh local shrimp lightly fried in olive oil and topped with melted cheese, a beloved appetizer reflecting Symi's daily seafood catch.
• Htapodi krasato — Tender octopus braised in red wine and tomato sauce, a traditional island preparation often served as the catch of the day.
• Loukoumades with sponge honey — Puffed fried dough pastries drizzled with local thyme honey, a sweet treat best enjoyed fresh from waterfront bakeries.
• Sponge-diver's grilled fish — Whole Mediterranean sea bream or grouper grilled simply with lemon and olive oil, the historic meal of choice for working divers.
• Horta with ladolemono — Boiled seasonal wild greens dressed with olive oil and lemon juice, a humble but flavourful Symi staple served at family tavernas.
• Souma — A strong local spirit distilled from grapes and herbs, traditionally offered as a digestif or aperitif in Chorio kafeneia (coffee houses).

Local customs & good to know

• Respect sponge-diving tradition — Many locals are descendants of sponge divers; purchasing authentic natural sponges directly supports families and honors their dangerous heritage.
• Arrive by morning ferry — Day-trippers from Rhodes depart by late afternoon, so arriving early allows you to experience the island's quieter, more authentic evening atmosphere.
• Dress modestly when visiting churches — Symi has several active Orthodox chapels; wear covered shoulders and knees out of respect if you wish to enter monasteries or religious sites.
• Greet with 'Kalispéra' — Using the local Greek greeting 'good evening' opens doors with shopkeepers and taverna owners who appreciate visitors making small efforts to engage respectfully.