With a well-deserved reputation for being amongst the prettiest ports in Greece, the Dodecanese island of Symi has been welcoming tranquil travellers for decades. Most visitors fly into Rhodes and catch the one of the regular ferries from there — a scenic experience in itself. Perfect for those eager to unwind in characterful small hotels and guesthouses within sight of the sea, the best places to stay in Symi are warm and welcoming, often housed within charming heritage buildings.
Symi’s main harbour, Yialos, is a lovely spot for seaside strolls, long lazy lunches, or picking up a boat to zip along to nearby coves and beaches. The town rises up into the hillside, with neoclassical mansions lining narrows streets, alongside independent boutiques, galleries and cafes. Pop into the Symi Museum for an insight into the island’s rich nautical past, or visit the Katarinettes, where the Germans signed the surrender of the Dodecanese at the end of World War II. Don’t miss clambering up stony steps to see the Chorio — or ‘village’ — or pastel-painted houses behind the main harbour.
Head south to the little fishing village of Pedi Bay for pristine beaches, freshly caught seafood and a real sense of calm. The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis, built on the southwest coast in the 18th Century, is another soothing place of reflection. Inland, you’ll find walking trails and cycle paths, too, with seemingly endless vistas towards the Aegean. Unwind at your pick of the best places to stay in Symi before another big day of discovery.