Symi island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules

For a unique holiday experience in Greece, our Symi island Travel Guide & Ferry Schedules will provide you with all the detailed information.
Symi island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules

Contents

If you are interested in having a unique holiday experience in Greece, our Symi island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules will provide you with all the information you need.

Symi, is an enchanting Greek island located in the heart of the Aegean Sea. This particular destination offers a tranquil escape from the hectic pace of everyday life.

So below we have prepared detailed information about Symi, its traditional products and all the attractions you can visit.

In addition, we’ll provide you with basic information on ferry schedules and booking options to help you plan the holiday of your dreams.

Symi tourist information | Travel Guide

The island of Symi offers some of the most picturesque landscapes in Greece. If you are looking for a charming getaway in picturesque landscapes and crystal clear waters, then Symi will offer you a wonderful Greek experience. Symi’s main port, Gialos, is adorned with neoclassical architecture and lively seaside tavernas.

Entering the island is like travelling back in time, as Symi retains a traditional atmosphere with its cobbled streets and pastel-coloured houses. Nature lovers can enjoy the island’s lush greenery and a plethora of hiking trails leading to stunning spots. Whether you are interested in exploring history, sampling the local cuisine or simply enjoying the Mediterranean sun, Symi has something special to offer everyone.

Boasting a tranquil pace of life, this island will provide you with the perfect setting for relaxation and tranquility. Its charming coves and beaches, such as the famous Nos Beach, promise a refreshing escape. The island’s most beloved attraction, the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, is a testament to Symi’s deep-rooted spiritual heritage. In fact, it invites you to explore its spiritual and historical significance in an unforgettable way.

With a highly hospitable environment and its timeless beauty, Symi is an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in Greek beauty and tradition.

Symi General Information

Symi consists of a group of three small islands, namely:

  • The main island of Symi
  • Nimos
  • Sesklia

According to Greek mythology, Symi was named after a nymph who gave birth to Poseidon’s son, Chthonius. Also known as the “man of the earth”. During the Trojan War, King Nereus of Symi, one of the most handsome Achaean kings, participated with three ships. Something that played an important role in the progress of the war.

Symi island
Symi island

The history of the island includes various civilizations, from the Pelasgians to the Dorians and the Byzantines. In the 5th century, the Persians requested naval support for Symi, leading to the island joining the Athenian Alliance. The Roman ruins at Emporeion bear witness to the historical succession of the island’s rulers.

After several changes in the leadership of Symi, it finally passed to the Italians in 1912, but the resilience of the local population and their participation in resistance movements finally led Symi to join Greece in 1948.

Symi Religional and Monuments

Symi boasts a rich religious heritage with an array of churches and monasteries. Specifically there are 13 large churches on the island. Each one telling a unique story of the island’s history.

Symi Religional and Monuments
Symi Religional and Monuments
  • Simi – Monastery of Panormitis: One of the most significant religious buildings on the island, this monastery is a dependency of the Panormitis Monastery. It is built like a fort with cells constructed around the catholicon.
  • Mihail Roukouniotis Monastery: This 15th-century church was a Patriarchal Stavropegion, and there are seven more small churches on the island consecrated to the archangels.
  • Monastery of Taxiarchis Mihail Panormitis: This is one of Greece’s most important monasteries, dating back at least to the 15th century. The current single-space basilica with cross-shaped domes was built in 1783, and the wall paintings from the main church date from 1792. Some notable features are the impressive bell tower, carved screens, icons in the Cretan Byzantine style, and the Panormitis icon. This full-figure representation was covered entirely in gold and silver in 1724, thanks to the contributions of the captains, clergy, and community of Symi.
  • Church of Aghios Aimilianos: Located on a small island opposite Symi, connected by a narrow strip of land. There are two classical victory monuments in the harbour.
  • Church of Agios Ioannis at Gialos: A Cathedral church built in 1838 and renovated in 1869, with an exquisite bell tower.
  • Church of Megali Panayia tou Kastrou: Renamed after the liberation, following bombing by the Germans.

Other Religional Monuments of Symi

The island is also home to other religious landmarks, such as the Church of Aghios Georgios (Pedi), the Church of Aghia Triada (Pedi), the church of the Ascension of Christ (Analipsi) and the church of the Annunciation (Evangelismos) (Harani).

Some churches have particularly interesting screens, post-Byzantine wall paintings, icons, cobbled courtyards and elegant bell towers: Panayia Haritomeni, Aghia Triada, Peiraiotissa, Ai-Thanasis, Ai-Lefteris, Stavros, Ai-Dimitrios, Ai-Nikolas, Ai-Panteleimonas and Ai-Giorgis.

Traditional products of Symi

Symi is not only a place of historical significance but also a hub for traditional products that capture the essence of the island’s culture.

Traditional products of Symi
Traditional products of Symi

It is impossible to visit Symi and not try its unique gastronomic choices. Of course, good food must be accompanied by a corresponding wine or liqueur. So, some of the most popular traditional products of Symi are:

  • Goat Cheese: Taste the authentic flavors of Symi through its goat cheese, known for its rich and distinctive taste.
  • Thyme Honey: Savor the sweetness of thyme honey, a delicious natural product with a unique aroma.
  • Saffron and Wild Herbs: Explore the island’s natural bounty by sampling saffron and wild herbs, which add a touch of local flavor to various dishes.
  • Akoumia: The traditional sweet of Symi that smells of cinnamon and honey.
  • Cheese Pies (Tourtes): Experience the delightful flavors of Symi’s cuisine with cheese pies, a local specialty.
  • Sugar Rolls and Drinks: The perfect gift or a tasty treat to enjoy during your stay.
  • Wine and Liqueurs: Symi produces its own wines and liqueurs, offering a unique taste of the island.

Additionally, there are workshops dedicated to crafting traditional costumes, wooden boats, hand-carved wooden furniture, and icon screens. These workshops also produce traditional lanterns, handmade shoes, and engage in stone processing for house construction. You’ll find artisans skilled in handmade embroidery, the manufacturing of fishing equipment from natural materials, miniature shipbuilding, as well as the creation of items used by cattle-breeders, such as saddles, pouches, bells, and petals. Furthermore, there are facilities for milling and foundries for crafting bells

Lastly, Panormitis monastery operates a traditional olive press, a distillery that produces tsikoudia made of figs and candle making.

Historical Landmarks of Symi

Symi is steeped in history, and this is evident in the various historical landmarks that dot the island’s landscape.

Historical Landmarks of Symi
Historical Landmarks of Symi

In our Symi island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules we tried to include all important landmarks and sightseeing you should visit. Some of the most visited historical landmarks of Symi are:

  • Knights’ Castle: Standing at the highest point of the village, the Knights’ Castle was built on the remains of two earlier strongholds, one ancient and one Byzantine. Inside the castle walls, you’ll find the Church of the Virgin (Panayia).
  • Pontikokastro: This ancient tomb boasts surviving perimeter walls and is surrounded by 20 well-preserved windmills, offering a glimpse into Symi’s past.
  • ‘Aigli’ Reading Room: Founded in 1872, this is the oldest reading room in the Aegean, although it is now closed.
  • “Spetsaria”: This old community pharmacy provides insight into the importance placed on community care in Symi.
  • Gialou Memorial, Heroon: This memorial commemorates the signing of the protocol surrendering the Dodecanese to the Allies on 8 May 1945.

Historical Landmarks of Niborios – Symi

  • Pelasgian Walls: These ancient walls still stand to a height of one meter, with adjacent vaults.
  • Byzantine Church: Explore a superb early-Byzantine mosaic, once housed within the precincts of a Byzantine church that no longer exists. Three chapels were built on its ruins.
  • Underground Vaults: Twelve submerged vaults, known as the ‘twelve caves,’ hint at a fascinating tomb complex.
  • Archaeological Finds: Discover a range of artifacts, including coins, votive inscriptions, and the ‘stele of Symi,’ now exhibited in the Constantinople Museum.

Museums in Symi

Symi has a large number of museums that will immerse you even further in the history and culture of the island.

Some of the main museums you should visit during your stay on the island are:

Archaeological – Folklore Museum (Lieni District)

The Archaeological – Folklore Museum of Symi is located in the charming district of Lieni. It is a real treasure for the history and culture of the island.

The museum is housed in a traditional mansion and attracts many tourists from all over the world. The museum’s extensive collection includes ancient scripts, early Christian sculptures, amphorae, tombstones and maps of the island with monuments from various historical periods.

In the Archaeological – Folklore Museum you will also have the opportunity to admire an excellent exhibition of bronze coins and early Christian sculptures. The museum displays religious paintings from both the Byzantine and post-Byzantine eras, which will surely impress you.

Hatziagapitos Hall

This mansion is an architectural gem intricately connected with the Archaeological – Folklore Museum. This museum features a stunning array of frescoes that capture the essence of Symi’s history and artistry. The hall provides a captivating extension of the museum experience, immersing visitors in the island’s culture and visual heritage.

More museums in Symi

Other important museums that couldn’t miss form our Symi island Travel Guide, are:

  • Marine Museum (Gialos): In this museum you will be able to explore boat miniatures, wood-carved ships, maps, compasses, naval instruments, tools, and sponge diving equipment. An impressive way to get some insights into Symi’s maritime history.
  • Religious Art Museum (Panormitis Monastery): In this museum you will find pastoral costumes, icons, epitaphs, church objects, and more, highlighting the island’s religious artistry.
  • Folklore Museum (Panormitis Monastery): Discover some of the most popular culture objects and items related to fishing, rural and pastoral life. All housed within the monastery.
  • Library (Panormitis Monastery): A variety of post-Byzantine manuscripts, religious, historical, and literary publications, as well as a gallery showcasing the monastery’s picturesque landscape.

Various art objects can also be found in public buildings across Symi, including “Mihalaki,” a painting depicting a small fisherman, the “Dove of Peace,” and the war memorial.

Ferry to Symi

Holidays in Symi will give you a unique experience full of relaxation, beautiful landscapes and many historical monuments.

Ferry to Symi
Ferry to Symi

There are several options for ferry to Symi, ensuring you a quick and comfortable passage to the island. Access is mainly via Rhodes, which has an international airport.

Of course, Symi is also connected by ferry to several Aegean islands. Symi’s port, Yialos, welcomes ferry arrivals from Rhodes and other nearby Greek islands, making it an excellent starting point for your adventure on the island.

If you’re interested in online Symi Bookings, then you’re in the right place.

Book online ferry tickets to Symi

If you want to experience the enchanting beauties of this Greek island, all you have to do is to book online ferry tickets to Sym through our platform. Thanks to the easy online booking process, you can now plan everything from the comfort of your home. And of course, at the lowest ferry ticket prices.

Whether you want to visit Symi from the neighbouring island of Rhodes, or from the magical shores of Kos, or from any other destination, securing your ferry tickets can be achieved with just a few clicks. If you are looking forward to enjoy the island’s serene landscapes, admire the charming architecture or feel the warm Greek hospitality of Symi, your experience starts with your tickets.

Why book ferry to Symi with myferry.gr

Myferry.gr is a reliable platform to book ferry to Symi and other popular Greek destinations. The reasons to choose our services are many. One of the main ones is our extensive network. In particular, through our partners we ensure a wide range of ferry routes and destinations throughout Greece, simplifying the planning of your holidays.

The design of the platform is such that it provides every visitor with an easy and fast ticket booking process. In addition, our experienced staff is available to provide you with all the necessary guidance regarding your holiday in Symi, or any other destination you choose. Finally, myferry.gr offers the most competitive ticket prices for Symi.

So, by choosing myferry.gr, you ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. We believe that the above Symi island Travel Guide and Ferry Schedules, covered your needs for this enchanting island. However, we are always available to provide you with even more information.

 

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