Two Days in Symi Island Notes

Symi Island is a small Aegean beauty that warms the heart at first sight, with colorful houses reminiscent of a postcard. It is the smallest of Greece's 12 islands, but perhaps the most elegant. Located where the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas meet, this charming island is just 6.5 km from Datça and Bozburun. Its neo-classical pastel-colored houses lining the coast seem to define tranquility itself. As you stroll through its quiet streets, time seems to slow down. Accessible by ferry from Bodrum in the summer, Symi is the perfect destination for those seeking to escape the crowds, engage in lengthy conversations at a seaside tavern, or simply watch the sun. Even if you stay for just two days, you’ll leave a piece of your soul behind.

What to Do in Symi in 2 Days?

The two days I spent in Symi were short but really enjoyable. It's one of those places where you just want to breathe. In the mornings, cats accompany you as you walk around the harbor, and in the afternoons, you don't want to do anything but stop and watch the sun set over the colorful houses. If you ask, “Is two days enough?” maybe not, but it somehow is. You go swimming, get lost in the narrow streets, and before you know it, hours have passed in a tavern. You don’t actually need to do much. The real point of Symi is feeling good without doing anything.

Day 1

Mornings in Symi start very calmly. As you walk along the streets leading to the port of Gialos, the smell of coffee wafting from an open window reaches your nose. The streets are quiet but lively. There are elderly people sitting in a corner chatting, and a shopkeeper opening his shutters elsewhere. Walking slowly with a cup of coffee in your hand is the best way to start the day.

Once you’ve gathered some energy, you arrive at the Kali Strata steps. Climbing these steps from the harbor to the top is no easy feat, but the view from above makes it all worthwhile. Every time you stop, you look back and watch the harbor. At the top, Ano Symi or Chorio welcomes you. There are stone houses, narrow streets, and a quiet neighborhood life. Laundry hanging in front of doors, cats leaning against walls, and a sense of lived-in history are evident everywhere.

It's a good idea to cross to the other side of the island at noon to see the Panormitis Monastery. You board a small boat. The breeze and the sound of the sea along the way are refreshing. When you arrive at the monastery, you are greeted by a simple but impressive structure. There are a few people praying inside, and others sitting in the shade outside. The atmosphere is peaceful and serene.

In the late afternoon, you find a table by the sea. Tholos Taverna is one of the best places for this. As the sun slowly approaches the sea, the Symi shrimp you ordered arrives. It’s small but very tasty. With a little ouzo on the side, there’s a sweet silence at the table. This is the moment when you savor everything you’ve experienced throughout the day. What remains is not fatigue but peace.

Panormitis Manastırı

 Day 2

I wanted to spend my second day at sea. Early in the morning, I jumped on one of the small boats leaving the harbor and headed for St. George Bay. This cove can only be reached by sea, which makes it even more special. As we approached the shore, the rising cliffs, the dark yellow stone walls, and the deep blue water below created a breathtaking view. When I jumped off the boat and into the water, all my travel fatigue melted away. The water was cool but just right. There were no crowds, no noise. Just the wind, gentle waves, and the distant voices of a few children.

I wanted to spend the afternoon in a more peaceful setting. I went to Toli Beach. It was quiet, rustic, but just as beautiful. I sat in a shady corner and opened the book I had brought with me. There was a light breeze. Even turning the pages was enjoyable. I ordered a glass of wine. There were very few people around me. I went into the sea to cool off, then returned to my book. At that time of day, it felt as if time was standing still.

I returned to the harbor for dinner. I stopped by Manos Restaurant. There were a few tables right by the sea, and I sat at one of them. The waiter recommended whatever was available that day. I ordered calamari and a glass of white wine. Everything was very fresh. Laughter was coming from the table next to me. Everyone was calm, but somehow in high spirits. I felt as though I had been living here for a long time.

At the end of the night, I went to Harani Bar. It was a small and intimate place. The tables were almost on the water. Soft music was playing. I ordered a cocktail and just sat there. The moon was slowly rising. The sea had turned black. The day was over, but what remained inside me was not just fatigue, but a strange lightness. Time doesn’t rush in Symi. It doesn’t want you to rush either.

Toli Beach

Food and Drink Notes in Symi 

It's almost impossible to go hungry in Symi because there are delicious treats around every corner on the island. For breakfast, if you find yourself in Chorio, be sure to try The Olive Tree. It's a place that feels just like home, serving delicious homemade jams, fresh eggs, and warm croissants. Starting your day with a small coffee there is truly a pleasure.

If you’re on the Gialos side and want to enjoy a simple breakfast with a sea view, I recommend Lefteris’ Cafe. Here you’ll find the classic Greek breakfast: olives, cheese, tomatoes, fresh olive oil… Plus, the view is so beautiful you can’t take your eyes off the sea for a moment.

For lunch, Pantelis Restaurant in the harbor, famous for its meze, is a good choice. The meze are fresh, delicious, and perfect for sharing. If you want to try something a bit different, you can visit Los Tapas Symi. You might think, “Tapas on an island?” but the variety of flavors served in small plates adds a nice touch to the island’s peaceful atmosphere.

Dinner is a whole different experience. Tholos Taverna is especially famous for its shrimp. The taste of the fresh shrimp, enjoyed by the sea with a light breeze, will stay with you for a long time. Manos Restaurant is also among my favorites; it offers a true Aegean evening with fresh seafood and ouzo on the side. Odyssia is ideal for those seeking a more romantic setting. It is elegant yet cozy, with fine wines and delicious food.

The nightlife is not very lively, but it has its own unique spirit. I recommend visiting Harani Bar after 11 p.m. It's a bit hidden away, but it's one of the most welcoming places in Symi. It's small and cozy, and you can sometimes hear live music or enjoy pleasant conversations there. Vapori Bar sometimes has DJs, but other times it's just calm with the sound of the gentle breeze and the sea. These are ideal places whether you want to dance or sit and chat.

Pantelis Restaurant

The 3 Most Beautiful Beaches in Symi

I have three favorite places to swim in Symi, and each one offers a completely different experience.

1. St. George Bay. You may have heard that the only way to get there is by boat, and you may think, “Wow, that's going to be difficult,” but it's actually very simple and definitely worth it. Boats depart from Gialos Port in the morning and reach the bay in about 15-20 minutes. Don’t overthink it the crystal-clear water, the surrounding cliffs, and the tranquility will wash away all your fatigue. The water is so clear that you can almost see the bottom.
2. Nanou Beach. This place is a bit quieter, away from the crowds, a paradise for those who want to be alone with nature. The beach is rocky, but the water is so clean and cool that you feel relaxed the moment you step in. If you have a book, sunglasses, and a little patience, spending a few hours here is like a great therapy session.
3. Toli Beach. This place always feels like the epitome of peace and tranquility to me. The sun loungers are comfortable, the sea is gentle, and the surroundings are quiet. Lying under the sun, reading a book with a gentle breeze, or simply watching the sea is perfect here.

Nanou Beach

Accommodation Recommendations in Symi

Iapetos Village: Located in the heart of Sömbeki, Iapetos Village has a large, peaceful garden surrounded by palm trees. With its stone-paved courtyards, it captures the atmosphere of a traditional Aegean village. The rooms of the facility reflect the same warmth; they are comfortable and welcoming. Wi-Fi is free and available almost everywhere, so staying connected is easy. The pool is perfect for relaxation; it’s free-form, and the adjacent bar offers refreshing drinks. There’s also a sauna, ideal for unwinding after a long day. Staying here is a great option for those who want to be close to the center while enjoying a peaceful vacation surrounded by nature.

Cavo Apartment: Located in Sömbeki, just 700 meters from Nos Beach, Cavo Apartment welcomes you with its newly renovated rooms. It offers a comfortable, airy, and modern environment. You can easily connect to the internet with free Wi-Fi. You can also sit on the spacious terrace and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful view. Its proximity to the beach makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy both swimming in the sea and a peaceful stay.

How to get to Symi from Turkey?

Bodrum → Rhodes → Symi
Ferry from Bodrum to Rhodes (2–2.5 hours)
Ferry from Rhodes to Symi: 1–1.5 hours
Ferry price: €46–€50 round trip between Rhodes and Symi
(Available through Direct Ferries, Dodekanisos Seaways)

Alternative: Dalaman → Rhodes flight + ferry combo