Symi is an island in the Dodecanese, a collection of 12 islands in the eastern part of Greece, located in the Aegean near the coast of Turkey. There is no airport on Symi, so visitors must arrive by ferry boat. There are two nearby islands with international airports that have regular ferry routes to Symi: Rhodes Island and Kos Island. Our recommendation is to plan your flights in and out of Rhodes. The Rhodes airport is about 30 minutes from the harbor. If you do not wish to connect through Athens to Rhodes, there are many other cities with direct flights to Rhodes (for example, London, Zurich, Istanbul, Frankfurt).

The ferry schedules will continue to update leading up to summer, we recommend booking in advance and leaving at least 90 minutes between your arrival time and boat departure time (we recommend 2+ hours if you are arriving from a non-EU country and require customs upon arrival OR you are checking a bag).

Book your ferry online at Direct Ferries

From either the Rhodes or Kos airport, you can hail a taxi from the airport taxi line, organize a car service or take the public bus.

We recommend you travel via Rhodes. The drive by car from the Rhodes Airport is about 30 minutes to the harbor. The bus takes about 60 minutes. We suggest you bring euros to pay in cash.

Ferries depart from the historic harbor of Rhodes. Make note of your Ferry name and departure location to ensure you are dropped off at the correct location in the harbor (the different docking areas are a bit of a walk).

Oftentimes your flight vs. ferry schedule will require staying a night in Rhodes. There are many hotels on the main highway and beach headed into Rhodes (including larger hotel chains) as well as in the historic medieval town of Rhodes.

Symi lodging includes small hotels and rentals (available of Air B&B and VRBO). Hotels range in size, and there are no chain hotels on the island.

The most convenient area of lodging is right in the harbor, also called “Yialos” (pronounced “yah-los”). Yialos is where most of the restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies and shopping are.

Just over the hill is an area called Pedi Beach, where there are fewer hotels and amenities. Pedi offers a more quiet location and beach access, and though walkable from Yialos, it is lengthy (1.5 miles) and involves going up and over a hill. Pedi is accessibly by boat taxi, car taxi and the island’s public bus.

Mid-way up the main slope of Symi is the area called “Chorio” (pronounced “hor-yo”), there are fewer hotels here but you will likely find home rentals here. Keep in mind most of these homes are not accessible by car and will require walking on hills, up steps and on uneven stoney surfaces.

On the opposite side of the harbor from is a waterfront area called Nimborio. This area is also about 1.5 miles from the main harbor (a 10 minute drive or a 35 minute walk, including hills) and has a more private beach for swimming.

Please double check your Air B&B and VRBO locations to confirm they are on Symi Island (sometimes the search function will include other nearby islands).

This is the most convenient and central location for your stay. There are many hotel and VRBO or Air B&B options, below are some of our favorites:

Iapetos (one of the few hotels with a pool) is great for families and kids. They also have a great breakfast option.

The Old Markets Hotel is a luxury hotel ideal for couples. The hotel is also home to a new upscale restaurant called Agora.

Hotel Nireus is one of the larger hotels. It is family friendly located on the water and main harbor road just past the clock tower.

Opera House Hotel has a semi-indoor pool and positions itself as kid friendly, located behind Iapetos.

Kaminos is a higher-end hotel affiliated with Iapetos giving guests pool access with a more quiet and recently updated suite.

There are many more great options, if you have any questions please ask us!

Pedi Beach is about 1.5 miles from the main town and offers fewer options for lodging, food and amenities. It is a great option for longer stays and those comfortable with longer walks or the bus.

Pedi Beach Hotel is on the water and a hiking trail will take you to another destination beach called Saint Nikolaos beach and beach bar.

Nimborio beach is a long walk, bike or car ride from the main harbor. If walking, there are hiking options to access the main beach area, driving or biking will take you along a hilly road that follows the waterline.

Nitrides Hotel has beach access and is a nice escape from the main harbor.

Amalthea Luxury Suites is a boutique hotel with reserved guest-only beachside lounge space.