Ferry tickets to SymiSymi, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese, is a relatively small island, surrounded by tall rocks and enchanting crystal waters. Hora and the port of the island are built amphitheatrically and impress the visitor at first sight. The jewel of the island is the monastery of Panormiti where numerous pilgrims gather to worship the archangel Michael who is considered the protector of the island. In Symi you will also see the church of Megali Panagia as well as the castle of the Knights which are located at the top of Ano Symi from where the view is breathtaking. In Kato Symi you will find several souvenir stores, cafes, restaurants, taverns and bars that stay open until very late at night. You will not find any frantic nightlife in Symi but you will enjoy beautiful nights and maybe some festivities and concerts that take place on the island. Two of the most beautiful beaches of the island are Agia Marina and Agios Georgios. In Symi you will spend unforgettable holidays and you will enjoy every minute so wait no more, book your ferry tickets now.
The Symi Port
There are regular ferry departures from the port of Piraeus for the port of Symi and the journey, including stops at other islands as well, lasts about 12 to 14 hours. In fact, by booking your ferry tickets online via aktoploika.gr your journey will be even more comfortable and carefree. As the ferry approaches the port of Symi, you will be able to see the impressive watch tower from quite a distance. The nearby beach of Gialos is particularly cosmopolitan with several cafes and bars.
Connection With Other Islands
Symi has a ferry connection with the following ports: Piraeus (Athens), Agathonisi, Ikaria, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Lipsi, Naxos, Nisyros, Paros, Patmos, Samos (Pythagoreio), Symi (Panormitis), Rhodes, Tilos, Fournoi.
Ferry Tickets
You can now book ferry tickets online for Symi via Aktoploika.gr. If you plan to travel during July and August, it's best if you have booked several days or weeks earlier to avoid hitches. You should also know that round-trip/return ferry tickets come with a considerable discount.
Transportation in Symi
In Symi there are several taxis that can take you from the port to Panormitis. Taxis are surely more expensive than buses but certainly more comfortable. The road network in Symi is not particularly developed and you can access the beaches of the island by boats which have very frequent itineraries from and to the island.
Simi is one of Greece's very few places, that don't have streets, except the one connecting the villages Gialos, Chorio and Pedi. The one and only bus makes no more than four routes per day, as most of the island's beaches are accessible only by the sea and the small fishing-boats, or, for the those who dare to risk it, via rutty paths. You can rent a bicycle during summer, which will transfer you to the island's east side and the beautiful beaches of Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios, Agia Marina and Nanou.
The green one...
A breath away from the Minor Asia's coasts, embracing by both its small islands, Nimos from the North and Seskli from the South, taking colors from the gorgeous neoclassic houses and filled by its bustling Festival.
Symi is an island with a strong heterogeneity in its vegetation. Evergreen forests with cypresses, pine and Arbutus coexisting with extensive brushwood areas. Olive trees, almond trees, vineyards, fruit trees and many aromatic plants give their own color all over the island. In Simi also lives the rare blue green toad, while are also recorded the greek and the half-tone water turtle. The bay of Panormitis, in the South of the island, has been characterized as Landscape of Great Natural Beauty and worths the visit either by land or by sea. Also, the bays of Emporio, Dissalona, Nanos, St. Emilianos, Marathunda and of course the Nimos and Sesklia islets. Nanos and Dissalina bays and the islets Nimos and Sesklia are partridge shelters.
In Symi you will taste the "simian" fried prawns, octopus, squid, cuttlefish, shrimp, lobsters and gaellopites, fried pies with smelt. Also, goat, rooster Pastitsada, chicken fricassee with almonds and meatballs. Also famous are the 'cakes', 'nevates' pies with local cheese and spearmint. And from sweets, doughnuts or akumia with local honey, pouches and kurabiedes.
Once you get on the island, don't forget to visit the later Byzantine icons and the paved 'platia' (courtyards) of churches of the village, but also the houses of Petinakis known for its Simian architecture and the house of Chatziagapitos-Chatzi-Ioannou, with the famous hall, as well as the Spetsaria, the old city's pharmacy. On the Nulias hill, are located the Mills, and the old monument which bears the name of Pontikokastro. The Archaeological and the Folklore Museum in the village, the Maritime Museum and the reading room Aigli in Yialos.
Symi's "musts"
- The island has majestic beaches, some of them similar to exotic places, but the most beautiful are those which are accessible by boat: Agia Marina, Marathounta and Agios Nikolaos worth to be mentioned.
- Ano Horio village has one of the most beautiful castles in Aegean Sea, offering a great view.
- Archangel Michael Panormitis Monastery is the island's "diamond". You better visit it on a weekday, so you can enjoy it.
- "Symiako garidaki (small shrimp)" is the island's specialty. You can take it anywhere you go, as it's a great snack too.
- "Stani" is the perfect place for sweets and ice-creams, with a history that begins before WWII. The owner established it in Rhodes islands and today the company counts 7 shops, one of them in Symi island.
Don't forget
If you wish to have an easy and quick access to all over the island, Gialos is the perfect place to stay.
You'll definitely be proposed a walk to Kali Strata. It's a step-course between Gialos and the village above it. It's very beautiful but a little tiring too. If you decide to cross it, you better do it in the morning or before sunset.
Happy Holidays in the amazing Symi!!!
