Daily Symi Tours from Turkey
One of the most beautiful harbours in Greece: rows of neoclassical mansions in ochre, pink and blue, a stairway of hundreds of steps to the old upper town and the monastery of Panormitis. Send us your dates and we will plan your day on Symi.
Tours on Symi
We are preparing our day tours on Symi. Send us your dates and the number of guests, and we will plan your day on the island with the ferry from Turkey.
Symi in pictures
The harbour of Gialos, its fishing boats and clock tower, and the monastery of Panormitis.
Ferry from Turkey to Symi
Bodrum → Symi · Datça → Symi
Ferries to Symi leave from Bodrum in the summer season, a crossing of about two hours, and in some seasons also from Datça, which is closer. Sailing days and times change every year, so tell us your dates and we will confirm the crossing for your trip.
Why visit Symi?
Symi, also known in Turkish as Sömbeki, is a small and rocky island, but its harbour is one of the most beautiful in the Aegean. In the 19th century Symi grew rich from shipbuilding and sponge diving, and its families built the elegant neoclassical mansions that still climb the hills around the bay.
There are almost no beaches near the town, few cars and no large hotels, so Symi keeps a calm, old-fashioned feel. Most visitors come to walk the lanes and steps of the town, eat fresh seafood by the water and visit the famous monastery of the Archangel Michael at Panormitis.
What to see in Symi
The harbour of Gialos and the upper town of Chorio can be explored on foot. Panormitis is in the south of the island and is reached by road or by boat.
Gialos harbour
The harbour of Symi town, lined with neoclassical mansions in ochre, pink, blue and cream, cafés and fishing boats. It is one of the most photographed views in Greece.
Kali Strata
A wide stone stairway of several hundred steps that climbs from the harbour to the upper town, past old captains’ houses and ruined mansions.
Chorio
The upper town of Symi, with lanes, small squares, windmills and the remains of a Knights’ castle at the top, built around the church of the Virgin.
Symi Museum
In Chorio, a small museum of the island’s history, with finds from ancient times, icons and traditional costumes.
Clock tower
The stone clock tower at the entrance to the harbour, from the 19th century, is a landmark for everyone arriving by sea.
Panormitis Monastery
The monastery of the Archangel Michael stands on a quiet bay in the south of the island. Its tall, decorated bell tower and its icon of the Archangel draw pilgrims from all over Greece.
Pedi
A small bay and fishing village below Chorio, with a beach, tavernas and a footpath to quieter coves.
Beaches by boat
The best beaches, such as Agios Georgios Dysalona, Nanou and Marathounda, are on the east coast and are reached by small boats from the harbour.
Symi shrimp and sponges
Try the tiny fried Symi shrimp, a local speciality, and browse the sponge shops on the waterfront.
Arriving on Symi by ferry from Turkey
In the summer season there are ferries from Bodrum to Symi, a crossing of about two hours, and in some seasons also from Datça, which is closer. Boats arrive at Gialos, the harbour of Symi town. Sailing days and times change every year, and there is no direct boat from Turkey in winter.
Bring your passport. Greece is in the Schengen area, so check whether you need a visa before you travel. Tell us your dates and we will confirm the ferry and plan your time on the island.
Where to stay in Symi
Symi has small hotels and restored houses rather than large resorts. Here are some areas and well-known hotels. Prices are on request: send us your dates and we will check availability.
Gialos
The harbour, close to the ferries, the restaurants and the boats to the beaches.
- The Old Markets · price on request
- Aliki Hotel · price on request
- Iapetos Village · price on request
Chorio
Restored stone houses in the quiet upper town, with views over the harbour.
Pedi
A small bay with a beach, about 2 km from the harbour.
- Pedi Beach Hotel · price on request
Where is Symi?
Symi is a small, rocky Dodecanese island of Greece, between the Datça peninsula of Turkey and the open Aegean.
Symi questions and answers
How do I get to Symi from Turkey?
In the summer season there are ferries from Bodrum to Symi, a crossing of about two hours, and in some seasons also from Datça. Sailing days change every year, so ask us for the current timetable.
Can I visit Symi on a day trip from Turkey?
Yes, on the days with a morning ferry and an evening return. A day is enough for the harbour, the Kali Strata and Chorio. Panormitis needs a little more time.
Do I need a visa to visit Symi?
Greece is in the Schengen area. Depending on your nationality you may need a Schengen visa. Bring your passport for the border check.
Do you offer tours on Symi?
Yes, on request. Send us your dates and the number of guests, and we will prepare a day on Symi for you.
What is the Turkish name of Symi?
In Turkish, Symi is known as Sömbeki.
Plan your Symi trip
Send us your dates and the number of guests. We will check the ferries and reply with your full plan.