Symi Holidays

Symi: Introduction

Located north of Rhodes in the South Dodecaneses, Symi (Simi) was once one of Greece’s most prosperous islands and praised by the ancient poet Homer. Today Symi preserves all its traditional character, with concrete development virtually abandoned in favour of resurrecting neo-classical houses. Over the past decade, award-winning architects have helped to restore Symi to its former glory. With a tourist season stretching from April to early November, Pedi holidays are fantastic for anyone looking to avoid the summer crowds.

Reasons to Visit
Covering just 68km square km, this pretty island is divided into a handful of friendly resorts. Gialos is the first sight that greets visitors on their arrival to Symi and is home to one of the most beautiful harbours of the Greek Islands. Whitewashed and pastel-coloured houses stand either side of a steep fjord, with ferries and fishing boats patrolling the sparkling waters below. The harbour is linked to the old town of Chorio by two enormous stone staircases, known as Kali Strata and Katarraktes. The climb keeps the town’s residents fit and the reward is a spectacular view of the Aegean Sea. In the valley below lies the charming Pedi Bay, an ideal location for a beach holiday to Symi. The old fishing village of Emporios is found 3km away from the harbour, where a tranquil atmosphere attracts couples and families looking to soak up the sun in picturesque seclusion.

Things to See & Do
Package holidays to Symi are ideal for those who love to immerse themselves in culture, with a vast array of churches, ancient ruins and modern war memorials waiting to be discovered. The Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis was built on the island’s southwest coast in the early 18th century, and is still home to a community of monks. Overlooking the main town of Ano Symi is the breathtaking Kastro, which was built as an expansion of a Byzantine castle by the Knights of St. John. At Gialos harbour, the historical Catarinettes building was the headquarters of the Italian occupation during World War II and is now a family-run hotel.

Kids’ Attractions
Symi package holidays are best-suited to active families looking to head off the beaten track and explore. The interior of the island is a forested plateau with a variety of walking and biking trails offering spectacular views. Alternatively why not pack a picnic and take a boat to the tiny islet of Seskli, where you’ll find a seluded beach and intriguing ancient ruins.

Weather
Symi enjoys a balmy summer climate, with temperatures soaring to a high of 32C. Long days of glorious sunshine make this time of year ideal for cheap Symi holidays spent relaxing by the glittering sea. Warm temperatures in April and May also attract sightseers across the world to the island, when the verdant countryside blooms with wild flowers.

Check our Hot Offer holidays section for cheap Greek holiday offers or last minute holidays.

Other Greek holiday destinations available

Corfu, Crete, Kos, Lefkas, Preveza, Rhodes, Skiathos, Ithaca, Kalymnos, Kefalonia, Leros, Meganissi, Parga, Paxos, Pelion Region, Sivota, Skopelos, Telendos and Zante