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Guide to Simi
SIMI · ITINERARY

Symi (Rhodes, South Aegean, Greece) in 3 Days – Complete Itinerary

3 days / 2 nights · Historic village, stairways, coves, monastery

The route begins in Gialos and gradually climbs the Kali Strata to Chorio and the Knights’ Castle, concentrating the first day in the inhabited area and keeping travel to a minimum. The second day is dedicated to the beaches: Pedi as a base on the coast, then Agia Marina and the more remote Agios Georgios Dysalonas, reachable with a sea transfer to be arranged. The third day takes you to Panormitis, in the southwest of Symi, with a return to Gialos in the afternoon. Times, connections, and costs are indicative and may vary depending on the season and sea conditions.

Stops
4 · 4 with location
Mode
Walking
Route
1.9 km · 24 min
Source
Mapbox · walking

Stops on the map

  1. 689 m · 9 min
  2. 1.1 km · 14 min
  3. 85 m · 1 min

Day 1 – From the port to the upper village

10:00–18:00 Urban walk with an uphill climb

Discover Symi's port and reach the historic center via the scenic staircase.

10:00

Gialos

Spend about an hour at the harbor, taking in the neoclassical façades, the boats, and the curve of the bay; it’s a good place to get your bearings and buy water before the climb. There is no entrance fee for walking along the waterfront; budget around 3–8 € for a drink or snack.

If you’re arriving the same day, factor in disembarkation time and leave your luggage at your accommodation before starting the climb.

11:15

Kali Strata

Walk up Kali Strata, the historic staircase linking the harbor to the upper part of town: the route is steep and usually takes 20–35 minutes, depending on stops. Pause at the viewpoints to take in the rooftops and the harbor from above; access is free, while water or a break at a café may cost roughly 2–6 €.

Wear shoes with good grip and take the stairs at a steady pace, especially during the hottest hours.

12:15

Chorio

Continue on foot through the lanes of Chorio, among traditional houses, small squares, and views over the hillside. Allow about an hour for an unhurried stroll; for an informal lunch nearby, budget roughly 12–25 € per person, depending on the venue and your choice.

Take a break in the shade before continuing toward the highest part.

15:30

Knights’ Castle

Reach the area of the Knights’ Castle on foot and set aside about 45–60 minutes for the ruins and views over the bay. Access and visiting arrangements may vary: check the official website or the tourist offices if tickets or restrictions are in place; for an exterior visit, expect around 0–5 € in additional costs.

Bring water and sunscreen: shade can be limited in this area.

Day 2 – Eastern coast coves

09:00–17:30 Sea day with boat transfers

Visit three different bays, arranging the sea transfers in advance and leaving some flexibility for sea conditions.

09:00

Pedi Beach

Get to Pedi from Gialos by taxi, bus if available, or a prearranged transfer; the road journey is short, but frequencies and fares change depending on the season. Spend about two hours at the beach and bay, where you can take your first swim; beach access is generally free, while a drink or light lunch can cost around 8–20 €.

Make sure in advance of the boarding point and time for the next leg; bring cash for any local services.

11:30

Agia Marina Beach

From Pedi, arrange a boat transfer to Agia Marina, first checking that the connection is operating and suitable for sea conditions; the crossing may take roughly 10–20 minutes. Set aside about two hours at the cove to swim and relax; natural access does not normally require a ticket, but any services and transport can cost around 10–25 €.

Bring water, a hat, and whatever you need for your stay: available services may be limited or vary.

14:00

Agios Georgios Dysalonas Beach

Continue by boat to Agios Georgios Dysalonas, a secluded bay at the foot of towering cliffs; arrange the transfer with an operator or a private boat and clearly agree on the return time. Allow 1–2 hours for swimming and photo stops; the indicative cost of the boat transfer can be around 20–50 € per person, depending on route, duration, and package, while the beach normally has no entrance fee.

The visit depends on sea and wind conditions: if the captain advises against landing, do not insist and agree on an alternative bay.

Day 3 – Panormitis and the south of the island

09:00–16:30 Scenic transfer and a relaxed visit

Reach the sanctuary of Panormitis, explore the area respectfully, and return to Gialos in the afternoon.

09:00

Panormitis Monastery

From Gialos, reach Panormitis by road by bus, if the service is available, or by taxi or private transfer; allow about 30–45 minutes each way, with times depending on the route and traffic. Dedicate 2–3 hours to the complex, the church, and the bay, and plan a lunch break nearby: budget around 10–25 € for the meal and 0–10 € for any admissions or visits, to be checked on the official website before departure.

Check the outbound and return connections in advance and the dress code required to enter the religious spaces.

Estimated budget

Simple accommodation, 2 nights per person in a double room140–320 €
Meals and drinks, 3 days75–165 €
Local transport and road transfers20–70 €
Boat for the beaches on the second day30–90 €
Entrance fees and any visits0–20 €

The local currency is the euro (€). The ranges are approximate estimates per person and may change depending on the season, the type of accommodation, the services selected, and transport availability; they do not include travel to Symi or any personal expenses. Check fares, connections, tickets, and access conditions directly with operators or on official websites.

Practical tips

  • Check the ferry and road connection schedules before organizing your days: frequencies and services may vary depending on the season.
  • For Agia Marina and Agios Georgios Dysalonas, arrange boarding, stop duration, and return in advance, and keep an alternative plan in case of rough seas.
  • Bring shoes suitable for stairways, water, and sunscreen; walks and beach stops may offer little shade.
  • Check the official website for any visit, access, and dress-code rules for Panormitis Monastery and the Castle of the Knights.