Saint Nicholas Beach

This is one of the most popular beaches on Symi because of its lively atmosphere and gentle beauty. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sun and warm Aegean water here. It has a bustling atmosphere here, as well, because of the beachside tavernas and cafes. However, this beach is still family friendly, which means that your children will also have a good time here. There is also plenty of natural shade located by the trees if you don’t want the hassle of renting a sun bed with an umbrella.

Marathounda Beach

Marathounda Beach is also a popular choice for tourists and locals alike. It is also fairly isolated and can be accessed either by foot or by boat. This it the perfect beach for those who want to spend some quiet time in a beautiful setting. Despite its solitary feel, however, this beach is also great for families. Just be sure to bring plenty of food and water and if you take the boat, don’t miss the last one back or else you’ll need to spend the night!

Nanou Bay

The beach at Nanaou Bay is also fairly solitary and can only be reached by foot or by boat. In fact, it is such a long walk that most people don’t arrive by foot – they take a boat. This tends to keep the crowds on the small side since there are much more convenient beaches on the island. With that being said, this beach is also well worth the visit because of the gorgeous scenery thanks to the nearby cliffs! The fact that the beach is on a bay also makes the water fairly gentle.

Pedi Bay

If you want to enjoy a beach that is fairly quiet but also has plenty of nearby cafes and tavernas, Pedi Bay is it! You can access this beach by foot, bus, or even by water taxi depending on where you’re coming from. There are also plenty of sun beds to rent. If you decide to walk, you should start in Chorio. In fact, if you know that you want to spend a lot of time on the beaches at Pedi Bay, you may want to consider staying here!

Symi is filled with plenty of beautiful beaches such as these. You can spend your whole visit going from one beach to the other and never run out of things to do!

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When visiting the island of Symi, you’re going to want to see the most prominent places. Whether you’re heading to the island for a day or spending more time there, you will find plenty to keep you happy.

Agios Georgios Disalonas Beach

The beach of Agios Georgios Disalonas is one of the most beautiful beaches in all the Aegean. Part of what makes this beach so special to see is the cliff located on site. Th 300 meter cliff is impressive not just in terms of Greek beaches, but in the world. Agios Georgios Disalonas Beach is only accessible by boat, which is a nice trip itself. Enjoy the landscape from the sea. There are no restaurants or taverns available around the beach, so you will need to come prepared with supplies, food, and water. The pebbled beach is located on the eastern side of the island and features emerald waters.

The Castle of the Knights

Located at the highest point of Symi is the Castle of the Knights. This defensive fortress was built by the Knights of Saint John in 1407. The fortress was built on top of the remnants of the ancient acropolis. The walls of the ancient acropolis actually became part of the castle. The castle provided protection against pirate raids. The knights kept their fleet of light ships in a small bay that is not visible from the sea. At the main entrance of the castle you can see an emblem of the Knights. The outer walls that served as defense are all that is left of the castle today. When you visit, you will be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Nos Beach

Nos Beach is the closest to the main town of Symi, just 300 meters away. Its proximity from Town means you will have access to any amenities you might need. If you’re staying in Symi Town, getting to the beach is quick and convenient. Nos Beach is family friendly and organized. The peddled beach with clean, crystal water has lovely views.

The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis

The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis is an important pilgrimage center. It is located on the southwest side of the island and features an impressive bell tower that was built in the early 20th century. The bell tower is baroque style and resembles the one on the Monastery of Zagorsk in Moscow. The monastery itself was constructed in 1783. Inside the monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis, you will be able to see the folklore and ecclesiastical collection. There are boat excursions that go from the harbor of Gialos to the monastery.

The island of Symi won’t disappoint with its beautiful beaches and one of a kind attractions.

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Monastery of Archangel Michael Roukouniotis

The Monastery of Archangel Michael Roukouniotis was constructed by the Knights of Saint John during the 15th century.Tradition says this is the oldest monastery on the island. The monastery was built on the ruins of what may have been a pagan temple. By the 17th century, the Monastery of Archangel Michael Roukouniotis was a large monastic community. It had a large amount of land as well as a rich library. The monastery led the spiritual life on the island of Symi.

This place got its name from region where it is located in Roukouna on the western side of the island. The original church is thought to have been dedicated to the Holy Trinity, which may explain why Archangel Michael was revered there early on. The monastery consists of two temples. Inside the courtyard, you will find amazing murals. The courtyard itself is shaded and protected by an umbrella-shaped cypress tree.

Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis

Constructed in 1783, the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis is one of the most important pilgrimage centers not just on the island of Symi, but in the entire Dodecanese. The monastery is located on the southwestern side of the island. Anastasis Karnavis was the architect who designed the Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis.

It was decorated by local iconographers including Monk Neofytos and Kyriakos Karakostis. During the 20th century, the bell tower of the monastery was built. It strongly resembles the bell tower of the Monastery of Zagorsk in Moscow. Inside the monastery, you can explore the ecclesiastical and folklore collections.

Chapel of Virgin Mary of the Castle

The Chapel of Virgin Mary of the Castle in Symi, Greece is located at the highest point of the Castle of the Knights. The chapel offers breathtaking views of the surrounding areas, especially of Horio Town and Yialos Town. As with all the chapels in the castle area, the Chapel of Virgin Mary has a yard decorated with black and white pebbles. The castle was built by the Knights of Saint John during the 14th century. The Knights Castle was built on the ruins of a Byzantine Castle. The castle still share a wall, parts of which are still visible.

Cathedral of Timios Prodromos

The Cathedral of Timios Prodromos was constructed in 1830 and renovated in 1869. The cathedral features a charming pebbled yard that you will find very welcoming and a beautiful bell tower. The Cathedral sits near the waterfront of Gialos providing a wonderful ambiance. The temple is connected to the resistance against conquerors and is an important monument on Symi.

Visit these monasteries and churches in Symi, Greece during your visit. Even if you see only one of them, it could be enough to give you a nice overview.

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The climate of Symi, Greece is classified as hot-summer Mediterranean. It is a warm and temperate island. The dry period on Symi is typically from May to September. The most precipitation is seen during November to February. The coldest month on the island is January and the warmest is August.

This weather forecast in Symi, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data. Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Symi, Greece:

January 

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 59° F (15° C)
• Precipitation: 185 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 10 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 64° F (17.8° C)
• Humidity: 70%

February

• Temperature: 48.2° F (9° C) – 57.2° F (14° C)
• Precipitation: 138 mm
• Climate: 12 days of rain on average, 10.9 hours of daylight per day, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 62.4° F (16.9° C)
• Humidity: 69%

March

• Temperature: 50.72° F (10.4° C) – 62.6° F (17° C)
• Precipitation: 88 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 12 hours of daylight per day, 7 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 62.4° F (16.9° C)
• Humidity: 67%

April 

• Temperature: 55.4° F (13° C) – 68° F (20° C)
• Precipitation: 37 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, 13.2 hours of daylight per day, 9 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 6, water temperature 63.1° F (17.3° C)
• Humidity: 50%

May

• Temperature: 57.2° F (14° C) – 77° F (25° C)
• Precipitation: 23 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 14.1 hours of daylight per day, 11 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 8, water temperature 67.5° F (19.7° C), slightly muggy, beach/pool score 7
• Humidity: 63%

June

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 86° F (30° C)
• Precipitation: 12 mm
• Climate: 3 days of rain on average, 14.6 hours of daylight per day, 13 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 73° F (22.8° C), 30% muggy, beach/pool score 9.5
• Humidity: 58%

July

• Temperature: 72.68° F (22.6° C) – 86.54° F (30.3° C)
• Precipitation: 3 mm
• Climate: 5 days of rain on average, 14.4 hours of daylight per day, 14 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 10, water temperature 76.8° F (24.9° C), 45% muggy, beach/pool score 9.5
• Humidity: 59%

August

• Temperature: 73.4° F (23° C) – 87.26° F (30.7° C)
• Precipitation: 5 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, 13.5 hours of daylight per day, 13 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 9, water temperature 79.2° F (26.2° C), 65% muggy, beach/pool score 9.5
• Humidity: 60%

September

• Temperature: 66.2° F (19° C) – 84.2° F (29° C)
• Precipitation: 14 mm
• Climate: 4 days of rain on average, 12.4 hours of daylight per day, 11 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 7, water temperature 78.1° F (25.6° C), 40% muggy, beach/pool score 9.5
• Humidity: 62%

October

• Temperature: 59° F (15° C) – 75.2° F (24° C0
• Precipitation: 69 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, 11.2 hours of daylight per day, 8 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 5, water temperature 73.9° F (23.3° C), slightly muggy, beach/pool score 7
• Humidity: 68%

November

• Temperature: 51.8° F (11° C) – 66.2° F (19° C)
• Precipitation: 110 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, 10.2 hours of daylight per day, 6 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 3, water temperature 68.5° F (20.3° C)
• Humidity: 72%

Decemeber

• Temperature: 46.4° F (8° C) – 60.8° F (16° C)
• Precipitation: 190 mm
• Climate: 14 days of rain on average, 9.7 hours of daylight per day, 5 hours of sunshine per day, UV-index 2, water temperature 65.5° F (18.6° C)
• Humidity: 73%

The hot-summer Mediterranean climate of Symi, Greece offers winters that are mild with more rain and summers that are hot and dry.

Find the current weather forecast for Symi, Greece here:

Weather.com – Symi, Greece Weather Forecast

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History of the Monastery of Panormitis

There are some people who believe that the first monastery was constructed on this site around the year 450 on top of a temple dedicated to the ancient Greek god, Apollo. However, written documentation can only prove that the original building was already there in the 1400’s and no exact construction date has ever been established.

The current church at the monastery was constructed in the early1800’s and the two large buildings containing the dorms were constructed after World War II. The famous bell tower was completed prior to World War 1 is the highest baroque bell tower in the world.

Home of a Miraculous Icon

Local lore states that the monastery contains a miraculous portrait of Michael the Archangel. It is believed that the icon was painted and later removed, only to reappear in the same place in the church after removal. Local lore states that the icon was removed on several occasions and always returns to the same wall.

Pilgrims seeking favors from St. Michael bring offerings and place them before the icon. In most cases these offerings are of a brand new broom. Local legend states that the Archangel can be heard sweeping the monastery at night and that he is always seeking a fresh broom for his chores.

As the Patron Saint of Symi Island and that of seafarers, Michael the Archangel is given many offerings at the monastery. It is believed that Michael requires that you provide something for him in return for his intersession and that if you do not keep your end of the bargain, he will seek out his reward. It is believed that many boats have been unable to leave the docks of the island unless everyone aboard has kept their promises to the saint.

Celebrate An Important Feast Day Here

One of the main events at the monastery is on November 8, which is the time of an important feast day, the Feast Day of St. Michael the Archangel. This celebration is so large that many celebrations begin the night before and people come from all over the world to celebrate. Since this is the feast day of the islands Patron Saint, celebrations take place across the island and specifically at the monastery. If you happen to be on the island at that time, it might be worth visiting!

Visiting the monastery of St. Michael the Archangel is an experience you will truly enjoy. The museums are filled with religious and cultural displays dating back to the Byzantine Empire, and the frescos and icons located in the church are exceptional to see.

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Because the island is so beautiful, it is a good idea to spend time admiring its beauty. There is no better way to do this than on the Kali Strata. Here’s more information:

Getting to the Greek Island Symi

There is actually no airport on the island of Symi, which means that you have no choice but to take a ferry or a boat. Of course, you could always fly into Athens and then take a ferry from the nearby port of Piraeus. However, another option is to take a flight from Athens to one of the nearby islands, such as Rhodes, and then take a boat or ferry from one of those islands. Remember that much of the beauty of the island can actually be seen from the ocean so while approaching Symi, you’ll want to find a place on the boat where you can enjoy the view and snap a few pictures. Ferries run all year, but there will likely be more options during peak season.

Walking the Kali Strata

Once you find your way to the island, you’ll want to find some time to walk on the Kali Strata. This is a fairly intense hill climb that involves around five hundred steps. Technically, it is a road that stretches between the villages of Gialos and Chorio. People tend to take this hike in order to make it to the top of a large hill so that they can enjoy the view. It takes about five hundred steps upwards in order to make it to the hill. However, you are also welcomed to use the Kali Strata as it was originally intended – to offer a route between the two villages.

The original intent of the Kali Strata was to give the wealthy population on the island a chance to walk home in a meandering and pleasant environment. Today, this well maintained pathway still has the same feel that it did back then when it was created. The path takes people through a journey between the two villages while boasting incredible views of the architecture and scenery on the island. Since the walk was designed to cater to the wealthy merchants, it is also well maintained and very comfortable. The pathway is wide and comfortable and side from the hills, it is pretty easy on the feet and legs. However, the stones tend to be slippery so it is important to wear the right shoes while walking it. You may also want to bring a hiking stick or walking poles to assist you while making the downhill climb.

While on the island of Symi, you won’t want to miss the chance to walk on the Kali Strata!

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“Nautical” is a term that refers to sailors and/or navigation over bodies of water. Accordingly, the museum is dedicated to the history of sea travel. As the Aegean Sea has been used as a travel point for millennia, Symi is the perfect location for such a tribute.

Visiting the Museum

The museum houses many exhibits related to the seas, water travel, diving, and much more. These include diving suits, compasses, model ships, old maps, tools used by seafarers, and much more.

One of the most popular exhibits is the beautiful paintings and model ships carved out of wood by hand. These were created by a local craftsman named Antonis Polias, who has also contributed to other museums around the island.

Although it is relatively small compared to other museums, it is still well-loved by travelers. Nearby, there is also an archeology museum that makes for an excellent pairing.

Learn About Sponge Diving

The museum has a section dedicated to sponge diving, also known as sponge fishing. It is an older discipline that involves diving underwater to find natural sponges. The practice was quite popular in the Aegean Islands and other places around the world for many years, as this was the only way to obtain sponges for cleaning.

The exhibit features an authentic sponge-diving suit, equipment, examples of natural sponges that were unearthed from the nearby waters, and many other pieces of history.

With the influx of manmade fibers and environmental concerns making the practice generally unnecessary in modern times, the Nautical Museum is a great place to learn about this once popular practice.

History of the Museum

The museum originally opened in 1983 and was conceived as a museum dedicated to maritime-based works, which is why some sources still sometimes refer to it as “The Naval Art Museum”.

In 1990, it moved into the beautiful neoclassical home where it can still be visited to this day. The home had been built in the same location that historically served as the island’s shipyards, making it the perfect location to learn more about nautical history.

The perfect location to learn about the history of water travel and diving both on the Aegean Sea and throughout the world, the Nautical Museum in Symi is an excellent resource and a fun place to visit for travelers of all ages. The Museum of Archeology down the street makes Symi an excellent place for learning about the region’s rich history.

Although there are many museums in both Greece and on islands in the Aegean Sea, this is certainly one of the most unique. No tour of the islands would be complete without a brief stop to learn about the beauty and wonder of sea travel throughout history.

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