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Looking for things to do in Symi solo? This picturesque Greek island is ideal for a quick little getaway on your own. Symi is truly a hidden gem filled with delicious food and all the secluded beaches you want on holiday!
Most importantly, this beautiful island is safe for solo female travelers. Walking around alone at night, I felt confident and safe. This small Greek island is on the southwest coast of the Dodecanese island group.
Things to Do Solo in Symi
When visiting the peaceful island of Symi, there are many things to do with your time! The island has a few main sights, but ideally, you come here to relax. The island offers hiking trails, a mountainous landscape, and some of the most beautiful beaches with sun umbrellas.
Symi Greece is one of the perfect island hopping destinations for solo female travelers!
Where Exactly is Symi?
Symi Island is one of the most idyllic of the Dodecanese islands. This little village is 1 – 1.5 hours from Rhodes, Greece. The best way to reach Symi is by ferry. The total distance between Rhodes and Symi is 41 km. You will love how secluded and private the island feels, especially if you come from bustling Rhodes to the mountainous island of Symi.
Rhodes to Symi: How to Get to Symi Island
Most visitors to Symi come from Rhodes since the islands are so close. Both the main ferry terminals in Rhodes and Symi are conveniently located. The ferry terminal in Rhodes is located at the edge of the old town and in Symi, right smack in Symi town center. Whether you have arrived via ferry services from Dodekanisos Seaways or Blue Star Ferries, everything is within just a short walk. You won’t have to rush around to see everything since it’s a tiny Greek Island.
The journey from Rhodes to Symi Island is a quick one. The ferry will take about 90 minutes, and either ferry company is a good choice. If you are coming to this magical island alone for a quick day trip, there is plenty to do!
When Should You Visit Symi Island?
The best time to visit the port town of Symi is the shoulder season, which is right at the busy season’s start or end. I would suggest either the middle of May or September. The beginning of May and the end of September often offer great weather with half the amount of people. I also seem to find the best deals with accommodations in the shoulder seasons.
That should be music to any seasoned traveler’s ears! For solo traveling purposes, I need to travel when the prices are the most reasonable.
Getting Around This Small Island
If you visit Symi for a short trip, I don’t believe you will need anything but your feet to get you around. I took a taxi at one point, but it was more because my feet were hurting. If that hadn’t been an issue, walking everywhere was possible.
Symi Island Things to Do Solo
Here are the top things to do in Symi for solo travelers. Ranked in no particular order. If I were visiting Symi alone or with a partner, these are the must-see attractions in this lovely place.
#1. Explore Symi Town | Get Directions
Symi is one of the most picturesque places I have ever visited. You can spend an hour or so strolling through the town, admiring the beautiful bay, and browsing in the local shops.
There are several cafes and restaurants along the way for when you need a refreshing drink or snack.
One of the best things to do in Symi solo is picture taking! I spent hours just taking photos and soaking up the atmosphere. Since this island is a little more remote than other Greek islands, there were fewer people. It was easier to get my solo shots using a tripod.
#2. Water Taxi Boat Trips | Get Directions
Take a little boat journey to reach the lovely beaches in Symi.
Why not make a half-day trip to any of these beaches: Nimporio, Nos beach, Lapathos, Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Nanou, or Marathounta.
There are so many things to do in Symi solo, you don’t have to be concerned about boredom.
#3. Relax on All The Secluded Beaches in Symi
The Rhodes to Symi travel guide is meant to include a bit of relaxation. Coming from Rhodes, I was a bit tired.
Also, Symi is going to be much HOTTER than Rhodes. I couldn’t believe the heat and felt the need to be in the water as much as possible.
If you are looking for a beach close to the port, I would recommend Sarah’s Beach. I used this beach because of its proximity to Symi town center.
Other Symi Stunning Beaches include, and might require a boat trip to reach are:
- Nanou Beach: paid sunbeds
- Marathounda Beach: free sunbeds
- Agia Marina Beach: beach bar & paid sunbeds
- Saint Nicolas Beach: Restaurant and sunbeds
- Agios Georgios Beach: No facilities, one of the most secluded beaches.
#4. Panormitis Monastery | Get Directions
Sadly I didn’t make time to visit the Panormitis Monastery. It is something I would do when returning to Symi! Since it’s located on the other side of the island, you need to budget for more time. I was way too interested in lying on the beach to make arrangements to go.
#5. Eat Local Food | Seafood & Popcorn Shrimp
I travel to eat delicious food, and it really is as simple as that! The local food in Symi is all about seafood! I was told that the most famous dish in Symi is popcorn shrimp!
When reading my travel guides, you can count on great restaurant recommendations. I leave my suggestions off if I didn’t care for a place. I don’t waste my time writing a bad review; I only include the places I love. Book your dinner reservation with confidence per my top picks!
#6. Explore the Streets of Chorio
The authenticity of Greek life is so visible when visiting Symi island. Strolling Chorio’s small, winding streets, you will see what it means. The locals gave me a warm feeling of community. It was a place you visit that leaves a strong impression that makes you want to revisit.
This is an island you can really unplug and let the Greek life soak in.
Greek Island Essentials
Symi Island | Where to Eat
When it’s a small island, like Symi, often, I don’t have a long list of recommendations. And that proves true here with my short must-try restaurant list. I was also only here for 1-day full day/night, so I had little time to try multiple spots.
All these restaurants below are within a 10 minutes walk from the ferry port.
Breakfast
Elpida Cafeneio | Get Directions
If your accommodations don’t offer breakfast, I suggest finding a cafe along the water. Above is one of many located in the main town square. Enjoy a coffee and cake on gaze out into the Aegean Sea.
Lunch / Dinner
THOLOS RESTAURANT – GET DIRECTIONS
MAKE RESERVATIONS! You will want to make reservations if you plan to eat here. This restaurant not only has the best food, but it also has the best ambiance. I would recommend coming at sunset. Tholos Restaurant served the best fresh fish! The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful.
One of the benefits I found to being solo in Symi was that I could usually sneak into any restaurant for a bite. I will say that I am not always lucky, so I do recommend reservations.
TAVERNA O MERAKLIS – GET DIRECTIONS
I visited Taverna O Meraklis for lunch, and there was no need for a reservation. If you are visiting in high season, I would recommend it. If you are vegan/vegetarian, you will find many options! Try the zucchini fritters!
Petalo | Get Directions
Something I would suggest as one of the things to do in Symi solo is to treat yourself! Five-star dining with an unforgettable view of the Aegean Sea. Sadly, when I visited, this restaurant was temporarily closed. You will want to be sure to MAKE RESERVATIONS.
I can’t say enough how much I love visiting Greece. When traveling solo, as I usually do, safety is everything. In Greece, I also feel welcome and safe.
Travel Necessities for Greece
Where to Stay in Symi, Greece
One of the best things to do in Symi solo is to find incredible accommodations. Because you are worth it! Symi is a VERY small island! You won’t find large chain hotels when searching. Instead, you will see small guest houses and Airbnb-like accommodations. I prefer these more quaint and charming places over the standard hotel.
Many of these available accommodations are within a minute’s walk from the ferry port! I found that to be very convenient. If you do need a taxi, you can find them at the ferry port waiting for people to arrive.
Splurge Hotels in Symi, Greece
*Prices range up from $236 per night. Prices vary seasonally.
Royal Villa Pedi
This is a luxury whole house that sleeps 12 people. It is truly a rare find! If you consider this place, you should book immediately, it is often always booked in the high season. Located 1.5 kilometers from the ferry port.
This property has a private swimming pool, a Blu-ray player, a full kitchen with a dishwasher, a large living room, a dining area, 5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms with a shower and a bath. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a DVD player are provided. Free WIFI
Platanos Cottage
A charming private cottage with 4 colorful guest rooms. The property features are a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a full kitchen including a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a shower. It sleeps up to 8 people. Free WIFI
Platanos Cottage is located 1.9 km from Nimborio Beach and 600 m away from the main Port.
Find Hotel Deals in Symi
Booking.comMid-Range Hotels in Symi, Greece
*Prices range from $59 to $177 per night. Prices vary seasonally.
Kleanthi Kostas Studios
Regarding accommodations on this Rhodes To Symi Greece travel guide, stay here. The unit has the most incredible view of this idyllic island! Waking up here and enjoying coffee on the balcony was an extraordinary moment for me. The unit has a mini kitchen, a private bathroom, air conditioning, and a comfortable bed. However, you must be in shape to climb the stairs. There are approximately 80 stairs to reach the studio. Free WIFI
Nikolitsi Studios– This charming studio is located 100 m from the beach! Just an 8-minute walk from the port. Enjoy the sun terrace overlooking the sea!
Air-conditioned and kitchenette equipped with a fridge. The unit also has a private bathroom. Free WIFI
Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites
Highly rated and a great deal for the value. These suites are conveniently located in the center of town. Enjoy the sun terrace and views of the ocean. Some rooms are available with fully equipped kitchens.
Budget Hotel in Symi, Greece
*Prices range up to $59 per night. Prices vary seasonally. This is a great price for solos in Symi.
Ritzi Apartment
This apartment includes air-conditioning and a balcony! Enjoy city and mountain views from Ritzi Apartment! Saint Nicholas Beach is only 2.9 km away.
The unit has a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a fridge and an oven, a washing machine, a private bathroom! Free Wifi
Athina Studios
Athina Studios is located 200 m from Symi Port. Select units have a terrace and/or balcony. All units have a fully equipped kitchen and a coffee machine. Free Wifi
Solo Greek Islands Hopping
If you want to explore another one of the Greek Islands, I recommend checking out Corfu or Crete! Discover more about Solo Trips to Greece, or grab the Ultimate Crete Solo Travel Guide!
Have you been to Symi solo? I want to hear about it! Let me know your experience in the comments below.
FAQs for Symi, Greece
Although there is a lot to explore in Symi, if you are island hopping, I would recommend staying no more than 2 nights on this island.
Symi island is a very safe island for solo female travelers. You can always look up the crime rate in the areas you are visiting. Symi has a very high safety rating!
Most of the beaches on the Greek Island of Symi are pebbled, but that shouldn’t deter you. The turquoise waters and charming landscaping will have you memorized.
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