Best beaches in Symi: take the ferry and visit them

• Symi has no airport, so every beach on this list starts with a ferry journey — most visitors arrive from Rhodes.
• Walk from the harbour: Nos and Emborios (Niborio). No car, no boat, no planning required.
• Boat only: Agios Georgios Dysalonas, Agios Vasileios, Maroni, and Nanou. These are the beaches people remember.
• By road: Marathounda and the Panormitis cove.
• Best all-rounder for families: Agios Nikolaos — sandy, organised, and with calm waters.

Let's get one thing out of the way. Symi is not a long sandy beach island. If that's what you're picturing, adjust your expectations now and you'll enjoy the island much more.

What Symi offers instead are coves. Small, sheltered bays, mostly covered with pebbles, and waters so clear that you can count the stones six metres below the surface. And here's the part most guides leave out: the best beaches have no road access. You arrive by boat, or you don't arrive at all.

That might sound like a disadvantage. It's actually the opposite. It's exactly why these beaches remain peaceful even in August while much of the Aegean is crowded.

One thing to clarify before we continue.

You will read a lot about caiques below. These small wooden boats operate within Symi, mainly from Pedi — they do not bring you to the island.

Symi has no airport at all, so your journey begins with a ferry, usually from Rhodes.

In other words: the ferry ticket comes first. Which beach you choose comes afterwards.

Which beaches in Symi can you reach on foot?

Two beaches are easily accessible on foot from Gialos: Nos and Emborios (also known as Niborio). Both sit northwest of the harbour and neither requires a vehicle or boat.

Nos is the closest. Walk along the waterfront past the clock tower and you'll reach it within minutes. It's organised with umbrellas and sunbeds and is the obvious choice if you've just stepped off the ferry and want to be swimming within fifteen minutes.

Emborios is slightly further away and forms the island's second natural harbour, with its own small settlement. It's larger, quieter, and has a waterfront taverna. Definitely worth the extra walk if you have time.

If you're visiting on a day trip: these two beaches are the only ones you can comfortably enjoy without constantly checking the time. Everything else requires a boat, a bus, or planning ahead.

Why does everyone recommend Pedi?

Because Pedi is where the caiques depart from — and it is also an excellent beach in its own right. Located about one kilometre below Chorio, it is one of the island's most popular and best-equipped beaches.

But the real reason people go there is for the boat connections. Small boats serve a route connecting Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, Agios Georgios Dysalonas, Nanou, and Marathounda. You choose where to get off and when to return.

Of course, this all happens after you've already arrived on Symi. The caique is step two. The ferry from Rhodes is step one.

Agios Nikolaos

Sandy mixed with fine pebbles, turquoise waters, and trees providing natural shade. Fully organised with umbrellas, sunbeds, a beach bar, and a taverna. If you're travelling with children, this is probably your best choice. You can also walk from Pedi in around fifteen minutes.

Agia Marina

A small sandy cove with aquamarine waters and a tiny rocky islet just offshore topped by a chapel. One of the most photographed locations in Symi. Fully organised with a restaurant and bar. Accessible by caique, or via a forty-minute walk from Pedi if you're feeling energetic — though not recommended in the midday heat.

Agios Georgios Dysalonas

This is the iconic Symi photograph. Massive vertical cliffs rising straight above the shore, deep turquoise water below, and coarse pebbles underfoot. There is no road access and no organised facilities. If you're taking only one boat excursion on Symi, make it this one.

Nanou

A spectacular bay surrounded by cypress trees and dramatic rock formations. Hidden from view until you're almost there. Pale blue water, exceptional underwater scenery, and organised facilities including umbrellas and a taverna. Accessible only by boat.

Pay attention to the return schedule. Caiques from Pedi stop operating in the late afternoon. If you're visiting a beach without road access, make sure you know the return departure time before getting into the water.

Which beaches can you drive to?

Marathounda and the Panormitis cove are the two main beaches reachable by road. Both are located in the southern half of the island.

Marathounda is a small pebble bay, fairly secluded but with facilities and a couple of places to eat. It's one of the few beaches where you'll see locals alongside visitors, which is usually a sign of quality.

The Panormitis cove is small, sheltered, and located right beside the famous monastery. The road reaches all the way there through a pine forest, so it attracts a fair number of visitors. The advantage is that you can combine swimming with a visit to one of the most important religious sites in the Dodecanese.

If the monastery is your main destination, there is more information available in our guide to the Symi to Panormitis ferry route.

Which beaches are accessible only by boat — and are they worth it?

Four beaches in Symi have absolutely no road access: Agios Georgios Dysalonas, Agios Vasileios, Maroni, and Nanou. And yes, they're absolutely worth it. That's precisely what makes them special.

Agios Vasileios features large rocks, dark sand, and a few shade trees. It's isolated and is also known as a nudist beach, so visit with that expectation.

Maroni sits in front of a striking pine-covered landscape and can only be reached by boat.

There's also Seskli, a tiny islet south of Symi. It is popular for excursions thanks to its crystal-clear waters and excellent swimming, and is accessible only by boat.

Symi beaches at a glance

There's no point trying to see every beach. There is every reason to choose wisely.

How do you actually get to Symi?

Since Symi has no airport, the only way to reach it is by sea. The most frequent connection is from Rhodes with Dodekanisos Seaways. You can visit as a day trip or stay overnight, depending on your schedule.

This is something worth considering carefully. On a day trip, you have a fixed return departure. You'll comfortably manage Gialos, a walk through town, and one of the nearby beaches. If your goal is Dysalonas or Nanou, you'll either need an overnight stay or you'll need to check the ferry schedule very carefully before travelling.

Current sailings are available through the itinerary search, and full destination information can be found on the Symi destination page.

What to bring

Short list, but every item earns its place on an island of pebbles and boats:

1. Water shoes. Symi's pebbles are coarse and surprisingly uncomfortable barefoot.
2. Water. On beaches without road access, there may be nowhere to buy it.
3. Sunscreen and a hat. Some beaches have shade. Many don't.
4. Cash. Small beachfront tavernas don't always accept cards.
5. The departure time of the last caique, written down somewhere. Seriously.

Ready to book?

Ferry tickets to Symi can be booked online at 12ne.gr/booking in just a few minutes.

If you're planning a day trip, start with the day trip section. Questions? Call (+30) 22410 70590.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which beach in Symi is closest to the harbour?

Nos. It's only a short walk from Gialos and requires no transport. Emborios comes next, approximately fifteen minutes away on foot.

Do the caiques bring me from Rhodes to Symi?

No. Caiques operate only within Symi, mostly between Pedi and the coastal beaches. To reach the island itself you need a ferry ticket.

Do I need a car for the beaches in Symi?

Not necessarily. The best beaches are accessible only by boat. A car or scooter is useful for Marathounda and Panormitis. There is also a local bus from the harbour.

Are there sandy beaches in Symi?

A few. Most beaches are pebbly. The sandiest options are Agios Nikolaos and Agia Marina, which is why water shoes are highly recommended.

Can I visit the beaches on a day trip from Rhodes?

The walkable beaches, yes. Nos and Emborios fit easily into a day trip schedule. The boat-only beaches require more time or an overnight stay.

Symi rewards anyone willing to make a small effort. Stay in Gialos and you'll see a beautiful harbour. Take a caique to a roadless cove and you'll understand why some visitors return every summer.

If this is your first visit and you want the bigger picture — the harbour, Kali Strata, Chorio and more — start with our guide to what is actually worth seeing on Symi. Then book your crossing online.