Symi is one of the smaller islands of the Dodecanese, off the Turkish coast and north of Rhodes. Τhis island is mainly a destination for day trippers, there are regular daily excursions from Rhodes’ Port of Mandraki, rather than for long term stays, due to the fact that it only has a few gravel beaches to offer with large underwater stones and limited shady areas.
Visitors stroll around the lively main port area which is surrounded by scenic neoclassical mansions which offer an impressive view of the town and have the opportunity to see the Panormitis Monastery located on the southwest tip of the island, the main tourist attraction.
There are daily ferries from the island of Rhodes to Symi, the trip is about 1 hour. Ferry boats from Athens Pireus Port are only 3 times a week due to the large distance and the trip lasts some 20 hours.
