Symi · Beaches
Symi has no long sandy beaches, and that is part of the point. Its swimming is in deep, clear coves of pebbles at the foot of steep, bare hills, and many of them have no road at all. In summer, water taxis leave Gialos and Pedi every morning and bring you back in the afternoon. Take water, shade and good sandals for the hot pebbles.
Our favourites
PebblesWild
A wide pebble bay closed in by a sheer cliff some 300 m high, with a tiny chapel at the back of the beach and water of an unreal blue. Nothing else is here.
Water taxi or boat trip from Gialos only
The cliff puts the beach in shade early in the afternoon. Go on the morning boat and bring everything you need.
The east coast
PebblesEasy-going
A long, deep bay on the east coast, with pebbles, pines and a taverna on the shore. One of the most beautiful swims on the island.
Water taxi from Gialos, or a long, hot walk on the old path
Goats wander down to the shore. Keep your lunch in your bag.
The east coast
Pick your kind of day
PebblesEasy-going
A small pebble bay at the end of a green valley, with a taverna by the water and a few houses. Calm and family-friendly.
Water taxi from Gialos, or a rough road from the Panormitis road
The east coastStay in Marathounda
Sand & pebblesEasy-going
The only beach on the island with a good amount of sand, in a little bay south of Pedi with tamarisk trees for shade, sunbeds and a taverna. Shallow water, so popular with families.
Footpath from Pedi, about 30 minutes, or a short water taxi from Pedi
Pedi & the east coastStay in Pedi
PebblesEasy-going
A small beach facing a tiny islet with a white chapel, just across a shallow channel you can swim. A taverna and a few sunbeds.
Water taxi from Pedi or Gialos, or a path over the hill from Pedi
Swim across to the islet and its chapel, then sit in the shade before lunch.
Pedi & the east coastStay in Pedi
Sand & pebblesOrganised
The village beach at the head of a long, sheltered bay, with shallow water and a few sunbeds, below the fields and the fishing harbour.
Road from Gialos or Chorio, about 3 km, and a regular bus
Pedi & the east coastStay in Pedi
PebblesOrganised
The nearest swim to the harbour, a small pebble beach with sunbeds and a bar just past the old boatyards of Harani.
A 10–15 minute walk from Gialos along the north side of the harbour
Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. It is small and fills up at midday.
Gialos & the harbourStay in Gialos
PebblesEasy-going
A quiet pebble bay west of Gialos, with trees for shade, a taverna and clear water.
Road or a coastal walk from Gialos, about 3 km, or a water taxi
Nimborios & the north-westStay in Nimborios
PebblesWild
An uninhabited islet off the southern tip of Symi, reached on the day boats from Gialos, which usually stop here for a swim and a barbecue lunch on the shore.
Boat trip from Gialos only
Islets off the south coast
Wind and sea change by the day. On windy days swim on the sheltered side of the island, and watch for red flags.