Symi Beach Guide
If you like nothing better on holiday than to sit on a quiet
beach with a good book and a cold drink, then Symi's the place for you!
Although the island is justly famous for its Neo-Classical port and the unspoilt
ambiance of a real Greek island, sun-lovers are also well-catered for.
Catch a taxi-boat in Symi harbour or Pedi Bay mid-morning after a leisurely
breakfast and choose your destination: from the breathtaking Agios Georgios bay
to family-friendly Agios Nikolaos, there is something on the island for
beach-lovers of all ages. The sea is swimmable from May to December.
There are several other bays and beaches which are only reachable by water; the best way to see the more inaccessible of them is to book a day-trip on a boat from the harbour.
Below are the locations of the main Symi beaches: click on the icons for more information. You can zoom in and look closer using the "+" key on the map.
View Interactive Symi Beach Guide in a larger map.
Below are descriptions of the main beaches served by taxi boats
Agios Nikolaos
Agios
Nikolaos
(St. Nicholas-often shortened to 'St. Nick's)
is
a popular beach on Symi by virtue of its sand/shingle beach, natural shade, safe
swimming, excellent taverna and beach-bar. Popular with families with younger
children, as the beach slopes gently into the sea, particularly on the far side.
The journey on a taxi-boat from Symi harbour or Pedi Bay will take you about
twenty minutes. There are sunbeds and umbrellas for hire, but many people opt
for the natural shade provided by the trees. You can buy cold soft drinks, beer
and water from the taverna as well as meals and there are two modern, clean
toilets there. The last taxi-boat back leaves at 6.30 p.m. You can also walk from Pedi Bay; following a path marked by red paint circles
over the rocks will take you around 20 minutes.
Agia Marina
Agia Marina on the northern side of the entrance to Pedi can be reached on foot or by water-taxi from the harbour or Pedi Bay. It has a newly-built taverna, sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. You can buy a drink from the bar and relax on the terrace. There is a picturesque chapel on a small island which is very popular as a wedding venue. The water is incredibly clear; great for snorkelling and and safe for children.
Nanou
Nanou
Nanou is only accessible by taxi-boat or a very long walk! The journey will take between 30-45 minutes. The last taxi boat back to the harbour leaves at 6.30pm.
Nanou is a large, sweeping bay, backed by high cliffs, with astonishingly clear water, marvellous for snorkelling (particularly on the far side). The beach itself is made up of medium to large pebbles, so wear something more substantial than flip-flops.
It is quieter than Agios Nikolaos and the lack of sand makes it less popular for families with children.
There are plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. There is
also a taverna which sells water, soft drinks and beer as well as a meals.
There are two clean, modern toilets inside the taverna.
Snorkelling at Nanou
Pedi Bay
Pedi Bay has several small beaches and serves as a starting point by water-taxi and on foot to several other beaches.
It is on the bus route and has tavernas, a kiosk and a small supermarket. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available. It is an easy walk from Chorio.
Early morning at Pedi Bay
Nimborio
Nimborio is a large bay with a pebble
beach. There is a taverna with sunbeds. An old fishing village, there are some
summer houses as well as churches but no shops. Accessible by taxi-boat or road.
Arriving at Nimborio on a taxi boat.
Marathounda
Marathounda is the last stop on the taxi boat run and one of the latest of Symi's beaches to be developed for tourism. It is also accessible by road. The water is very clear and perfect for swimming or snorkelling.
There is a large, newly-built taverna which serves snacks and meals and where you can buy drinks.
Nos Beach
Nos beach, also known as 'Paradise Beach' or sometimes the 'town beach', is to be found by turning left at the clock tower in the harbour and following the road round, through the boatyard at Harani. Nos is a popular beach made up of small shingle. It has a busy taverna on the water's edge which serves meals and also drinks for the beach. There are modern, clean toilets at the taverna. The beach has sun-loungers and umbrellas for hire.
Agios Giorgos
No facilities-take your own food and water and enjoy the breathtaking setting and the fabulously clear water.
Of course you could always try something a bit more energetic...
Toli Bay
Newly opened up to the
public, this small bay is now accessible by car or motorbike, or for the more
adventurous a long hike! Taxi boats do not, as yet, run here. With a brand new
taverna serving excellent food, sunbeds and good swimming, Toli is fast becoming
a popular destination for tourists.
Other Beaches
There are many other beaches on Symi which can only be explored by booking an island boat trip (they run daily in season), or by hiring your own small boat in the harbour.
Photos of Nos beach courtesy of Foxysislandwalks
Photo of Agios Giorgos by Glen Beestone