Symi Beaches

Most beaches on Symi are reached by water taxi from Gialos harbour, from the easy town beach of Nos to quiet, cliff-backed coves such as Nanou and Agios Georgios. Several of the more remote beaches double as naturist spots, and only the town beach and Pedi Bay are within easy walking distance. See how to reach Symi.

Town beach

Nos

Reached by

Water taxi

Monastery bay

Panormitis

Naturist beaches

Several

Nos Beach

Nos is probably the most popular beach on Symi, set at the edge of Gialos harbour and easily reached on foot - turn left at the clock tower and follow the road round. Also called the town beach, it is organized, with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent and a busy taverna serving cold drinks and food. Nudism is tolerated on some of the small coves off the main road, less so in high season.

Agios Nikolaos

Agios Nikolaos lies in the north-east of Symi and is reached by taxi boat from the harbour or by a 20-minute path from Pedi Bay. It is an organized beach with sunbeds and umbrellas, plus a few trees for shade, and its shallow water makes it safe for small children. A taverna on the beach sells cold drinks.

Nanou Beach

Nanou sits in a bay on the east coast, reached by taxi boat in about 45 minutes or after a walk of a couple of hours. High cliffs ring the clear water, making it good for snorkelling, and it is quieter than Agios Nikolaos. It is an organized pebble beach with sunbeds and umbrellas and a very good taverna; plastic shoes help on the stony entry, and the far end is a discreet nudist beach.

Agios Georgios

Agios Georgios is a small beach in a cliff-ringed bay on the east side of Symi, reached only by water taxi from the harbour. It has no facilities, so bring your own food and water, with just a few trees for shade. Because it is hard to reach it stays quiet, and it is also used as a naturist beach.

Agia Marina

Agia Marina lies in the northern part of Symi, reached on foot or by water taxi from the harbour or Pedi Bay. It is a more touristy, organized beach with umbrellas, sunbeds and a taverna, and its shallow, clear water is good for snorkelling and safe for children. A little white chapel on the beach is a favourite for weddings.

Pedi Bay

Pedi Bay is a popular spot on the east side of Symi, within walking distance of Gialos and an easy walk from Chorio. It has several small beaches and serves as a starting point by water taxi and on foot to other beaches. A bus serves the village, which has tavernas, hotels and sunbeds and umbrellas for rent.

Emborio Beach

Emborio, sometimes called Nimborio, lies on the west side about 2 kilometres from Gialos, within walking distance. It is a large bay with a pebble beach in an old fishing village of summer houses and churches but no shops. The beach is organized, with a taverna and sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and there is accommodation for visitors.

Panormitis Bay

Panormitis Bay lies in the south of Symi and is best reached by excursion boat or by road. It is famous for the monastery of the Archangel Michael at the head of the bay, which draws many visitors each summer, mostly day-trippers from Rhodes. The bay has a beach along with tavernas and shops.

Marathounda Beach

Marathounda is on the south-east coast of Symi and was the last beach on the island to be developed. It is reached by taxi boat, as the last stop, or by road. The organized beach has sunbeds and umbrellas and a large, newly built taverna serving snacks, meals and drinks, and its very clear water is excellent for snorkelling.

Agios Vasilios

Agios Vasilios, also called Lapathos, cannot normally be reached by water taxi - only on foot, a walk of a couple of hours. It is a remote, quiet beach of pebbles and a little sand with no facilities, so carry your own water and food. A few trees give shade, and the last part of the walk is a steep, slippery climb down, so wear good shoes; its isolation makes it an ideal naturist beach.

Toli Bay

Toli Bay lies on the north coast of Symi, west of Emborio, reached by scooter or car - keep right on the uphill road a few kilometres after Chorio and watch for a footpath down to the left, a walk of about half an hour. There are four beaches in the area; Toli itself splits into two, one of them a naturist beach. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas, though a taverna is said to have opened.