Symi is a small but quite hilly island. It is easily reached by ferry from Rhodes or Kos.

One of the island's most famous landmarks is the monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis on the southwest coast. Built in the early l8th century,it contains marvellous Byzantine frescoes and an intricately carved iconostasis

The main town of Symi is divided into the upper and lower town. The lower town is also called Yialos, the upper town known as Chorio. The most of houses are neoclassical houses, some of them painted in warm pastel colours, with balconies in the center and red tiled roofs.

The highest point of Chorio is capped by the usual castle of the Knights of St. John.

There are a number of beautiful beaches, many reachable only by "water taxi" from the harbour or from the jetty at Pedi, or by walking. There are numerous guided walks, these being by far the best way to see the beautiful interior of the island.