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Each one of the Dodecanese Islands offers a distinctly different experience – and Symi is one of the most culturally rich of them all. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sites such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, ‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress.'
The fun starts with a glide across the Aegean to Symi. The first stop is in the southwest of the island, at the vast, Venetian-style Panormitis Monastery. It is famed for its Byzantine frescoes and icon of St Michael, but most of all for its location right on the water's edge in a remote and sheltered bay. You'll also have free time to explore the site.
Next, you'll sail for Symi town itself. The arrival into the harbour is a joy to behold – tiers of pastel-coloured houses cascade down the surrounding hillsides. There's a guided tour of Symi town, too. And during the sponge maker visit, you'll learn about the island's sponge-diving heritage and its importance to the eco system surrounding the Symi. Your visit also helps support this traditional industry, vital to the local community. You'll get a small gift to take home, too. It's Fotini's favourite part of the experience. She says, ‘The old tradition of sponge diving has strongly affected the history and the customs of the Dodecanese Islands.'
Based on 1005 reviews from verified customers
Review categories
Safety
4.4/5
Staff
4.4/5
Service
4.4/5
Value for money
4.1/5
Rosalie76
From United States of America - July 2025Traveled with family
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Abholung vom Hotel war etwas schwierig ,man wußte nicht wohin bzw. in welchen Bus. Bei der Rückfahrt alles sehr schnell,kein Danke für den Guide mehr ...
M. V.
From United States of America - July 2025Traveled as a couple
25 - 34 years old
Average
Overall rated3/5
En alt for lang tur med guiden, der fortalte om kedelige ting med alt for meget fokus på svampdykning! Fokus burde ændres til noget andet kulturelt. J ...
Annie Bee
From United States of America - July 2025Traveled as a couple
35 - 44 years old
Excellent
Overall rated5/5
sdubya
From United Kingdom - July 2025Traveled with family
45 - 54 years old
Great
Overall rated3/5
Be aware it takes a while to get there and can be crowded and seats aren't that comfortable. Once there you don't have that long to explore especially ...
VADALA
From United States of America - July 2025Traveled with family
55 - 64 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Nous avons apprécié l'équipe ANIMATION dans son ensemble et l'énergie positive. Par contre quelques reproches concernant l'attente longue pour la réc ...
Philip Arber
From United States of America - July 2025Traveled with family
25 - 34 years old
Excellent
Overall rated4/5
Good tour, excellent guide, not enough time free to get to the ruins and enjoy the sights of symi, monastery was good but seemed a bit of a money maki ...