The Hidden Greek Island of Symi That You Must See This Summer

If you are looking for a Greek island off the beaten track with hidden beaches and stunning scenery, you might want to check out Symi. This small island in the Dodecanese Sea is about to become more accessible, thanks to Jet2’s new flights and packages for this summer.

Jet2 is the first UK airline to offer flights and holidays to Symi, which it calls a “secret slice of paradise”. The packages include a flight to Rhodes, where you can spend a night before boating to Symi the next day.

Symi is a fairytale-like island with its colourful port and traditional village. The island’s main town, Symi, is divided into two parts: Gialos, the lower part by the harbour, and Chorio, the upper part on the hill. The town has charming houses, reflecting the Italian influence from the past century. Gialos is lively with bars and cafes, serving delicious local dishes, such as fried prawns, stuffed vine leaves, and Akoumia Symiaka (a type of doughnut).

Symi also has plenty of cultural and natural attractions to explore. On the island’s south side, you can visit the Monastery of Panormitis, a 15th-century religious site. If you love beaches, you can check out Ped, a cosy seaside village, or the Kastro ruins, which offer amazing views.

Symi is a quiet island most of the year. However, it becomes more vibrant in the summer, especially from July to September, when it hosts events like the Symi Festival and the Symi International Film Festival.

The island has various accommodation options, primarily small B&Bs and hotels, that give you a cosy and personal experience. Jet2’s packages start from £604 per person weekly, with return flights and accommodation in Symi Town, Pedi, or Emporios.

The flight to Rhodes takes about four hours, and the boat ride to Symi takes about 50 minutes. You can also take the opportunity to discover Rhodes, a historical island with sites like the Acropolis and the Roman temple of Athena, without the summer crowds.

Greece has many other beautiful islands waiting to be discovered by travellers. For example, Tinos is twice as big as Mykonos and has excellent food and beaches. Anafi, near Santorini but less busy, has stunning views similar to the Santorini Caldera.

If you prefer a more conventional Greek island holiday, you can find affordable options for Mykonos and learn what to expect from a trip to Santorini.