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 ambience 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.

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.

Agios Nikolaos beach, which takes its name from the small chapel you can see at the bottom left of the photo


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 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 then 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.

Nanou Bay


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, cafés and a kiosk. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available. It is an easy walk from Chorio.

Pedi Bay


Nimborios

Nimborios 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.

The bay of Nimborios

There is a large, newly-built taverna which serves snacks and meals and where you can buy drinks.

Marathounda

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.

Nos beach, seen from the road to Nimborios

Other Beaches

The 'Triton' day-trip boat

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