Most visitors stay around Gialos (the harbor) and move between beaches/villages by boat, bus, taxi, scooter, or walking.
Main ways to get around
Walking
Symi is extremely walkable in the harbor areas:
- Gialos (port)
- Chorio (upper town)
- Pedi
The famous Kali Strata staircase connects the harbor to Chorio — beautiful but steep.
Bus
There’s a small local bus connecting:
- Gialos
- Chorio
- Pedi
- Panormitis Monastery (seasonal/some schedules
Water taxis & excursion boats
This is one of the best ways to explore Symi.
Boats run from the harbor to:
- Agios Georgios Dysalonas
- Nanou Beach
- Marathounda
- St Nicholas
- Pedi area beaches
Many beaches are much easier by boat than road.
Scooters / ATVs
Popular if you want flexibility.
Roads are limited but scenic.
Good for:
- Panormitis
- Nimborio
- viewpoints
- quieter coves
You generally do not need a car unless you have mobility needs or lots of luggage.
Taxis
Limited but available around the port and main routes. During peak summer evenings you may wait a bit.