Arriving on Symi: what to expect
Following on from the last two days’ worth of info-blogs, here is one about what to expect when you first come on Symi. I am writing this for people who have not been to the island before; regular visitors will know what to expect.
Travelling with a transfer
Not the kind of transfer that you run water over and end up with a tacky, temporary tattoo, of course. I mean, if you are coming with one of the holiday companies who offer transfers, like Olympic Holidays or Kalodoukas Holidays, then you will be met at the airport, and a rep will take care of you. You can check out how it all works with the company when you book with them. I know that Kalodoukas also offer transfers only, so if you are flying on your own but want someone to meet and advise, guide you over, etc. then you can contact them.
Independent arrivals
You have checked that your flight arrives in time to meet one of the ferries [see Rhodes to Symi ferries], you have booked your flights and, where possible, your boat tickets [see Ferries To Symi] and you find yourself on a boat heading from Rhodes to Symi. That’s the first part of the journey done and dusted. But what can you expect when you dock in Yialos, Symi’s harbour?
Booked accommodation
If you have booked accommodation in advance, independently or with a tour operator, there should be someone to meet you. Visitor greeters usually hold up a card with the name of the business on it. Just wait around after you have disembarked and look for a sign, or someone walking towards you with a big smile. If you don’t see who you were expecting, ask someone. All the meeting reps are happy to help as much as they can, though they must prioritise their own visitors. Also, make sure you have a contact number and a phone in case you need to ring your accommodation.
Un-booked accommodation
Be aware that, although it’s not so rife on Symi as it is on other islands, accommodation owners might approach offering you a room. That’s fine if you’ve not booked, and the usual rules about checking the price and location before you commit to a viewing apply. You shouldn’t find anyone hassling you hard, though, and if you do, walk away and go in search of a sign, an office, or a holiday rep for advice.
If you are arriving by the Blue Star in the morning, you may not find anyone offering rooms as the Wednesday boat currently arrives at 05.30. The Friday ferry arrives around 07.30, so you might have more luck that way. But I reckon it’s safe to say that there is always something available on the island, even in peak season, but it may not be where you wanted to stay. Pedi, Yialos and Horio offer bus and taxi access, but Nimborio does not, and you will either need transport, once there, or good walking legs. (It’s not too far, actually, and it’s very quiet, and supermarkets will deliver supplies.)
Where you dock
Where you dock depends on what boat you are on. Currently, the Blue Star arrives on the north side of Yialos harbour by the clock tower and the Dodekanisos boats dock there too; that’s where most reps and accommodation owners wait for their visitors. If you are coming on a day boat without a guide, you will arrive on the south side of Yialos harbour (again, usually, as things do sometimes change) and will be facing the clock tower over the water. Follow the road into town; it’s only a few hundred yards. You will pass the bus stop (on the hour, ever hour to Horio, Pedi, Horio, Yialos), and then the taxi rank.
But: some boats stop at Panormitis first. There will be an announcement telling you that’s where you are and, if you see a sheltered bay with a large, long building with a clock tower and steps in the centre, then you are at Panormitis. If you get off there, you can see the monastery and then get back on the boat. there is a bus service to Yialos, which takes about 30 minutes or so, but it only runs a couple of times per day. If in doubt, ask before the boat leaves.
Once you have arrived
What happens next is up to you. You should keep checking Symi Dream and other Symi sites for details about where to stay, what to expect and what to do. But the sure thing is, you will find a warm welcome and a perfect place to relax and explore.
