Simi is one of the smaller holiday islands in the Dodecanese group just 9km off the Turkish coast north of Rhodes. On this page you may find where is Simi island, how to get there, things to do and see, what to do in Simi, beaches and villages, where to stay, hotels and accommodation and more.
Simi in Greece is a tiny island of Dodecanese that amazes visitors with the calm atmosphere and the fabulous architecture. In fact, Simi island has one of the most impressive ports in the Greek islands, with elegant mansions constructed amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill and offering breathtaking view to the sea from any spot. A promenade along the port is fabulous for a romantic evening. The beaches of the island are small but clean. Some can be organized and others are secluded, but they all provide a relaxing atmosphere for your Simi holidays. An interesting sight is the Monastery of Panormitis, on the southern side of the island. Ideal for families and couples, Simi can be visited for vacations or for a day trip from Rhodes.
Where is Simi
Simi is located in the Southern Dodecanese, situated between the larger island of Rhodes and the Turkish coast (Opposite of Marmaris – Datca village). Arriving at the main harbour sees Simi at its most spectacular; with its outstanding architecture and beautiful hills surrounding it.
How to get to Simi
There is no airport in Simi. The closest airport is located in Rhodes, which receives many internal flights from Athens and Thessaloniki as well as direct international flights. The airport of Rhodes is located 16 km from Rhodes Town. Ferries from Rhodes to Simi operate daily and the trip is only 1 hour.
Ferries to Simi from Piraeus, the main port of Athens, run 3 times per week. Due to the large distance, the trip from Athens to Simi lasts 20 hours. This is why many visitors choose to fly to Rhodes and take the ferry to Simi from there, which takes only 1 hour. Ferries also connect Simi with other islands of Dodecanese, such as Rhodes, Kalymnos, Patmos, Leros and Tilos.
Transportation in Simi
Simi is a beautiful island with unique natural surroundings. It stands out for its tranquil vibes and picturesque pathways. This place is definitely worth visiting and exploring in every possible way! Find out which transportation options you have and organize your trip around Simi easily!
Public buses in Simi
Public transportation is an affordable and at the same time amusing way to explore the whole region! In Simi there are actually two different bus lines available. The first one connects Gialos, Chorio and Pedi, while the other one carries out routes towards Panormitis Monastery.
Car and motorbike rentals in Simi
With a car or motorcycle, you can explore the island at your own pace and gain access to the most secluded spots! In case you don’t have your own vehicle, it is an excellent idea to rent one for your sightseeing trips! As Simi is a quite small island, renting a motorcycle might be a better choice. In any case, you should always be careful when driving, as the road network is not so modern and in certain spots it gets quite narrow.
Simi travel guide, Greece
A tiny island only an hour ferry ride from Rhodes, Simi Greece distinguishes for its picturesque architecture and the relaxing atmosphere. Especially the main town is a true marvel, with brown and yellow houses constructed on the slopes of a hill and offering fantastic view to the sea. Lovely villages and beaches are found in a walking distance from the port, offering nice chances for hiking. An interesting places to visit in Simi is the Monastery of Taxiarches, on the south of the island, that is considered the protector of the locals.
With its sophisticated ambience and period architecture, Simi promises a different island experience on the edge of the Aegean, filled with old world glamour. Greece holiday in Simi island.
You know that it’s a special island, far away, near bustling Rhodes in the Dodecanese. What you may not know is that Simi ranks as one of the most popular summer destinations in the Mediterranan for those seeking a holiday with style, one that combines cosmopolitan flavour with old-world glamour, class and tradition. It’s an island rich with history and culture, with expensive yachts along the harbour and sailboats that make their way daily from nearby Turkey.
Thanks to its unique elegance and special ambience, Simi has become a second home for people from all over the world. Whether you arrive at Gialos by ferry or cruise ship, you will be welcomed by the imposing homes of this multicoloured, listed neoclassical settlement. In its tavernas and restaurants you’ll sample the famous Simi shrimps. While on the other side of the island you’ll light a candle and say a prayer at Taxiarchis Michael of Panormitis, the famous miracle worker. Welcome to Simi!
Things to do and see in Simi
As the island is small and quiet, things to do in Simi are limited. There are no organized things to do in Simi. The island is ideal for total relaxation at the beach or in the countryside. Swimming in the wonderfully secluded beaches of Simi is a delight. Enjoy a day under the hot sun and in the afternoon have lunch in the seaside taverns. In the evenings, have a drink in a lounge cafe-bar under the stars.
Another enjoyable activity in Simi island is hiking. Many old footpaths cross the island and lead to tiny chapels, small settlements, secluded beaches and hilltops with breathtaking view to the sea. Hiking is best in autumn and spring when the weather is not so hot. In summer, long hiking can be quietly uncomfortable.
Gialos: colour, glamour and old-world charm
Ochre, salmon, red, blue, turquoise, grey: the stately neoclassical buildings at Simi’s port, Gialo, preserve the colour and glamour of its glorious past. A place that looks as if it were taken straight from the pages of an old book. Don’t forget to visit the sights and attractions: Timiou Prodromou Monastery, founded in 1838, the old Customs House, the Fish Market, the stone bridge, the statue of a young fisherman, the Clock Tower (built in 1881) and the old boatyard in Harani.
Higher and higher: Kali Strata
No fewer than 500 steps guide you from Gialo to Horio, in Ano (Upper) Simi. It was once the only way to get from one town to the other. Now, as you make your way up, imagine the old days when you’d pass well-dressed ladies in crinolines and gentlemen in tails. This is Kali Strata: homes and boutiques in the most beautiful, wealthiest part of town. At the top, an oasis, an outdoor cafe awaits. From here, watch the setting sun bathe Gialos in its technicolour glory.
Horio: glamour and nobility
You’ve arrived at Horio (meaning village). Here, the locals will show you everything there is to see: Spetsaria, the old community pharmacy with its glass containers and its 1884 architectural details. The impressive Hatziagapitou-Hatzioanou mansion. The Farmaki mansion which houses the Archaeological & Folklore museum. Stroll through the cobblestone streets to the Kastro and take in the view of the Aegean.
Monastery of Taxiarchis Michael Panormitis
Here devotees queue to get in, and it’s worth the wait: mystical energy pervades the church. Famous for its miracles, Panormitis is a major pilgrimage site. The monastery has existed since the 15th century and the icon of the Archangel Michael (the patron saint) is considered miraculous. Feel like staying the night? The monastery rents out some of its spartan rooms.
What to do in Simi
Simi shrimps
This is the most famous and traditional dish in Simi. Small and flavourful, you’ll eat them fried in the tavernas of Gialo and Horio.
The Nautical Museum
Sponge diving and other underwater stories await you at this museum which is housed in an impressive neoclassical building in Simi’s old shipyard. Put this on the top of things to do during your holiday on the island.
Set sail for the beaches of Simi
Day cruises will take you to whatever beach you chose: Ai-Giorgi, Dysalona, Agia Marina, Nanou, Fokospilia. And, as Gialos recedes in the distance, you will once again admire its neoclassical splendour.
Nightlife in Simi
Simi suggests some amazing night places, bars and cafes perched on the cliffs of the main town or along the port. During your stroll in the picturesque alleys of Simi Town, you will pass by bars with great atmosphere. As the island has a large community of British expats, there are few British bars in the town with lively music. Some bars close around midnight, while others stay till 2 or 3 o’clock in the morning. Few seaside bars are also found in Pedi.
Villages of Simi
Simi Town impresses visitors with the amphitheatrical architecture, the earth colors and the paved streets along a hillside. Another village on Simi is Panormitis, famous for the Monastery of Archangel Michael.
Beaches of Simi
Beaches in Simi are actually small coves but attract many visitors for their picturesque environment. Some Simi beaches are organized with tourist facilities, like taverns, bars, umbrellas, and sunbeds, like Nos, Emporios, and Pedi. The rest of Simi beaches are secluded and ideal for privacy. You will find below a list with the best beaches in Simi island.
List of all beaches in Simi, Greece
Where to stay in Simi
The most convenient hotels in Simi are found around the port or in a walking distance from it. As Simi Town is the centre of activity on the island, it has many tourist facilities and bus transport to other places.
Simi Hotels: Look and search island of Simi hotels, accommodation, rooms, apartments, studios and pensions.
Hotels in Simi Town
- Myrtia, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- House on the Hill, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Penelope Studio Down, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Marias Sea House, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Pitini, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Evgenias House, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Infinity View, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Castello Venetsiana, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Nireus Hotel, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Harani Apartment, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
Hotels in Emporio village, Simi
- Maravelia Mare, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Emporio, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Chryssa Rooms, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Fofi Apartments, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Metapontis Studios (Nimporio), Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
Hotels in Pedi village, Simi
- Pedi Apartment, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Korali, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- The Vegghera House, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Asymi Residences, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
- Royal Villa Pedi, Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com
