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Symi, the island of unparalleled neoclassical beauty, offers its guests a gastronomic experience worthy of its history. The local cuisine is inextricably linked to the sea and its treasures, offering dishes you will not find anywhere else in Greece.
The Famous Symian Shrimp
The hallmark of the island is the famous Symian shrimp. It is a rare variety of shrimp, very small in size, that lives exclusively in local waters. It is usually served fried and eaten whole, making it the ultimate meze for your ouzo or wine in the picturesque fish tavernas of Gialos. Equally special is gaelopita, the traditional atherinopita of Symi, where small fish are fried together with onion and batter, creating a feast for the senses.
Sweet Delights and Local Products
The sweet side of Symi is represented by the akoumia. Although they resemble classic donuts, their recipe is special, as it includes boiled rice in the dough, giving them a unique texture. Before leaving the island, be sure to buy the famous Symian koulouria (sesame rings), rusks, aromatic herbs from the mountains of the island and, of course, the world-famous natural sponges, which are a living legacy of Symian sponge divers.
Culture and Entertainment
Symi never rests. Along the harbour, a collection of stylish bars, restaurants, and cafés promise unforgettable evenings under the stars. Throughout the year, the island buzzes with cultural events and local panigyria. There, you will have the opportunity to listen to the traditional sailors’ songs and proverbs, get to know the Dodecanese dances and become part of a community that passionately honours its roots.
The Famous Symian Shrimp
The hallmark of the island is the famous Symian shrimp. It is a rare variety of shrimp, very small in size, that lives exclusively in local waters. It is usually served fried and eaten whole, making it the ultimate meze for your ouzo or wine in the picturesque fish tavernas of Gialos. Equally special is gaelopita, the traditional atherinopita of Symi, where small fish are fried together with onion and batter, creating a feast for the senses.
Sweet Delights and Local Products
The sweet side of Symi is represented by the akoumia. Although they resemble classic donuts, their recipe is special, as it includes boiled rice in the dough, giving them a unique texture. Before leaving the island, be sure to buy the famous Symian koulouria (sesame rings), rusks, aromatic herbs from the mountains of the island and, of course, the world-famous natural sponges, which are a living legacy of Symian sponge divers.
Culture and Entertainment
Symi never rests. Along the harbour, a collection of stylish bars, restaurants, and cafés promise unforgettable evenings under the stars. Throughout the year, the island buzzes with cultural events and local panigyria. There, you will have the opportunity to listen to the traditional sailors’ songs and proverbs, get to know the Dodecanese dances and become part of a community that passionately honours its roots.









































