Symi lies in the Southern Dodecanese, north of Rhodes and close to the coast of south-west Turkey. Surrounded by turquoise seas and covered in cypress trees, this beautiful island is home to small harbours and pretty fishing villages. Many of the visitors are Italian, attracted by the swish shops and chic restaurants.

All the hotels on Symi are situated around the harbour. Of these the best are Hotel Dorian (00 30 22460 71181) and Hotel Aliki (00 30 22460 71665; fax: 71655; www.simi-hotel-aliki.gr), a 15-roomed hotel, housed in a picturesque, neo-classical building. £

Take a boat ride to any of the beaches dotting the coast. Be sure to stop at Nanoù for its breathtakingly beautiful coastline. Or take a day trip to Turkey, only 10km away.

AIRPORT
Symi itself can only be reached by boat. Fly to Rhodes and get the ferry. The timetable changes regularly. See the Anes Ferries website for the latest information.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK
British Airways (0870 850 9850; www.ba.com) runs scheduled flights to Athens, from where you can get internal flights to other islands.

Charter flights go direct to Rhodes. Try www.cheapflights.co.uk.

Hidden Greece (020 8758 4707; www.hidden-greece.co.uk)
Travel à la carte (01635 33800; www.travelalacarte.co.uk)

The early summer and autumn are the best times to visit as the heat is not too overbearing and there are fewer tourists.

Visit the official Symi information website, at www.symi.gr which is run by the Municipality of Symi.