Pastel coloured houses climb the hills above a beautiful natural harbour on Symi, an island whose elegance and character set it apart from anywhere else in the Dodecanese.
Facing the still blue waters of Pedi cove, AˑSymi Residences captures the gentler rhythm of Symi through traditional island architecture, Mediterranean gardens and an intimate collection of sea view apartments. There is an immediate sense of place here. Built in the distinctive Symian style, the residences bring together softly coloured façades, decorative gables, curved arches and terracotta tiled roofs, with stone and timber details echoing the handsome houses found across the island. Pebbled pathways and gardens planted with Mediterranean greenery lead towards the waterfront, where fishing boats drift across the sheltered bay. The scale is intimate and the atmosphere wonderfully easy. Mornings begin with the cove coming to life beyond the gardens, afternoons naturally gravitate towards the water, and evenings are made for sitting outside as the surrounding hills soften in the fading light. It is a simple pleasure, but one that feels completely in tune with Symi. para-2 The apartments are designed to give guests more independence than a conventional hotel room while retaining the comfort of a serviced stay. Each has its own outdoor space, with balconies or private verandas extending the interiors into the sunshine and making the views an important part of everyday life. Sea view apartments look directly across Pedi cove, while the Superior and Deluxe categories add private verandas that provide particularly appealing places for breakfast, reading or an evening drink. The Family Apartment offers additional flexibility for those travelling together, while keeping the same close relationship with the waterfront. Inside, the approach is fresh and uncomplicated, with comfortable furnishings, air conditioning and practical living space complemented by the character of the traditional buildings. The real luxury is having the sea and landscape waiting immediately beyond the door. para-3 Breakfast suits the relaxed character of the residences beautifully, bringing together local specialities, fresh pastries and fruit for an unhurried start to the morning. Guests can enjoy it surrounded by the gardens or have breakfast served privately, making it easy to linger over the first coffee of the day. Pedi Breeze provides coffee, drinks and lighter bites during the day, with the waterfront setting giving even a simple refreshment a distinctly island feel. Nearby tavernas add further choice, while evenings in Symi Town are easily reached when the mood calls for dinner among its colourful neoclassical houses and harbourfront restaurants. para-4 Pedi cove is very much part of the experience. With the shoreline directly in front of the residences and Pedi Beach a short walk away, days can revolve around swimming, snorkelling and long stretches beside the water, returning to the garden or private veranda whenever the sun becomes too strong. Symi rewards exploration at a similarly gentle pace. Walking trails climb through the rocky landscape, boats provide access to secluded bays around the coast, and diving and snorkelling reveal another side of the island. Sightseeing tours and car hire can also be arranged for guests who want to venture further. Yet some of the most memorable moments are likely to be the simplest ones: an early swim while the bay is quiet, watching fishing boats return across the cove or sitting outside in the evening with nowhere in particular to be. para-5 Relaxation at AˑSymi Residences comes naturally from the waterfront setting rather than a formal wellness programme. The Mediterranean gardens, terraces and calm waters of Pedi create their own restorative rhythm, with plenty of space to find a quiet corner and simply enjoy the surroundings. For travellers drawn to smaller Greek islands for their character and slower pace, that simplicity is a large part of the appeal: days shaped by the sea, good food, beautiful scenery and the pleasure of having time to enjoy them properly. para-6 AˑSymi Residences sits on the waterfront at Pedi cove, around 300 metres from Pedi Beach and approximately 4.2 kilometres from Symi Port, with the island reached by ferry from Rhodes and other neighbouring Dodecanese islands.
From £70 per night
Pedi Beach Hotel sits directly on the waterfront in Pedi Bay on Symi, offering a simple, traditional stay where the setting and direct access to the sea define the experience. The hotel follows the curve of the bay, with its main building facing straight onto the water and shared spaces extending out towards the shoreline. Movement through the property is straightforward, from rooms down to the terrace, restaurant and beach, without any separation between the hotel and its surroundings. Everything is centred around this direct connection to the cove, with outdoor seating, dining areas and the beach all within a few steps of each other. The scale is modest, and the layout keeps things functional rather than layered, which suits the relaxed pace of Pedi. para-2 Rooms are positioned to make the most of either sea or hillside views, each opening onto a private balcony that becomes the main extension of the space. Layouts are simple and consistent across categories, with the emphasis on having an outdoor viewpoint rather than varied interior configurations. Higher categories such as Junior Suites offer slightly more space, but the overall experience remains similar across the board, with the setting and balcony views doing most of the work rather than differences in design or layout. para-3 Dining is centred around one main restaurant, Thalassa, supported by one bar, keeping the structure straightforward. The restaurant operates on a buffet basis for breakfast and dinner, focusing on Greek dishes and familiar Mediterranean options served in a setting that looks out across the bay. The bar sits along the waterfront, providing drinks, light snacks and a place to sit throughout the day, naturally tying into the beach and outdoor areas rather than acting as a separate venue. para-4 The beach sits directly in front of the hotel, with sunbeds and umbrellas arranged along the shoreline, making the sea the main focus of the day rather than a pool based setup. Most guests move between their balcony, the beach and the restaurant terrace without needing to leave the property. The sheltered nature of Pedi Bay keeps the water calm, while the hotel also acts as a base for exploring further afield, with boat trips, walking routes and nearby beaches such as Agia Marina and Agios Nikolaos within easy reach. para-6 The hotel is located in Pedi Bay, around 2 km from Symi Port and approximately 3 km from Panormitis Monastery, with access via ferry from Rhodes, placing it within a short transfer of the island’s main arrival point while remaining in a quieter coastal setting.
From £90 per night
