Marathounda Taverna

Top choice in Symi


Quintessential beach taverna (a boat shed in historic times), where the island's wild goats – responsible for the delicious homemade cheese and, whisper it, the goat stew, too – sometimes nuzzle up to the tables. Be sure to sample the Symi shrimp and grilled fish, along with herbs and vegetables.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Symi attractions

1. Moni Taxiarhou Mihail Panormiti

1.65 MILES

Near Symi’s southern tip, beyond the scented pine forests of the high interior, spectacular Panormitis Bay is home to this large monastery. Monasteries…

2. Archaeological Museum

3.3 MILES

Reopened after years of restoration, this compact museum contains some fabulous archaeological and folkloric finds, and is worth checking out.

3. Horio

3.52 MILES

Climbing calf-crunching, knee-knobbling Kali Strata, the broad stair path that sets off from the alleyways behind the harbour, will bring you in a mere…

4. Ancient Kamiros

16.22 MILES

Cradled in a natural hillside amphitheatre 1km up from the sea, the remarkably complete ruins of ancient Kamiros stand 34km southwest of Rhodes Town…

5. Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo

17.94 MILES

This little farm, a couple of kilometres north of the Valley of the Butterflies, is home to some unusual residents, most notably ostriches, which respond…

6. Valley of the Butterflies

19.09 MILES

The so-called Valley of the Butterflies, 7km up from the west coast, and 32km southwest of Rhodes Town, is a major day-trip destination for package…

7. Ancient Ialysos

19.48 MILES

Ancient Ialysos was one of three cities that joined to create the new city of Rhodes in 408 BC. Its flat hilltop site, 12km southwest of Rhodes Town, can…

8. Rhodes Aquarium

21.29 MILES

Standing splendidly alone at the island’s northernmost tip, the New Town’s modest aquarium is housed in a 1930s’ art deco hydro-biological research…