A Perfect Day Trip to Kato Symi: Where Forests Meet the Libyan Sea

From Forest Paths to Seaside Peace: A Scenic Day in Southern Crete

Crete is an island of wild beauty, ancient echoes, and quiet wonder. A journey to Kato Symi leads you through forested mountains, sacred ruins, and hidden waterfalls—ending by the clear waters of the Libyan Sea. It’s a day shaped by nature, myth, and the heartbeat of local life.

If you're still wondering whether to explore by car, don’t miss my guide: Why Renting a Car in Crete is a Good Idea.

Whispers of the Past - Viannos Holocaust

Just before entering the village, you’ll pass the memorial to those who fell in the Battle of Kato Symi—one of the most significant battles in Crete during the Occupation. Despite being lesser known, it marked a crushing defeat for the Germans and sparked a wave of brutal reprisals.

Kato Symi has been destroyed three times—by Arab, Ottoman, and German forces. During WWII, in retaliation for the killing of German soldiers by the Resistance, Nazi troops executed nearly 500 Cretans across Viannos and Ierapetra and destroyed around 20 villages.

Make sure you don’t miss: Museum of the Viannos massacres and the Massacre Memorial, designed by sculptor Yiannis Parmakelis.

Read more about the Memorial

Into the Woods and Beyond: Discovering Kato Symi, Omalos Plateau & More

Just 45 minutes from Tonia’s Cottage, nestled in the lush southern slopes of Mount Dikti, lies Kato Symi—one of Crete’s most charming forest villages. Alongside the ruined Pano Symi, it is surrounded by the largest pine forest on the island, shared with the neighboring woodlands of Selakano and Malles.

Here, the landscape breathes with old-world magic. Plane trees, walnut, cherry, and chestnut line the paths, nourished by mountain springs. In autumn, the forest glows with deep reds and golds—more reminiscent of Northern Greece than the Crete most visitors know. It’s no wonder this area belongs to the EU’s Natura 2000 network, which protects and conserves threatened species and habitats.

Because maybe, as Mark Nepo wrote, “All we are searching for is the reflection of everything when looking into the truth of Who We Are.”

Come see that reflection in Crete—through its people, its food, its wind-worn trails. Let it meet you, not as a tourist, but as someone who came to remember something real.

Tonia ❤️

These stories live on in the village café, where the few remaining elderly residents sip their coffee in the main square, “Karavos,” beneath towering plane trees. The sound of water is ever-present thanks to the many springs in the area. The forest extends to the very edge of the village, blending with green slopes that rise dramatically all around, giving the scene a distinctly northern Greek feel.

Nearby, you can hike to one of the most beautiful natural balconies in Crete—"Koutelo tou Paradeisou" or "Balcony of Paradise"—a viewpoint that lives up to its name with breathtaking views over the forest and the southern sea.

Read more about Omalos Plateau and Kato Symi Wood

Legends & Ruins: A Church Built with Milk, and an Ancient Sanctuary

One of Kato Symi’s treasures is the humble yet mysterious church that stands out for its unique architecture—even from a distance. It’s Panagia Galaktoktismeni kai Nistikoktismeni (“Virgin Mary Built with Milk and Fasting”). According to legend, it was built using milk by workers who fasted during its construction.

Not far from here, under the shade of ancient plane trees, lies the Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite, founded around 2000 BC.

At the Sanctuary of Hermes and Aphrodite, archaeologists discovered an open-air altar with remnants of fires and animal offerings, stone offering tables, bronze figurines, three exquisitely crafted Late Minoan swords, terracotta figurines of a nude goddess, and more. Many of these artifacts are displayed at the Heraklion Archaeological Museum. Nearby, they also found an older Middle Minoan sanctuary and a small temple from the Late Hellenistic period.

Note: The archaeological site is not always open to the public, but you may find the gate unlocked and be able to explore the unguarded side quietly and respectfully. To reach it, follow the paved road until it ends—the site will be on your right.

It’s a quiet, deeply atmospheric place—ideal for those drawn to ancient mysteries and mountain silence.

Read more about the Sanctuary

A Home to Return To

After a day exploring eastern Crete’s wild heart, it’s comforting to return to a place that feels like home. Tonia’s Cottage in the village of Alagni offers just that—simple, warm, and full of little details that make you exhale and just be.

From here, the unbeaten paths of Crete are within reach.

Forest Trails and a Balcony to Paradise

Viannos has its own Omalos, and Crete has its own Symi—but few beyond the locals know about them. Yet a trip to Kato Symi and the “Little Omalos” of Viannos reveals some of the island’s most enchanting mountainous landscapes.

Nestled among age-old plane trees and forested slopes, this tiny village has a hauntingly rich history. It’s also home to one of the largest and rarest pine forests in Crete, once believed to be a sacred mountain of the island’s ancient inhabitants.

Little Omalos is a serene highland plateau, used by shepherds in summer and blanketed with snow in winter. In spring, the snowmelt reveals a small alpine lake at its heart.

Where Waterfalls Sing

The valley of Symi is also known for its waterfalls. The Krya Vrysi stream, flowing from the north of the Sanctuary, forms beautiful cascades as it moves through Ano Symi and into the gorge.

One of the easiest places to spot a waterfall is where the road to Omalos crosses the stream—an easy and scenic stop along your way.

Read more about Symi Waterfalls

Down to the Sea: Listis Beach

After a day in the mountains, the sea awaits. Just about an hour from Kato Symi is Listis Beach, a raw and stunning stretch of coastline with soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and giant rocks. Swim past the big "Listis Rock" and you’ll reach a hidden cove, complete with a small spring at Xirokambi.

Legend says a bandit once lived in the caves carved into the cliffs. Today, it’s a place to get lost in time. Wild, peaceful, and untouched

📍Google maps location

Where to Eat: Taverna Jimmy’s

For a meal full of flavor and love, head to Taverna Jimmy’s in nearby Kastri, with a view of the Libyan Sea. The owner grows all the vegetables herself—organic, seasonal, and soulfully cooked. Whether you're vegan, pescatarian, or just hungry, you’ll find something special here. Try the octopus, scorpina, or courgette balls—or simply ask what’s fresh today.

It’s the kind of place where birthdays come with homemade cake, and your raki is poured with a smile.

📍Google Maps location