Photo: Panormitis Monastery, Symi by npinikas, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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History. The main pilgrimage site of the Dodecanese, set on a quiet bay in the south of Symi. The monastery is documented in the 15th century. It was destroyed in the mid-18th century and rebuilt in 1783, when the present church (katholikon) and its frescoes were made. It is famous for its huge icon of the Archangel Michael, covered in silver in 1724 and honoured by sailors. Who painted the icon, and when, is unknown (Visit Greece).
Legend. The icon was found here and, the story goes, kept returning to this spot whenever it was moved, so the monastery was built where it chose to stay. Sailors once sent offerings floating in bottles that the current carried to the monastery.
Note: Panormitis is an Orthodox monastery. Visitors should dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees).
Visiting
- From Rhodes: a direct ferry to Panormitis (~1h25, a limited weekly schedule ⚠), or a ferry to Symi town and then the monastery bus or a taxi (~20 km, 40 minutes). Day cruises from Rhodes often stop here (Visit Symi).
- Simple guest rooms are available for pilgrims ⚠ (contact the monastery).
Next: Mount Carmel
Fly Rhodes → Athens → Tel Aviv, then train to Haifa (~1 hour).
Sources
- Greek Ministry of Culture: Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis
- Panormitis monastery: history (Greek)
- Visit Greece: Panormitis
- Visit Symi: religious tourism
- Panormitis monastery: access (Greek)
Last verified: October 15, 2026. Prices, hours and rules change: confirm with the official source before you go.