The Selene Odyssey:

A Journey Through Symi’s Timeless Landscape

Sunday 3rd - Friday 8th May | Nimborio Symi | Greece

*Dog not included

A Curated 6-Day Hiking Tour in Symi

Selene Greece is an idyll in Symi, Greece, where time slows and the Aegean breeze finds you.

This May, we invite a small group of discerning travellers to join us for a carefully curated walking journey - a personal exploration through the rugged, beautiful heart of the Dodecanese.

From our private sanctuary in Nimborio Bay, located just steps from the sea, you will discover ancient Byzantine paths, hidden coastal gems, and forested ridges at a pace designed for personal rejuvenation and meaningful connection.

This is more than a hiking tour; it is an effortless, memorable experience designed to restore the spirit through the simple refinement of nature, culture, and real Greek hospitality.

❋ Intentional but Relaxed Structure

We blend guided moments, open exploration and space for relaxation and time to reflect. The experience and itinerary balances adventure with the relaxed pace of island living here in Symi. A perfect mix of focused and fluid.

❋ Collaborative Energy

The Selene Greece in Symi offers a balance of sociable, group space and your own sanctuary for important you time. Connection is a core part of our retreats, but that doesn’t mean forced fun, and your space is respected. Our events prioritise comfort, safety and respect, so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process. We don’t do egos or judgement.

❋ Expert Facilitation

Led by experienced guide Nigel Davenport, who has a long standing connection to Symi and has hiked across the globe. Symi remains one of Nigels top choices for the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. Symi terrain is rugged and rocky so can be challenging. You do need to be agile, feel strong and have a good level of fitness, but you do not need to be a machine either! Nigel knows how to hold space, encourage participation and keep things moving with considered purpose.

❋ A Nourished Team

Our gatherings prioritise a sense of renewal, and that begins with the simple refinement of getting every detail right. Both our accommodation and our table are designed to nurture and energise the spirit.

Every room is a thoughtfully considered haven featuring Cocomat beds and mattresses for a deep, restorative sleep, paired with fine Parisian linens that wrap you in effortless comfort. You will find soft linen robes, plush towels, and quality products - the quiet essentials of a space that feels thoughtfully personal.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, where menus are prepared with care by our Michelin-trained chef with global experience. His cooking celebrates Greece, highlighting local ingredients and traditional Greek recipes layered with wider influences - just like Symi. Each meal offers a balance of honest flavours to suit all tastes.

We joyfully cater to vegetarian and pescatarian diets; however, please note that we are unable to accommodate severe allergies, such as dairy or coeliac requirements.

We will also host a special Wine Tasting evening during the week at Selene - where our dear friend and Greek wine connoisseur Fotini will bring a selection of wines to try and share with our dinner.

Meet our Team
Colorful houses in Symi harbour overlooking the boats, clear blue sky, and a few trees. 
Day One

Sunday 3rd May

Arrive & Meet

The Welcome:

Settle into Serenity. Arrive at your personal sanctuary and let the island’s rhythm take over. As the light of the moon, and our namesake, Selene begins to glow, we gather in the garden for a welcome dinner. Savour the chef’s culinary creations featuring honest, local ingredients as you meet fellow travellers in a space that feels lived in and very much loved.

Check-In

3:00 – 6:30pm

Welcome Drinks

From 7:00pm

Dinner

8:00pm

The church of St Nikolas above Nimborio Bay in Symi. Overlooking the sea, Toli bay and distant hills 
Day Two

The Threshold

Nimborio to Toli Bay

We begin from Selene’s doorstep with a gentle stroll around the bay before climbing behind the monastery to St Nikolas. The hike continues through hills that open onto breathtaking maritime views stretching toward the Turkish coast. After a morning of spirited exploration we will return to the villa for a restorative swim and a leisurely afternoon of relaxation under the olive trees.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served at Selene. Snacks and water for your hike.

Two hikers in Symi sitting on a white wall at Theologos, overlooking a scenic view of St Emilianos church and bay, islands, and distant mountains during sunset. 
Day Three

The Heritage

Medieval Chorio to the Western Edge

Step back in time as we wander the narrow stone streets of the historic village (Chorio), exiting through the ancient Xisos gate. We trek westward through forest glades to the remote monastery of Emilianos for a picnic lunch by the water. The return is pure aesthetic pleasure: gliding along the coastline by boat with Infinity Sailing, and soaking in the endless Greek blue before a family-style dinner at a local taverna - bringing you closer to wonderful Greek hospitality.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Snacks and water for your hike

Close-up of an old, weathered metal door in Symi village set into a rough, textured stone wall with peeling plaster. 
Day Four

The Secret

Hidden Trails and Ancient Stories

Venture into the quiet forest trails leading to Sotoris Micro, a secluded natural sanctuary hidden from the world. We return via a ridge-line path overlooking Pedi, offering panoramic vistas before visiting the Symi Archaeological Museum to connect with the island’s Byzantine treasures. Lunch is served at a local restaurant in one of Chorio’s mini‑squares, followed by free time to explore the village and Kastro

The evening is yours to wander the port of Yialos at your own pace, enjoying the freedom of a bespoke, unhurried journey.

Included: Breakfast and Lunch. Snacks and water for your hike.

A scenic view of a coastal landscape with steep rocky cliffs covered in greenery, looking down on Nanou bay in Symi Greece 
Day Five

The Vista

High Monasteries and Byzantine Presses

Our final full day takes us across the island from west to east. We ascend to the Monastery of the Cross of War for the island’s most sweeping southern views before descending into the forest of Kourkouniotis to find ancient Byzantine wine presses. After a refreshing swim at Nanou beach and no doubt a tet a tet with some friendly goats, we will meet Infinity again and sail back with a pause at the iconic St George’s Bay, we return to the villa for a farewell dinner. with the entire team. A celebration of shared memories and life’s simple pleasures.

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Snacks and water for your hike

View of the deck on a ferry crossing to Symi Greece from Rhodes. Flying the Greek flag, and a blue sky in the background. 
Day Six

The Departure

A Lingering Goodbye

Enjoy one last breakfast under the olive trees and perhaps a final restorative swim in Nimborio Bay. Though the odyssey concludes, you will depart with a renewed sense of clarity, carrying the timeless soul of Symi with you

There may be option for a later check out but we cannot promise! Boats generally start to depart to Rhodes from around 7:45am. An early breakfast can be arranged.

Included: Breakfast

Breakfast

8:00 – 9:00am

Check out

9:00 - 10:30am

Rooms and Pricing

All our rooms are sea facing and have either balcony or terrace (or both!) to watch the world go by. All prices quoted are per person.

The retreat beneifts from the house facilities as described here, and everyone has access to the beautiful gardens and terraces facing Nimborio Bay.

Gaia

Click images for more room information

Accommodates up to 4 people

1 Superking size and 2 single beds

Ideal for a group of 4 friends or a bigger space for 1 couple

1 bathroom

Garden terrace

Based on 4 sharing: 1400€

For 2 sharing: 2100€

Thalassa

Accommodates up to 4 people and has 2 rooms; 1 x Superking size bed and 1 x 2 singles.

Ideal for 2 couples sharing or a group of 4 friends

1 bathroom

Large terrace

Based on 4 sharing : 1700€

Based on 2 sharing (either a room each, or 1 room is utlised): 2500€

Eos

Accomodates 2 people

1 Superking size bed

1 bathroom

Balcony and roof terrace

Based on 2 people: 2000€

Selini

Accommodates up to 2people

1 Superking size bed

1 bathroom

Balcony

Access to large terrace

For 2 sharing: 2200€

Nykta

Accomodates up to 2 people

1 Superking size bed

1 bathroom

Access to large terrace

For 2 sharing: 1800€

Going solo? 2500€

What is included:

Transfer to and from your accommodation

Unless otherwise specified in the itinerary - all meals and drinks

Snacks and water for hiking.

Accommodations and use of Selene facilities

Transfers to and from meet points

In hike boat transfers and sails

A special event evening of wine tasting

What is not included:

Your travel to and from Symi. You must plan and purchase your own travel including flights and ferry travel to and from Symi.

Travel Insurance is not included. We highly recommend securing personal travel insurance for your peace of mind.

Overnight accommodation on Rhodes or Kos is not included.

Alcoholic beverages and any additional meals beyond the provided ones are not included.

How It Works

  • Browse the detail of our upcoming event. Check out the information provided and decide how you want to roll.

    We have options for sharing, couples and going solo.

    Ask us if you have any questions.

  • Sign up using our contact form below. We need to know what room you would prefer (remember it’s first come first serve!).

    We will confirm availability and send you a payment link valid for 3 days, where you can pay all required fees to reserve your spot. We will require 100% payment up front.

    If plans change due to emergency, call us to cancel up to 14 days before the retreat start to receive a 25% refund.

  • After receiving your payment, we'll send you a confirmation of your place by email, and include a welcome information pack with everything you need to know. This will include schedules for each day which aim to keep us on track whilst allowing us time to enjoy the views and account for life’s inevitable, unexpected moments! We will also tell you about ferry operators, provide packing list recommendations, and add-ons to consider.

    Any specific questions can be asked via email from here too.

  • We'd recommend booking your transportation to and from the event as soon as possible, to ensure you can arrive without any complications or delays.

    Flights to Rhodes are recommended where you can coordinate with your ferry transfer to Symi. Kos is also an option.

    Please make sure to leave enough time to meet your ferry.

    When travelling to Symi the majority of people arrive in Rhodes or Kos the day before onward travel to Symi and enjoy an afternoon and evening in Rhodes. This allows for adequate time to transfer and avoids late arrivals.

    There are several ferry operators from Rhodes during the day, but they do tend to stop by around 4pm. Kos to Symi transfers are less frequent.

    We will send details of ferry operators / booking platforms in your welcome pack.

    If you want to do Symi direct in one day, and find flights accordingly, you would ideally allow at least 90 minutes from the airport to the respective ferry terminal. Remember to factor in the time difference too when you book your flights. It sounds simple but many a well travelled person has been caught out by this.

    We will meet you in Symi!

  • Now all that's left to do is pack your bags and get excited for your new adventure.

    Suggested packing list

    • Quick-dry bottoms (lightweight trousers / shorts / tights).

    • Long or short sleeve breathable tops.

    • Light jacket or sweater.

    • Windbreaker jacket (compact).

    • UVA/UVB protective hat, bucket hat, or flap cap.

    • Sunglasses.*

    • Sandals, (2) bathing suits, and quick-drying towel.

    • Swimming goggles or mask.*

    • Breathable hiking boots or trail shoes

    • Sufficient pairs of walking socks.

    • Biodegradable sunblock.

    • Biodegradable insect repellent.

    • Personal medical kit (recommendation with basic medication for any ailment).

    • Water carrying capacity of at least 2L.

    • Power plug adapter or voltage converter.

    • Personal energy snacks of liking (bars, fruits, nuts, etc…).

    • Hiking poles.* 

    *Optional

    Remember to check the advised kit.

    Any questions? Just ask.

Book

Your

Stay

A view from The Selene Greece out over Nimborio Bay in Symi. A sailboat anchored near rocky shore with the monastery in the distance, and trees at the base of a mountain
Sunset over Pedi bay in Symui Greece, with boats anchored, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
Close-up of purple Thyme flowers in Symi Greece, on the road from Nimborio to Symi harbour. A coastal cliff with the sea in the background.
A person hiking from The Selene Greece in Symi standing on rocky terrain, overlooking a the aegean sea in Symi Greece and distant mountains in the background.
A hiking trail in Symi Greece, with rocks and grass in the foreground, a dog wearing a jacket walking on the trail, overlooking a Symi Harbour (Gialos) with boats, and the aegean sea with mountains in the distance at sunset.
At St Nikolas church on Symi Greece. Overlooking a rocky landscape and Aegean Sea with mountains in the background during a sunset or sunrise.
A person from The Selene Greece in Symi hiking on a rocky trail overlooking a Symi harbout (Gialos) surrounded by hills and mountains under a blue sky with wispy clouds.
Scenic view of Symi and Nimborio bay and in the distance the aegean sea. Rocky hills and mountains under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Symi harbour view from the village with Mediterranean-style buildings along the shore, overlooking theAegean sea and across to Nimborio Bay and Selene Greece. Rocky hills and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
An old ruin in the medieval village in Symi. Rustic stone wall with a window surrounded by dead tree branches and white daisies growing in a crevice of the wall.
A stone wall with a small white church building and a bell tower with a blue roof visible above, framed by trees not far from The Selene Greece in Symi.
A tranquil cove near to The Selene Greece in Symi, with clear turquoise water, rocky shoreline, and mountains in the background, shaded by olive tree branches.

Our Team

Nigel

Nigel Davenport was born and raised in rural New Zealand, where his love of the outdoors was entrenched from a young age. Now based in Europe, Nigel has found inspiration in the diverse landscapes that the continent offers and feels as much at home exploring mountains as he does seaside locations. 

 His love of Greek history, culture, and food has led him to this ancient land, and Symi has long been one of his most cherished places. Nigel looks forward to sharing some of the lesser-known trails and locations with you.

To connect with Nigel, you can find him on Instagram as @nigel_davenport

Guide

Ben

Chef Ben is from Glossop, He is passionate about good food, great flavours and spending as much time skiing as possible.

Ben has worked for some of the best restaurants in the UK and the alps . This photo, with the legend Raymond Blanc, was taken at the AA awards in London. One of those proud moments you don’t forget.

Chef

Fotini

Wine Connoisseur

As the sun begins to dip behind Symi’s hills and the light softens to gold, Fotini, our island’s beloved wine expert, will guide you through an intimate journey into the soul of Greek wine learning of the history and makers.

Fotini has lived in Symi for many. many years and shares her passion for wine beautifully. Considered, delicate and kind - Fotini is one of lifes diamonds and we are all the better for knowing her.

Learn more about our wine tasting here