Why is Pedi Symi Dangerous? – A Closer Look at Risks in a Greek Island Paradise

Greece evokes images of islands, tranquil life, whitewashed villages and turquoise waters. Symi is one of the islands nestled in the Dodecanese archipelago and is quite popular due to its splendid neoclassical harbour and secluded beaches.

Unlike bustling tourist attractions like Mykonos or Santorini, Symi is an ideal holiday destination for travellers looking for peaceful settings.

While the serenity of Symi is charming, locals and tourists alike have expressed concern over one specific location – Pedi Bay, which is also known as Pedi Symi.

So, what makes Pedi Symi so dangerous?

Geographic Isolation and Lack of Emergency Services

Pedi is a village about 4 kilometres away from Symi port. It is easy to get there by local bus or on foot, but its geographic location creates emergent problems. The medical support that is available is not sufficient to deal with medical complications.

A fully serviced hospital is located in Rhodes and is only reachable via ferry or helicopter, which adds additional complexity during emergencies.

Treacherous Hiking Trails Around Pedi Symi

Pedi is connected to several beautiful beaches and villages through unmarked or poorly maintained hiking trails.

While adventurous travellers may enjoy the challenge, these paths are often steep, rocky, and exposed to the sun, with little to no shade. Some sections may even involve loose gravel and slippery slopes.

There have been reports of tourists slipping, getting lost, or suffering dehydration while hiking from Pedi to nearby beaches like Agia Marina, Agios Nikolaos, or even the town of Symi itself.

Many trails are not signposted clearly, and phone reception can be spotty.

If you’re not an experienced hiker with appropriate gear, taking on these trails, especially in summer, can be risky.

Strong Underwater Currents and Boat Traffic

Though Pedi Bay looks peaceful from a distance, the reality is far more perilous. The bay is narrow and often filled with yachts, sailboats, and water taxis.

People enjoy swimming in the inner part of the bay; however, many tourists decide to go further out or try to swim to the surrounding beaches and rock formations without knowing that strong underwater currents could drag almost all swimmers off course.

Many swimmers have been struck by propellers from cruising vessels and have had to be rescued after being towed out to sea. No lifeguards or safety flags mean you have no support in these waters.

Heat and Sun Exposure

Pedi, like the rest of Greece, tends to get extremely hot during summer, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. The absence of shaded areas and freshwater, apart from private eateries and hotels, makes summer highly risky in Pedi.

A lot of tourists do not appreciate the importance of taking sufficient water, sun protection, and the right clothing with them.

This, coupled with high temperatures, makes the risks of heat exhaustion and heat stroke quite palpable, especially for older visitors or very young children.

Environmental Risks: Flash Floods and Landslides

In the unlikely event of a rainy thunderstorm, Pedi’s low elevation renders it prone to flooding and landslides while the road from Symi Town to Pedi is at risk. The village sits among steep hills and has previously experienced water damage and rock falls.

Though this is primarily an issue in winter, climate change is making weather events more unpredictable. Critical access routes may become entirely blocked by flooding, and landslides may intermittently obstruct access to important locations.

Marine Traffic and Dock Safety

Pedi Harbour is always active. The small region is occupied by water taxis, fishing boats, and private yachts, all vying for space. Visitors who are disembarking from or boarding vessels are likely to fall or slip, particularly in wet weather or when there are uneven boarding structures.

Very few safety barriers or railings are provided. Children must be supervised closely for their safety. There have been some cases where spectators have fallen between vessels or have sustained injuries trying to board unstable dinghies.

Overtourism Without Support Facilities

As pedi symi’s popularity increases, the few existing amenities are becoming increasingly strained. Public toilets and restaurants, and even during the peak season, some are overrun, leading to a filthy state of affairs and lack of basic comfort.

Sustainability demands that appropriate planning is made to prevent health and pollution problems, not to mention discontent from tourists and locals alike.

Undue stress on infrastructure like this is bound to cause, along with the uncontrolled activity around the marina, make Pedis unappealingly crowded and feel relatively unsafe.

Final Thoughts: Is Pedi Symi Truly Dangerous?

While the term “dangerous” is rather harsh, in this case, it describes risks that are not evident to visitors at first glance. Pedi is not a war zone or a high-crime area. Rather, it is a place with natural, astonishing beauty combined with real danger, some within nature, others human-made, and then there is a lack of planning or infrastructure.

You can experience the breathtaking beauty of Padi while still being aware of the gentle dangers it has to offer. It is all about staying informed and cautious.