Symi is a small, rocky island north-west of Rhodes, and its harbour is one of the prettiest in the Dodecanese. Neoclassical mansions in ochre, pink and pale blue climb the hills around a horseshoe bay, a legacy of the days when Symi was rich from shipbuilding and sponge diving. Most visitors come from Rhodes on a day trip, and the standard fast-boat excursion takes about an hour each way. A typical day includes a swim stop at the sheltered St George's Bay on the way, several hours of free time in Gialos, the main harbour, and the return in the afternoon. The village is for wandering rather than for sights: stairways between houses, small shops selling sponges and local honey, and tavernas on the waterfront. The monastery of Panormitis, at the southern end of the island, is a popular stop for longer excursions.
The excursion offered here is a high-speed boat cruise of around six hours with a thirty-minute swim stop at St George's Bay and about three hours of free time in Symi, in groups of up to twenty. It does not include meals or drinks or hotel transfers, so bring money for lunch. Departure from Rhodes is around eleven in the morning on the version we link, which gives you a slow start and a late return. Free cancellation until the day before is typically available, which is useful because sea conditions can cancel boats.
What to do with your time in Symi: walk up the Kali Strata, the long staircase that climbs from the harbour to the upper village, for views back over the water; browse the shops for sponges and sweets; and have a seafood lunch on the quay. If you have more than three hours, the walk to the beaches at the edge of the harbour or a visit to the small museum in the town are good ways to fill the time. Mid-day heat can be strong in summer, so wear a hat and take water.
Seasons
Excursion boats are mostly a spring-to-autumn business. In the cold season fewer boats run and the sea is rougher, and some trips are cancelled for weather, so confirm the dates before you plan a Symi day in November to March. Scheduled passenger ferries and catamarans connect Rhodes and Symi with reduced winter timetables, which can suit independent travellers, but check the current sailings. Symi is a good option on a calm autumn day, when the crowds have thinned and the sea is still warm enough for a quick dip.
What to expect
The experience
A small-group fast-boat cruise of about six hours, with a swim stop at St George's Bay and roughly three hours of free time in the harbour village of Symi.
Best time
Late spring to early autumn on a calm day; avoid windy days when sailings are cancelled.
How long
About six hours door to door, including about an hour each way by boat.
Tips
Bring cash for lunch, a hat and a swimsuit, and book a trip with free cancellation in case the weather turns.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a pretty island in a day without changing hotels.
- Families
- Easy for children who like boats; the swim stop is the highlight, and the village is flat along the quay.
- Couples
- Climb the Kali Strata for the view, then have a long seafood lunch by the water.
- Pair with
- A relaxed day before or after the Old Town of Rhodes.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
How long is the boat journey to Symi?+
About an hour each way on the fast boat. The excursion we link lasts around six hours in total, including a swim stop and about three hours of free time.
Are meals included?+
No. Meals, drinks and hotel transfers are not included, so plan to eat in the harbour tavernas.
Do boats to Symi run in winter?+
Excursion boats are mostly seasonal, and winter sailings depend on the weather and the operator. Scheduled ferries run with reduced timetables, so check dates before you plan.
What is there to do on Symi?+
Wander the harbour, climb the Kali Strata staircase, shop for sponges and local sweets, and have a seafood lunch. Panormitis monastery is a longer excursion.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?+
Free cancellation is offered up to the day before, and operators cancel and refund when the sea is too rough to sail.
