Rhodes and Symi are two amazing Greek Islands that every traveler should visit! So what’s the best way to get from Rhodes to Symi? We’ve now taken this route several times and can tell you all about our experience. We’ll break down the Rhodes to Symi ferry, fun travel tips, and even how to make a day trip!
How to Get From Rhodes to Symi Greece
Our First Rhodes to Symi Ferry Ride
The first time we visited Symi was back in May of 2021. It was just following an amazing itinerary of Rhodes, and we had planned to see more of the Dodecanese Islands afterward.
Symi Island was a destination that came highly recommended and we were so excited to get there! We took the slow boat from Rhodes Port one morning and planned to spend two nights.
From the moment the Rhodes Symi ferry pulled in, we were completely mesmerized by the beautiful colors. Symi honestly looks straight out of a fairy tale!
Over two days here, we enjoyed the port, hit the beaches, and explored with a motorbike rental. After that, we continued our Greece Island hopping journey onto Halki and Karpathos. Yet, we knew someday we’d return to Symi again.
What to Do on the Island of Rhodes
Although you can also go from Kos, most travelers will be taking the ferry to Symi from Rhodes Greece. A Rhodes to Symi day trip is very convenient, or you can spend a couple of nights which we explain more soon.
As the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes itself is well worth seeing. Rhodes Old Town has centuries of history to discover, and the ancient walls that surround it date back to the Knights of St. John in the 14th century.
Once you’ve spent some time in Rhodes town, we recommend renting a car to see more of the island (check the prices here). Stop into Lindos Town and climb to the famous Acropolis, visit the mountain village of Monolithos, and watch the kitesurfers at Prasonisi Beach.
From the history to the beautiful beaches and delicious food, there are so many incredible things to do around Rhodes. Just make sure to leave time at the start or end of your vacation to hop on the Rhodes Symi ferry!
Rhodes Symi Ferry Tips
The first thing to know about the Rhodes Symi ferry is where the boats take off from. The main harbors are located just outside the walls of Old Town.
There are a few different options for how to get from Rhodes to Symi. Below are some easy tips, whether you’re making a day trip or planning a longer trip!
1. You can pre-book a Rhodes to Symi day trip in advance. A few popular tours are this high speed boat and this Yacht Cruise.
2. The slow Rhodes Symi ferry will be the cheapest option. Check Routes and Dates here before you buy your tickets.
3. Sebeco is one of the best slow ferry options which you can book here. There is also a fast ferry called Dodekanisos Seaways (read our full review) if you want to save some time.
4. Another option would be to get a tour set up once you arrive. Simply stroll through Symi harbor and you’ll see them offered directly by the boats so you can plan for the next day.
More Rhodes to Symi Ferry Options
There is a strip to the left near the site of the Colossus of Rhodes statue that is for private boat companies. Once you start walking further down the coastline, you will see where the large Greek ferries and cruise ships come in.
If you are traveling with a lot of luggage then we recommend the slow boat or Sebeco. You can easily walk here from old town with your bags to board the Rhodes to Symi boat.
Are you staying in a different part of Rhodes? Then know that the Symi ferry route also runs from the popular towns of Faliraki (tour option) and Lindos (another fun tour).
We recommend booking your ferry tickets beforehand, especially during the high season. During the summer months of July and August the Rhodes to Symi ferry can sell out quickly. However, there will be multiple daily routes available so it’s easy to figure out a time of day that works for you.
How Long is the Ferry From Rhodes to Symi?
It’s also important to consider both slow and fast ferry options. The high-speed Rhodes Symi ferry will take around one hour. Alternatively, the slow ferry service can take up to 2.5 hours depending on the boat type.
This is because they are larger ferries that make multiple stops at different Greek Islands. If you have the time, the slow Rhodes to Symi ferry will be the cheapest choice.
We use Blue Star Ferries (read our review) often to island hop from Rhodes. You can also check out Dodekanisos Seaways, Sebeco Lines, Saos Ferries, Sea Dreams, and Anes Ferries. Check out the latest prices and ferry timetables here.
Rhodes to Symi Day Trip
So can you make a day trip from Rhodes to Symi? Absolutely! Jumping on a fast boat from the port of Rhodes is a very popular way to see Symi. With the Rhodes Symi ferry routes only taking 2 hours round-trip, you’ll have more than enough time to experience this little island.
Still, to truly appreciate Symi, you should spend at least two nights if your schedule allows it. At night, the Symi harbor lights up creating a totally different scene than the afternoon.
By staying overnight, you can be the first to get to the stunning beaches in the morning. Watching sunrise from one of the many lookouts over town is also a nice way to spend your morning on Symi!
→ Is Symi Greece Worth Visiting? Best Beaches & 2024 Island Guide
Boarding the Rhodes Symi Ferry
Another advantage of booking your ferry online in advance is getting e-tickets. The email will tell you exactly where the ferry company is picking up, and provide a code to be scanned.
Always get to the port early and keep a close eye out for your boat pulling in. The Greek island ferries waste no time unloading and taking right off!
Once you board the Rhodes Symi ferry, grab a seat on the outdoor deck to take in the views. The scenery is stunning as you coast across the sparkling Aegean Sea.
On our last trip from Rhodes to Symi we used SAOS ferries (read our review). On certain days of the week, they have a 9am sailing that cost just 7 Euros.
It’s a little confusing because they don’t show up in the general search engine. You only be able to book tickets a few days before, or at the terminal on the day of sailing. Just keep this company in mind for how to get from Rhodes to Symi on a budget!
Finishing the Rhodes to Symi Ferry Route
After you make the Rhodes Symi ferry crossing you’ll be transported to a different world. Bright colored buildings and crystal clear water will greet you, as you pull into the Greek Island of Symi.
You’ve made it to paradise! Right away, it will be easy to see how much smaller Symi is than Rhodes.
The main port is located right in Symi town. This is also where many of the best hotels are located right here which you can easily walk to. We stayed at Iapetos Village and loved it!
Best Things to Do on Symi
As we’ve mentioned, Symi is such an amazing destination to visit in Greece! Its small size makes it easy to explore in just a couple of days. However, there is enough to do where you could spend up to a week taking in the beaches and gorgeous scenery.
Our favorite way to experience Symi is to rent a motorbike. This is a great way to get around the narrow streets to many of the best beaches and local villages.
Renting a car is also an option from Symi port. Just know that a scooter will be easier to drive on the small island roads. Below are a few of our favorite Symi beaches to see on your visit.
- Nos Beach
- Pedi Beach
- Nimborio Beach
- Agia Marina
- Marathounda Bay
We also recommend hiking up to the Symi Castle, stopping at the Monastery of Panormitis, and eating as much traditional food as possible! Be sure to check out our article for more of the best things to do on Symi.
Is it Worth Visiting Symi From Rhodes?
If you couldn’t tell by now, visiting Symi is a must! The quick Rhodes Symi ferry route is easy to include in any travelers itinerary.
You’ll want to visit outside the peak season of July and August to avoid the summer crowds. We much prefer to go from Rhodes to Symi in May or September when the weather is nice and there are still daily ferry sailings.
The shoulder months also hold the lowest prices for ferry operators and accommodations. Whatever time of year you go is sure to be a blast!
Also, don’t miss out on the rest of the Dodecanese Islands. Our week on Karpathos was one of our favorite Greece travel experiences! We even made a ferry stop en route from the Cyclades to beautiful Astypalea.
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own tips for the Rhodes to Symi Ferry? Let us know in the comments below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Greece Travel Planning
When island hopping use FerriesinGreece to compare different routes, prices, and companies.
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Crete to Athens for under $50 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: You can book a rental car for around $20 a day in Greece! We use Discover Cars to explore the larger islands with a vehicle.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for thousands of activities in Greece. You can find everything from visiting the Acropolis in Athens to wine tasting in Santorini, and a boat tour in Milos.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Your ferry experience is making me seriously consider a Greek island adventure real soon. I love the idea of exploring Symi’s beaches with a rented motorbike. Excited to plan this trip already!
Author
Yes, Symi is one of our favorite little Greek Islands! This ferry trip is so worth it to get from Rhodes to Symi. Hope you decide to go! (-: