This is how you can do a Symi day trip from Rhodes on your next Greek trip.
Symi is always the island that comes up when you ask whats the best day trip from Rhodes.
I spent a week in Rhodes exploring the island with my local best friend and she has been to Symi multiple times, her partner loves the local shrimp there.
Symi is everything you’ll want in a day trip from Rhodes, you will need a ferry trip to head over which is always fun unless you dislike boats… (it’s a small island so no airports).
If you are scared of boats, the fast boat is probably smoother ride, and sometimes stops at St George’s bay, great food, ancient towns, colourful buildings, history, restaurants, quieter than parts of Rhodes.
It’s a great option for a day trip if you are staying in Rhodes for several days and to add to your Rhodes Itinerary.
I put together this little guide to Symi so maybe you will be tempted to visit Symi, what you can do in Symi, food, how to get to Symi and also partly for me when I visit next time.
In a Rush? Here are some recommended hotels in Symi Island
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Symi Nautilus Luxury Suites : Click here for your dates and availability
⭐️⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ Symiland Villa : Click here for your dates and availability
⭐️⭐️ Nireus Hotel : Click here for your dates and availability
Is Symi worth visiting from Rhodes? My personal opinion
In my personal opinion, yes definitely, Symi is very pretty, lovely coffee shops, the history, and you have to try the Symi Prawns if you can.
From everything I’ve heard from other travellers and my friend’s and their family, it’s a great option if you want half day or full day you can have away from Rhodes especially if you are not planning any other island or cities when you visit Rhodes.
Symi is walkable, and you can climb up into the old town of Chorio, also called Ano Symi, cats dotted around everywhere, cat delivery system is working overtime here.
It’s easy to spend several hours here, explore the island, grab some food and a drink and take some pictures.
How to get to Symi from Rhodes, Ferry Prices and Times
There are ferries between Rhodes and Symi that runs throughout the day, with several operators covering the route, among them Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, Sebeco Lines, Sea Dreams and Saos Ferries.
The fastest catamarans could take around forty five minutes. The slower ferries might take an hour and a half or a bit more.
Prices may vary depending on the operator, the season and how early you book.
Foot passenger tickets start from around seven euros on the cheapest fares, climbing toward thirty euros or more for the fastest catamarans in peak summer.
One useful thing to know when you’re coming from Old Town, ferries to Symi leave from a couple of different harbours in Rhodes Town.
Some operators depart from the smaller harbour beside the Sea Gate on the edge of the medieval walls.
Others use the larger Akandia harbour, about fifteen minutes on foot away. Check which one your ticket lists before you set off, missing this is the easiest way to miss your boat.
My recommended Symi Tours and Day Trips from Rhodes
I have researched based on what people have said and taken on these trips and these are few suggestions you may consider.
I use GetyourGuide and they are great for the tours, you can have 3 to 4 hours in Symi island to explore and then head off to St George’s bay for a swim in the glorious blue sea.
For exploring Symi: You can choose a fast boat with plenty of free time on the island.
- My Recommended Tour: Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore
For swimming: look for a tour that includes St George’s Bay, the water is incredible.
Recommended Tours:
- Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay
From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay
For seeing more of the island: choose a tour that combines Symi and Panormitis.
- My Recommended Tour: Rhodes: Symi Island & Panormitis Monastery Day Trip by Boat
For maximum flexibility: take the ferry independently and explore Symi at your own pace.
The top Things to Do in Symi
1. Wander around Symi Town (Gialos)
Loved walking around Symi Town and it is the island’s biggest attraction. We can spend some time walking along the harbour and admiring the colourful neoclassical houses.
Keep a look out for the old clock tower, the fish market, the Customs House, the stone bridge and the statue of the little fisherman. It’s particularly beautiful in the late afternoon especially during golden hour.
2. Walk the famous Kali Strata
The Kali Strata is the historic staircase which connect the Gialos with Ano Symi (Chorio).
Oh keep in mind, that there are roughly 500 stone steps, and it’s lovely as it’s lined with traditional houses and little shops.
The climb can be a workout so definitely wear some comfy shoes, and it’s one of the best ways to see Symi’s architecture and get increasingly good views over the harbour as you climb.
3. Explore Ano Symi, Chorio
Once you are up Kali Strata, don’t forget to explore Ano Symi, the older upper town. There are narrow lanes that leads between colourful houses, and more old churches.
You can also visit the Archaeological Museum if it’s open, then continue towards the higher parts of Chorio for panoramic views across the island.
4. Visit Panormitis Monastery
The Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis is one of Symi’s most important places to visit.
You can see the famous icon of Archangel Michael and spend some time around the waterfront.
If you’re doing a day trip from Rhodes, there are many boat excursions that stops here, but visiting independently gives you more time to explore.
5. Have Lunch by the Harbour
Don’t underestimate how nice it is to simply sit beside the water and have lunch.
Symi is particularly associated with its tiny local shrimp, Symiako garidaki, so this is a good place to try them alongside other Greek seafood dishes.
I’d rather spend an hour having a relaxed lunch overlooking the harbour than spend my entire day racing between attractions.
You could stay in Symi for a couple of days and explore the island in it’s entirety including the Goat beach,
What you should eat in Symi
The Symi shrimp, Symiako garidaki in Greek is the most famous food on Symi island, well basically. It’s tiny shrimp that is fried, it’s crispy and eaten as a snack with drinks. They are a local speciality.
If you are not a fan of shrimp, or have allergies, Symi has harbourside tavernas serving fresh fish, classic Greek dishes.
When is the best time to Visit Symi
Symi’s season is mainly from May through November, with July and August the hottest and busiest months, daytime temperatures regularly into the low thirties.
Usually late spring and early autumn are great for me, before the peak summer, its usually cooler, more comfortable but still has the summer vibe, with the heat, and still warm enough but not stifling.
Planning your Rhodes trip for September or October? Symi follows a similar pattern to Rhodes itself, still swimmable into October, with things gradually winding down as the month goes on. May and June are quieter still, a strong option for anyone who’d rather skip the August crowds and higher ferry prices.
FAQs About visiting Symi day trip from Rhodes
How long does the ferry take from Rhodes to Symi?
The fastest boats take approximately forty five minutes to an hour, while slower conventional ferries can take closer to an hour and a half, depending on the operator.
Can you visit Symi as a day trip from Rhodes?
Yes, easily. With several ferries leaving to the island in a day during the summer season, you can book a packaged day tour or plan your own trip using the public ferries.
How much does the ferry from Rhodes to Symi cost?
Foot passenger fares start from around seven euros on the cheapest tickets and could go upwards thirty euros or more for the fastest boats during peak season, depending on the operator and how far ahead you book.
Should you visit Symi when staying in Rhodes Old Town?
Very much so. Ferries to Symi depart from harbours near Old Town, including one just by the Sea Gate on the edge of the medieval walls, making it an easy addition to a Rhodes based trip.
Should you choose Symi over other day trips from Rhodes?
Symi tends to top the list among people who’ve tried a few different day trips from Rhodes, mostly for the harbour views and the walk up to Chorio, though Lindos and the Butterfly Valley are also a must visit, especially Lindos.
What food should you try in Symi?
Symi shrimp, tiny fried shrimp eaten as a snack, is the local speciality.
Are there sandy beaches in Symi?
Not really, the island’s beaches are largely pebble beaches rather than sand, but the water quality is amazing especially the colour of it, particularly at spots like St George’s Bay.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Symi day trip from Rhodes
It’s a great day trip from Rhodes, especially if you fancy doing some island hopping. It’s quieter but also there’s some adventure to the island. You can easily do Symi with another like St George’s bay if you take a tour from Getyour Guide or Viator.
I highly recommend it, especially if you are in Rhodes for several days and want to include another island to your itinerary.
Courtney xx
Take a look at my other Rhodes Greece Guides
My best things to do in Rhodes Greece, and what you can skip
Is Rhodes worth visiting? My honest guide after spending time here with a local friend
Rhodes Old Town or Beachfront? Where to Stay in Rhodes, The Best Areas and Budget
Only Have One Day in Rhodes Old Town? Follow This Free Walking Route of Rhodes Old Town
Mini Guide to Rhodes Old Town: What to see, do, and what to miss
Is Lindos Rhodes Worth Visiting? What Nobody Tells You Before You Go (2026)
This is Greece’s Most Beautiful Whitewashed Village and It’s Less Crowded Than Santorini (Lindos)
WhatsupCourtney
Hey! I’m Courtney, creator behind the travel and food site WhatsupCourtney and @heywhatsupcourtney on socials.
If you want trips that feels good while you’re there without the stress and to find a way to go on trips more often, you’re in the right place.You will find detailed travel itineraries to destination guides and food worth seeking out, everything here is built to help you spend less time planning and more time experiencing the places you visit.
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