Is Symi Worth a Day Trip From Rhodes? Don’t Make This Mistake!

If you’re heading to the Greek island of Rhodes and have more than a couple of days, you might be considering a day trip to Symi. And yes, it’s absolutely worth it.

But there were a few things I didn’t consider, and one of them nearly ruined my Greek island day trip to Symi.

They were things that could have easily been avoided if I had done a little more research instead of booking a ticket at the first kiosk I walked by in Rhodes.

So I’m going to keep this guide short and sweet to help you decide if Symi is worth visiting and, more importantly, how to avoid making the same mistakes I did.

Who Should Visit Symi?

If you’re trying to decide whether a day trip to Symi is worth it, my answer is a resounding yes if this sounds like your kind of place:

• A small, charming Greek island with postcard-worthy scenery
• A picturesque fishing village with a lively harbor
• Casual tavernas, waterfront restaurants, and cozy coffee shops
• Unorganized beaches and crystal-clear swimming spots
• A chance to hike up to the Chora for incredible views (if you’re up for it)

Symi is one of the easiest Greek island day trips from Rhodes. The ferry takes less than two hours each way, and there are plenty of departures to choose from.

Who Shouldn’t Visit Symi?

If you’re looking for a Greek island packed with major historical attractions or archaeological sites, Symi might not be the right day trip for you. There are a few historic spots, but that’s not really why people come here.

Symi is all about wandering a beautiful harbor town, enjoying fresh seafood, swimming in crystal-clear water, and soaking up the laid-back Greek island atmosphere.

It’s less about checking sights off a list and more about simply enjoying a beautiful place.

What to Expect on Self-Guided Symi Day Trip

I love a self-guided day trip because you have much more flexibility. Ferryhopper offers plenty of ferry times, so you can choose the schedule that works best for you.

I’d recommend arriving around 10:00 AM and taking a ferry back around 5:00 PM (that was the last return ferry when I visited).

That gives you enough time to hike up to the Chora for the views, enjoy a delicious lunch at a waterfront taverna, browse the local shops, and go for a swim at Nos Beach or another nearby swimming spot.

One thing you probably won’t have time for is visiting the Holy Monastery of the Taxiarch Michael Panormitis.

It’s located on the opposite side of the island and is only reachable by car, taxi, or water taxi, so it requires a bigger time commitment.

What to Expect on an Organized Symi Day Trip

If you’re considering joining an organized day trip, here’s what you should know. Unlike the regular ferry, these tours usually depart from Mandraki Harbour rather than the main ferry port in Rhodes.

The day time organized tour I joined (and most seem to follow a similar itinerary) only gave us about three hours to explore Symi before heading back.

It also included swimming stops on both the trip over and the return journey. Personally, I found those to be a waste of time, while others seemed to love it. I’d rather have had the extra time exploring Symi than sitting on a crowded boat in a wet swimsuit.

The service itself was perfectly fine, but the boat was very crowded. If you end up seated downstairs near the smoking area, it’s not the most enjoyable experience.

That said, there are definitely advantages. You don’t have to think about a thing. You board in Rhodes, get off in Symi, and simply return to the same spot when it’s time to leave. It’s a very easy, stress-free option.

It can also end up being cheaper than booking ferry tickets yourself, especially if you choose one of the faster ferries, which I personally think is worth paying extra for.

The biggest thing you need to decide is how much time you want on Symi. With only three hours, I had enough time to hike up to the Chora, eat lunch at a highly rated restaurant, and spend about 90 minutes wandering the harbor and browsing the shops. I didn’t really have time to go swimming, and I left feeling like I wanted more.

If it’s your first visit to Symi, I’d recommend taking the ferry on your own so you can spend a full day enjoying the island. It makes for a much more relaxed experience.

Other Organized Tours to Symi to Consider

While I chose the daytime option that was pretty basic, there are other options like a sunset cruise to Symi and a full day to Symi with BBQ on the boat.

Here is a list of other popular versions of ways to visit Symi from Rhodes:

• Symi Island Fast Boat (4 hours in Symi)
• Sunset Cruise to Symi with Swim Stops
• Lindos to Symi Boat (note you are taking a bus to Rhodes to get the boat)
• Full-Day Symi & St George’s Bay Cruise – Lunch
• Symi Full Day with Panormitis Monastery

What to Consider When Visiting Symi

I thought I’d share something that could have turned into a complete disaster.

Since this was my second time visiting Symi, I thought I knew exactly how everything worked. When I arrived on the organized day trip, our boat docked on one side of the harbor.

I also saw several smaller fast ferries picking up and dropping off passengers there, so I assumed all ferries used the same dock.

Later in the day, I decided I didn’t want to return on the organized tour. Instead, I booked a ferry ticket online so I could stay in Symi a little longer.

What I didn’t realize was that the ferry I booked was a much larger ferry that departed from the opposite side of the harbor.

As I watched it pulling in, I realized there was absolutely no way I was going to make it in time. I missed the ferry completely.

Thankfully, I got incredibly lucky. There happened to be another ferry leaving about 20 minutes later, and I managed to grab one of the last remaining tickets. Had that ferry been sold out, I would have been stuck on Symi for the night.

It was an incredibly stressful situation that was completely avoidable.

My advice is simple: before your day begins, confirm exactly where your return ferry departs. Don’t assume every ferry uses the same dock just because they all arrive in the same harbor. Spending 30 seconds asking someone could save you from missing your ferry altogether.

Things to Do in Symi on a Day Trip

If you’re wondering what you can actually do during your time on the island, here are my favorite things to do in Symi.

Wander Gialos Harbor

This is where you’ll lose yourself wandering the waterfront, taking photos of the colorful neoclassical houses, fishing boats, and sailboats bobbing in the harbor.

It’s easily one of the prettiest harbor towns I’ve visited in Greece.

Walk the Kali Strata to Chora

The Chora sits high above the harbor, and getting there means climbing hundreds of steps. On a hot summer day, be prepared to sweat. I was absolutely drenched by the time I reached the top.

To be honest, I think it’s a nice thing to do, but not a must. I skipped it on my first visit and never felt like I’d missed out. The views are beautiful, and I had an excellent lunch up there, but there aren’t many shops or attractions that you won’t find down by the harbor.

Shop the Boutiques

I’m a sucker for Greek island boutiques, and Symi has plenty of them. You’ll find everything from linen clothing and handmade jewelry to locally made soaps and ceramics.

One thing I did notice is that prices tend to be a little higher in the shops closest to the ferry docks. If you wander a little farther into town, you’ll often find better prices and more unique stores.

My favorites were:

• Trestelle
• Mina boutique
• americana V

Try the Famous Symi Shrimps

I am happy to report that Symi has great restaurants. If you like seafood, you have to try the famous Symi shrimps.

They’re tiny and served whole, so you simply pop them in your mouth. Squeeze a little fresh lemon over the top and pair them with a glass of local white wine. I’m still thinking about that meal.

I had mine at Kali Strata, and I’d happily order them again.

Swim at Nos Beach

Nos Beach is the closest beach to Symi Harbor and is an easy walk from town. The water is crystal clear and calm, making it perfect for a quick swim before catching your ferry back to Rhodes.

There were sunbeds available when I visited, which made it an easy place to relax for an hour or two.

Visit Panormitis Monastery

If you’re staying overnight or don’t mind venturing beyond Symi Town, consider visiting the Holy Monastery of the Taxiarch Michael Panormitis.

It’s located on the opposite side of the island, so you’ll need to get there by car, taxi, water taxi, or one of the excursion boats.

I haven’t managed to make it there on either of my visits, but it’s one of the island’s most famous landmarks and worth considering if you have the time.

Join this organized day trip from Rhodes to Symi with a stop at Panormitis Monastery.

How Much Does a Day Trip to Symi Cost?

If you’re trying to budget for your day trip, here’s a rough idea of what you can expect. Keep in mind that prices can vary depending on the season and ferry company.

Self-guided ferry
Round-trip ferry tickets typically cost around €40, with most one-way fares averaging €20. Occasionally, you’ll find ferries with promotional fares as low as €7-€9 each way.

Organized boat tour
The organized day trip I took, which included two swimming stops, cost €38. Depending on the ferry you choose, an organized tour can actually end up being the cheaper option.

Food & drinks
I found restaurant prices in Symi to be pretty average for Greece. Here’s roughly what you can expect:

• Greek salad: around €8
• Tzatziki: around €5
• Symi shrimps: around €20 per order
• House wine: about €5 for a half-liter

Overall, I’d budget €60-€80 per person for a self-guided day trip, including your ferry, lunch, drinks, and a little shopping.

If you choose an organized excursion, you could comfortably enjoy the day for around €50-€70, depending on what you eat and buy.

Is Symi More Than Just a Day Trip?

I actually think Symi makes the perfect Greek island escape if you’re someone who loves the slower pace of island life.

It’s the complete opposite of Rhodes Town. While Lindos is quieter than Rhodes, Symi has an even more peaceful feel that’s hard to describe until you’re there.

That said, I don’t think Symi is for everyone. If you enjoy having lots of restaurant options, nightlife, or plenty of activities, you may find it a little too sleepy. This is especially true if you’re traveling solo, as it can feel a bit isolated once the day-trippers leave.

Personally, I loved spending a couple of nights on Symi the first time I visited. It gave me enough time to enjoy the harbor after the crowds disappeared, have long meals by the water, and really soak up the atmosphere.

For most people, though, I’d recommend staying two nights. It’s the perfect amount of time for a slow, relaxing escape before moving on to another Greek island.

Are You Going to Make A Day Trip to Symi?

I hope this guide has helped you decide whether a day trip to Symi is worth adding to your Rhodes itinerary.

Personally, I think it’s one of the best day trips you can take from Rhodes, whether you only have a few hours or can spend a full day exploring.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece and would rather spend your time getting excited than researching ferries, hotels, and itineraries, I’d love to help.

Not everyone needs a travel advisor, and that’s okay. But if you’d rather skip the hours of planning and have a customized itinerary built around the way you like to travel, take a look at my custom Greece itinerary planning services. I’d love to help you plan your perfect trip.

If you only remember one thing from this guide, let it be this: book the faster ferry, give yourself a full day if you can, and don’t forget to double-check where your return ferry departs. You’ll thank me later.