Symi Ferries

Unlock your adventure to Greece at the incredible port of Symi! It's your essential gateway to the stunning nearby islands. Imagine seamless connections and breath-taking scenic journeys – that's what awaits you.

As a bustling hub for both passengers and freight, Symi boasts an impressive 37 ferry routes operated by 9 top-tier ferry companies. Get ready for a convenient sailing experience from Symi, with schedules perfectly tailored to the seasons, ensuring you always find your ideal departure, no matter the demand, weather, or tourism buzz. Your unforgettable escape begins here!

Symi offers wonderful connections to popular routes like Rhodes - Symi, Kos - Symi, Piraeus - Symi. You can customize your trip by choosing between a swift high-speed ferry to get there in a flash or a classic vessel for a more scenic, relaxing journey. From quick local hops to leisurely overnight voyages, your island adventure starts here.

Getting to your destination is a breeze with several excellent ferry operators departing regularly from Symi. You'll find companies like Dodekanisos Seaways, Blue Star Ferries, Sebeco Lines ready to whisk you away.

Each offers a variety of onboard amenities to make your journey pleasant, from comfortable seating and delicious food and drink options to private cabins and even vehicle transport.

With a range of ticket options available depending on the company and vessel, there's something to suit everyone, whether you're traveling solo, with family, or on a business trip.

Whether you're dreaming of an exhilarating island-hopping escape, making your way back to the comfort of home, or embarking on a brand-new journey, your perfect voyage begins right here with Symi.

Symi is primarily accessible by ferry services operating from Rhodes, with journey times of approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on the vessel type. Travelers typically fly into Rhodes International Airport first, then connect to Symi via sea. During high season (May-October), multiple daily ferries connect Rhodes to Symi, while service reduces in winter months. The main ferry terminal is conveniently located in Symi Town, placing you directly in the heart of the action upon arrival. For those staying in Rhodes before transferring, taxis and public buses provide easy connections from Rhodes Town to the ferry departure point.

Nestled in the Dodecanese archipelago, Symi enchants visitors with its vibrant neoclassical architecture and crystal-clear waters. This small Greek island offers a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and authentic Greek charm without the crowds of larger destinations. As you approach by ferry, the horseshoe-shaped harbor lined with pastel-colored mansions creates one of the most spectacular port arrivals in the Mediterranean.

Symi enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The ideal time to visit is from late May to early October when temperatures range from 25-35°C (77-95°F) and ferry connections are most frequent. June and September offer perfect conditions with warm seas but fewer visitors than the peak months of July and August. The annual Symi Festival runs throughout summer, featuring cultural performances and events across the island. Winter visits (November-April) reveal a quieter, more authentic island experience, though with reduced ferry schedules and some seasonal businesses closed.

Symi serves as an excellent base for exploring neighboring Dodecanese islands. Rhodes is just a short 1-1.5 hour ferry ride away, offering medieval architecture and vibrant nightlife. The peaceful island of Tilos can be reached in about 2 hours, perfect for nature lovers seeking unspoiled beaches and hiking trails. Adventurous travelers can also visit Kos (approximately 3 hours by ferry), famous for its ancient ruins and beautiful beaches. During summer, smaller excursion boats offer day trips to secluded beaches and nearby islets that are otherwise inaccessible, providing a true Greek island-hopping experience.

Wander through Symi Town (Gialos) with its impressive neoclassical architecture and climb the 500-step Kali Strata to reach the upper town of Chorio for panoramic views across the harbor. Don't miss Panormitis Monastery on the island's southwest coast, an important pilgrimage site housing miraculous icons. Beach lovers should take a water taxi to Agios Nikolaos or Nanou Beach for crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Savor local specialties like Symi shrimp, tiny yet flavorful crustaceans unique to the waters around the island, paired with local wine at a waterfront taverna. The abandoned village of Micro Chorio offers a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into the island's past.

Once one of Greece's wealthiest islands, Symi built its fortune on sponge diving and shipbuilding in the 19th century, with many of the elegant mansions dating from this prosperous era. The island's name derives from the nymph Syme in Greek mythology, who was said to have married Poseidon, god of the sea. Remarkably, Symi has no natural source of freshwater and historically relied on an extensive system of cisterns to collect rainwater. The island's traditional festivals feature unique customs including 'koukoumarosyrti,' where locals dress in costumes and parade through streets with songs and theatrical performances.