BOAT TRIPS | 7. SYMI ISLAND CRUISE

There are more than 3,000 islands in the Greek archipelago, with a coastline that extends 20,000 km (1,242,777.42 mi). Visiting yet another island becomes a truly unforgettable holiday experience! From Rhodes, you have a great chance to go on a full-day cruise to one of the “most charming islands” of the Aegean Sea! Symi is a postcard-like traditional village with a distinctive architectural heritage and fascinating local traditions of a centuries-old civilization. Travel along the coast of Asia Minor, bask in the peaceful vibe of the Panormitis Monastery, and explore Symi with its unique pastel-color neoclassical homes rising amphitheatrically above the little port. We will pick you up from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki, arrange your check-in, and provide our customized Take-away Guide-Map with information and directions.

  • Visit one of the most beautiful and colorful islands of the Aegean.
  • Two stops during the day - Panormitis Monastery & Symi Town.
  • Worry-free transfer to/from the port (if selected).

Travel along the coast of Asia Minor, bask in the peaceful vibe of the Panormitis Monastery, and explore Symi Town with its picturesque pastel-color neoclassical architecture. Enjoy your day cruise with a worry-free transfer from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki, and receive our take-away Guide-Map with information and directions.


Duration approx. 9 Hours + Port Transfers*

Tour time: 09:00-18:00

Tour days: EVERY DAY

*Port Transfers (if selected)
Pickups between 07:30-08:20
Return between 18:00-18:50

 

ITINERARY

  • Travel to Symi along the northwest coast of Rhodes - 1h 20 min

- Get comfortable on one of the decks and enjoy the departure through the historical Mandraki Port, passing by the site of the ancient Colossus

- Leaving the medieval lighthouse of St. Nicholas fortress behind, observe the coast of Asia Minor right opposite Rhodes Island

- Feel the refreshing sea breeze and be entertained by watching the waves

 

  • First stop - Panormitis Monastery - 1 hour Free time to visit - 10:20-11:30

- Approaching the Monastery, you will hear Church bells ringing, warmly welcoming all the travelers

- Notice the impressive bell tower, a mixture of Baroque and Renaissance styles

- Discover the unique interior of the Monastery with 18th c. mural paintings, gothic wood-carved altarpieces, and the famed miraculous all-silver-plated icon of Archangel Michael

- Visit two little museums with a neat collection of ecclesiastical art, icons, ship model offerings, and important objects of the island's folk culture

- Light a candle for "good luck" or "good health" and get a special cheese pie in the nearby Monastery's bakery

 

  • Continue travel - boat trip passing by St. George Bay  - 45 min

- On the way, observe the natural rocky coastline of Symi's east coastline

- Take a photo of Symi's most famous little bay - St. George, the captain will slowly sail through the bay so that travelers can take a closer look at the 300m imposing rock

-*Every SATURDAY, extra stop for 20 min swimming at Nymporio Bay (from mid-June to end-September)

 

  • Next stop - Symi Town - 3.5-4 hours Free time to explore - 12:20 (*13:10)-16:20

- Check our Map with directions and have a casual walk through the Gialos - the Port of Symi town

- Observe the neo-classical architecture with colorful mansions and take hundreds of unforgettable photos

- Explore little shops with folk art and get acquainted with the sponge diving tradition

- Curious travelers can walk up the Kalistrata 300 steps to reach the upper Symi - Chora

- Maybe go for a refreshing swim to the nearby beach - Nos

- Or simply soak up the island's atmosphere and enjoy a nice meal in one of the many water-front seafood taverns

... so many options for any traveler!!! Enjoy!!!

 

  • A relaxing return trip back to Rhodes - arrival at 18:00 PM

* Please note the times of the stops might vary due to the weather conditions.

- Pickups from designated pickup points - if selected (upon booking, choose the most convenient pickup point for you):
    IALYSOS
    IXIA
    RHODES CITY - West
    RHODES CITY - East
    RHODES TOURIST PORT
    KALLITHEA
    FALIRAKI

- Arranged check-in with boarding cards for the Ferry Boat
- Symi Map with Infos & Directions (ENG)
- Free time to explore sites:
    - 1 hour stop in Panormitis Monastery
    - 3.5-4 hours stop in Symi Town
    - Saturdays - extra swimming stop at Nymporio Bay 20 min

Not Included:
-Admission fees to Archaeological sites & museums (see Additional Information)
-Meals, refreshments, personal expenses

FERRY BOAT

Nikolaos:

Occupancy: up to 420 pax

3 Decks (2 Lounge decks, 1 Sundeck)

Snack bar

WC

WiFi

 

EXTRA EXPENSES (all are optional):

 

FOOD & DRINKS

Boat's snack bar offers a variety of snacks - cookies, chips, beverages, and alcoholic drinks.

For Lunch - Symi Town has various snack bars, cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and seafood taverns.

 

MUSEUMS & ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES

Entrance to the Monastery of Panormitis is FREE of charge. There is a small Ecclesiastical and Folk Museum with a small entry ticket - 1.5 € p.p.

 

OTHER FACILITIES

There is a free beach cabin and a shower on the Nos beach for swimmers. If you take a sunbed, the price is approx. 10-20 € for 2 beds & 1 umbrella.

 

EXTRA EXPENSES

All the expenses and entrances to the sites are optional.

Fun train in Symi - approx. 6 € p.p.

 

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY - 1/2 (Easy/ Moderate)

The Ferry boat has easy access also for people with walking difficulties, buggies, and wheelchairs. Symi port is flat and easy to walk. If you climb to the upper Symi - Chora, it includes inclines, narrow walkways, and a long flight of stairs to reach the upper village (Kalistrata - 500 steps). Walk to the NOS Beach is approx 20 minutes.