Rhodes:Full-Day Trip to Panormitis - Snt George - Symi

Contents show

Rhodes: Full-Day Trip to Panormitis – Snt George – Symi — A Practical and Authentic Review

Taking a day to explore the stunning islands around Rhodes can be a highlight of any Greek vacation. This full-day tour, offered by SeaDreams, promises visits to the picturesque Symi Island and the revered Panormitis Monastery with a mix of scenic cruising, cultural stops, and ample free time. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it offers a great balance of sightseeing, relaxing, and capturing iconic Greek island views.

What really stands out are the breathtaking vistas of Symi’s colorful houses, the serene atmosphere of Panormitis Monastery, and the chance to experience the Aegean coastline from the deck of a spacious catamaran. We love the relaxed pace, the opportunity for photos, and the chance to explore at your own leisure. However, long boat rides on an older vessel with noisy engines, as some reviews note, may be less comfortable for sensitive travelers. This tour suits those who enjoy scenic cruises, authentic island atmospheres, and are okay with a day that’s more about experience than luxury.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Scenic cruise: Enjoy views of Rhodes’ medieval walls, windmills, and the fortress from the water.
Cultural visits: Visit the historic Panormitis Monastery dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
Free time on Symi: Four hours to explore, shop, dine, or relax at your own pace.
Photo stops: Saint George Bay offers a quick but stunning photo opportunity.
Comfortable boat options: Spacious sundeck and air-conditioned indoor area.
Budget-friendly: Offers a cost-effective way to see multiple sites in one day, despite some comfort trade-offs.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Rhodes

The Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Starting at Rhodes’ Mandraki port, the trip begins with a 110-minute cruise on the catamaran named SYMI II. As you leave the harbor, you’ll quickly notice the dramatic sights of Rhodes’ medieval walls, the windmills, Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the Aquarium. These sights set a maritime scene that’s both beautiful and historically intriguing, giving you a sense of the island’s layered past even before arriving at your destinations.

The journey to Panormitis Monastery is a highlight. The boat departs the harbor, and during the cruise, you’ll pass by notable landmarks along the coastline, including the famous Old Town walls and the Minarets that pepper the skyline. As some reviews mention, the boat’s older engines can produce noise and a bit of diesel smell, which a sensitive traveler might find less appealing, but the views more than compensate.

Visiting Panormitis Monastery

Once at the peaceful bay of Panormitis, you’ll disembark to explore the monastery dedicated to Archangel Michael. This site is a major pilgrimage point and features a serene seaside landscape perfect for photos. The monastery’s quiet ambiance and religious significance make it a contemplative stop, with about an hour allocated for sightseeing, shopping, or simply soaking in the tranquil setting. The review from Jerome points out that the trip delivers on its promise: “They promise to bring you to Symi and the Monastery, and that is what they do. But no more than that.”

Free Time on Symi

After the monastery visit, the boat makes a short stop at Saint George Bay, a popular photo spot with stunning water and landscape views—just five minutes but enough for some spectacular shots. Then, the main event: four hours on Symi itself. The town’s colorful neoclassical houses, reflecting in the water, are the perfect backdrop for wandering, shopping, or enjoying local cuisine.

Many travelers find this free time a highlight, with the ability to explore at your pace. Symi’s charm lies in its quaint streets, waterfront cafes, and relaxed vibe. Some reviews note that the town unfolds beautifully; you might spend hours simply soaking in the views or capturing photos of the brightly painted houses.

More Great Tours Nearby

Returning Cruise

The journey back includes two 30-minute boat rides and a final 115-minute cruise to Rhodes, giving you ample opportunity to relax and reflect on the day. The boat’s spacious sundeck is perfect for soaking up the last scenic views, although some reviews suggest that the older vessel’s comfort could be improved—longer journeys may feel a bit tiring on the seating.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Rhodes

Practical Details and Tips

Transportation & Timing: You meet at Mandraki port about one hour before departure. The boat departs, usually in the morning, but check availability for specific times. The full day spans approximately 8 hours, with the cruise itself taking around 4 hours, including stops.

Boat Comfort & Facilities: The SYMI II offers both air-conditioned indoor seating and a large, open sundeck. This is good for those who want to escape the sun or enjoy the breeze. However, as reviews mention, the vessel is older, and you might notice engine noise and a diesel smell during the cruise, which could be bothersome if you’re sensitive.

Cost & Value: The tour includes round-trip boat transportation, a visit to Panormitis, the photo stop at Saint George Bay, and four hours on Symi. Entrance fees are not included, so you may want to budget for souvenirs or extra meals. This package is a budget-friendly way to see multiple highlights without excessive costs.

What to Bring: Pack comfortable shoes for walking around Symi, sunglasses, sun hat, and a camera. A light jacket or sweater might be useful during the boat ride, especially if you get cold easily or if the sea breeze is strong.

Authentic Experiences with Some Caveats

While the tour offers incredible photo opportunities and the chance to explore Symi’s colorful streets, some reviews bring up valid points. One reviewer pointed out that the boat’s age and engine noise detract slightly from the overall comfort, especially on longer rides. If a smooth, quiet ride is your priority, this might not be the ideal choice.

However, the views and the authentic feel of visiting the monastery and free time on Symi compensate for these shortcomings. The trip delivers on its promise: visiting the key sites and experiencing the beauty of the islands, even if it’s not the most luxurious ride.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for an affordable, straightforward day trip that combines scenic cruising, cultural highlights, and free time. It’s ideal for those who enjoy photo opportunities, exploring charming towns, and experiencing local religious sites. If you’re comfortable with an older vessel and seeking a relaxed pace, this trip offers excellent value.

However, if comfort on long boat rides or a quieter cruise experience are your main priorities, you might want to consider other options or operators with newer vessels.

Final Thoughts

For a full day of sightseeing, scenic cruising, and authentic Greek island charm, this tour hits many of the right notes. You get to experience the quaint beauty of Symi, visit the peaceful Panormitis Monastery, and enjoy iconic views from the water—all at a reasonable price. It’s a practical choice for travelers who appreciate a relaxed, photo-friendly day with plenty of opportunities for exploration.

Despite some minor discomforts reported by previous guests, the overall value and scenic highlights make this trip a worthwhile addition to a Greek island itinerary, especially if you’re keen on capturing stunning images and soaking up local atmosphere.

FAQs

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?
The total cruise time is about 2 hours and 20 minutes, split into two segments of approximately 110 and 30 minutes.

What is included in the tour?
The package covers round-trip boat transportation, a visit to Panormitis Monastery, a quick photo stop at Saint George Bay, and four hours free time on Symi Island.

Do I need to bring my passport or ID?
Yes, you should bring your passport or ID to obtain your ticket, as it’s required for boarding.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for travelers with mobility needs.

How much free time do I have on Symi?
You get about four hours to explore the town, dine, shop, or relax, which is usually enough to enjoy the main sights without feeling rushed.

Are entrance fees to the monastery included?
No, entrance fees are not included, so budget accordingly if you plan to visit the monastery and shop there.

This tour offers a practical, scenic, and culturally enriching way to spend your day around Rhodes—perfect for those who enjoy authentic island experiences with a touch of adventure and plenty of picture-perfect moments.