Symi Island from Rhodes with transfers from Ialysos and Ixia

Exploring Symi Island from Rhodes with Transfers from Ialysos and Ixia

Taking a day trip from Rhodes to Symi Island offers a perfect escape into a picture-perfect Greek setting, complete with colorful houses, historic monasteries, and crystal-clear waters. While we haven’t personally set sail on this specific tour, the details and glowing reviews suggest it’s a well-organized and value-packed experience.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Ialysos and Ixia means you can skip the hassle of navigating to the port. Second, the combination of sightseeing and free time provides a great balance—allowing you to explore at your own pace. Lastly, the visits to Panormitis Monastery and Symi village offer a glimpse into authentic local culture and history.

One potential consideration is the long duration—around 9 hours—so this might feel quite full for travelers who prefer more relaxed days or shorter excursions. Still, if you love exploring islands, snapshot moments, and cultural spots, this trip is likely to satisfy. It’s especially ideal for those who want a comprehensive taste of Symi without the hassle of planning each stop individually.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, cultural visits, and free exploration. Families, solo travelers, or couples looking for a budget-friendly day out will find plenty to love here.

• Convenient transfers eliminate the need for separate transport arrangements.
• Balanced itinerary with a mix of sightseeing, relaxing, and exploring.
• Affordable price point for a full-day cruise with multiple stops.
• Authentic monastery visit offers insights into Greek-Orthodox culture.
• Ample free time (over 3 hours) in Symi village for shopping and dining.
• Authentic reviews highlight smooth boat rides and beautiful scenery.

For anyone looking to see more of the Greek islands beyond Rhodes itself, this cruise to Symi offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural highlights, and relaxed exploration. Symi’s colorful houses and quiet charm make it a photographer’s dream, while the monastery visit adds a meaningful touch of history and tradition.

The tour’s price of around $58.14 per person makes it a good value considering the full-day itinerary and included transfers. Several reviewers mention how the cruise was smooth, with some describing the boat as comfortable and well-equipped, which makes the long journey more enjoyable.

The ferry ride provides excellent views of the coastline and even a chance to glimpse Turkey from the boat, adding a sense of adventure and discovery. You’ll appreciate the timed stops, especially the visit to the monastery, which leaves enough free time to stroll through Symi’s charming streets, sample local cuisine, or browse artisan shops.

The monastery of Panormitis is frequently praised for its architecture and religious significance, with visitors noting the silver icon of Archangel Michael as a highlight. Meanwhile, the free time in Symi is often described as a perfect opportunity to soak up the local atmosphere, whether via a walk, a swim, or a relaxed meal.

Many reviews mention the helpfulness and efficiency of the staff, from the pickup to the organization onboard. The fact that boarding cards and maps are provided ahead of time adds to the sense of smoothness. Reviewers also highlight the quality of the boat, with clean facilities, informative announcements, and a friendly crew.

One reviewer did mention the length of the day as somewhat long, but most found it worth the effort given the scenic stops and beautiful island scenery. Keep in mind, the lack of guided commentary during free time means you might want to come prepared with your own discoveries or recommendations.

The day begins early with a pickup from your accommodation, typically in Ialysos or Ixia, followed by a comfortable drive to Rhodes’ historic port, Mandraki. The check-in process is straightforward, and you’ll receive a personalized guide and map of Symi, helping you navigate upon arrival.

From Mandraki, you’ll set sail on your full-day cruise, passing by the impressive Colossus of Rhodes — a fitting start to your adventure. The boat ride itself is often described as smooth and scenic, with many reviewers noting the good onboard facilities and the opportunity for photos of the coastline and nearby Turkey.

The first notable stop is the Holy Monastery of Taxiarch Michael of Panormitis. This small yet striking monastery, built in 1783, is a real highlight for history and architecture buffs. It features a bell tower blending Baroque and Renaissance styles and houses an all-silver icon of Archangel Michael, which is considered miraculous. Visitors often mention the peaceful atmosphere and the bells ringing as adding to the spiritual experience.

Expect about an hour here, with plenty of time to wander the grounds, snap photos, or light a candle. Multiple reviews emphasize how beautiful and well-preserved the monastery is, making it a worthwhile cultural stop.

Next, the boat sails past St. George Bay, where you can take photos of a tiny church sitting at the bottom of a high cliff. Saturday swim stops are sometimes included in late June through September, allowing a quick dip in the sea, which many reviewers find refreshing after the morning’s sightseeing.

Arriving in Symi, you’ll notice the charming harbor with colorful houses, traditional boats, and a lively atmosphere. You’ll have about 3.5 hours to explore the village. Reviewers mention that walking through the streets offers a peek into local life, with many shops selling sponges, carvings, and leather goods.

Some travelers opt for a fun train ride through Gialos or simply enjoy a leisurely walk, stopping at seaside tavernas for a meal or a drink. The reviews highlight the generous and friendly local people, who are eager to share their stories and crafts.

The free time also provides a chance for a swim at St. George Bay or to visit the beaches, though some found the nearby beach underwhelming due to its concrete and debris, as one review noted. Still, the clear waters and scenic views make the experience worthwhile, especially if you’re prepared with your own swim gear.

The tour concludes with a return ferry trip, offering more stunning vistas, and a coach ride back to your hotel. Most reviews agree that the entire day is well-organized, with timely departures and friendly staff guiding the way.

Reviewers universally praise the efficiency and friendliness of the staff, with many mentioning how smoothly everything runs, from pickup to the ferry ride. One describes the boat as comfortable with plenty of amenities, including clean toilets and a small onboard café, making the long journey more enjoyable.

The monastery visit is consistently highlighted as a beautiful and meaningful stop. Some note that the architecture and religious artifacts are particularly impressive, especially if you appreciate Orthodox traditions or religious art.

Most people love the free time in Symi, describing it as a quaint, colorful village with a relaxed atmosphere. One reviewer mentions that it’s a “beautiful island to look at”, with colorful houses and great photo opportunities.

A few reviewers mention the length of the day — about 9 hours — as a long but worthwhile experience, especially if you enjoy being on the water and exploring charming villages. Many also appreciate the value for money, considering the included transportation, sightseeing, and free time.

A small number of negative comments focus on beach quality—some found the beaches to be less appealing due to debris or concrete—and the lack of guided tours during free time. However, most feel that the balance of organized stops and independent exploration suits a variety of tastes.

• Departure Time: The tour begins early at 7:30 am, so be prepared for a full day.
• Price: At about $58.14 per person, this trip offers good value, considering the transportation, monastery visit, and free time in Symi.
• Duration: Expect around 9 hours, including transfers, sailing, sightseeing, and free time.
• Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off (in Ialysos and Ixia), ferry boarding, maps, monastery visit, and ample free time.
• Not Included: Food and drinks onboard or during free time are at your own expense, and there’s no guide during exploration.
• Best suited for: Travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, cultural stops, and independent exploration. It’s ideal for those comfortable with long days and moderate physical activity.

This Symi Island day trip from Rhodes offers a well-rounded experience for those looking to enjoy Greek island charm without the hassle of planning every detail. With comfortable transfers, a beautiful boat ride, and the chance to explore a picturesque village and historic monastery, it hits a sweet spot between sightseeing and free exploration.

The tour’s value lies in its inclusiveness—covering transport, sightseeing, and free time—making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast, a photo lover, or just after a relaxing day by the sea, this trip promises stunning views, friendly service, and plenty of memorable moments.

While it’s a full day and some might find it a bit long, the blend of beautiful scenery, rich history, and authentic Greek village life makes it a worthwhile addition to your Rhodes itinerary. Just pack your camera, some sun protection, and your sense of adventure.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickups are offered from selected hotels in Ialysos and Ixia, making it convenient to start your day without extra transport worries.

What is the duration of the tour?
The trip lasts approximately 9 hours, including transfers, sailing, sightseeing, and free time.

Do I need to bring my own food and drinks?
Yes, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks, water, or plan to buy at Symi or onboard at the café.

Is there a guide during the free time in Symi?
No, the free time in Symi is unescorted, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. The tour recommends a moderate level of physical fitness.

What should I expect at the monastery?
The Holy Monastery of Panormitis is a stunning historical site built in 1783, featuring a bell tower and an important religious icon. It’s a quiet, contemplative stop with beautiful architecture.

Can I swim during the tour?
Yes, depending on the season, there may be a quick swim stop at St. George Bay, ideal for cooling off in the clear waters.

What is the price, and does it represent good value?
At around $58.14 per person, it’s a cost-effective way to see Symi with included transfers, sightseeing, and ample free time, especially given the reviews noting the smooth organization and scenic boat ride.