Symi Island Full-Day Boat Trip From Rhodes

Symi Island, a hidden gem in the Dodecanese archipelago, beckons travelers with its pastel-hued houses and captivating history. This full-day boat trip from Rhodes promises an immersive experience, unveiling the island’s charming villages, ancient fortresses, and the renowned Panormitis Monastery. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to bask in the Aegean’s enchantment, this tour offers a delightful blend of sightseeing and local flavors. Step aboard and discover why Symi’s allure has left a lasting impression on all who venture there.

Key Points

• Provides a full-day boat tour to the Dodecanese islands from Rhodes, with stops at Yalos village, St. John’s Fortress, and the Panormitis Monastery.
• Offers an intimate experience with a maximum of 50 travelers and includes transportation, a professional local guide, food, drinks, and gratuities.
• Features a ferry ride to Symi Island, which takes approximately one hour each way, allowing for exploration of the Aegean island life.
• Receives an overall rating of 4.0 out of 21 reviews, with positive feedback on the beautiful scenery, delicious food and wine, and the Panormitis Monastery experience.
• Potential drawbacks include limited insights at the sponge factory, pressure from restaurant staff, and catering issues on the boat.

Overview of the Trip

This full-day boat tour provides visitors a chance to explore the picturesque Dodecanese islands, renowned for their pastel-colored harbor homes.

You’ll cruise to the charming village of Yalos and the ruins of St. John’s Fortress, soaking in panoramic sea views.

The highlight is visiting the Panormitis Monastery, home to a sacred icon of the Archangel Michael.

Throughout, you’ll witness the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

With a maximum of 50 travelers, this intimate experience delivers an immersive glimpse into the Aegean island life.

Tour Details

The tour departs at 9:00 am from selected hotels in Rhodes, returning to the same locations. The ferry ride to and from Symi Island takes approximately an hour each way.

With a maximum of 50 travelers, the tour offers an intimate experience exploring the charming Dodecanese islands.

Key highlights include:

• Visiting the picturesque village of Yalos and the historic ruins of St. John’s Fortress.
• Sailing to the renowned Panormitis Monastery, home to a sacred icon of the Archangel Michael.
• Enjoying included food, drinks, and gratuities for a seamless, all-inclusive experience.

Inclusions

The full-day boat trip from Rhodes includes local taxes, a professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off at selected hotels, the boat itself, food and drinks, as well as gratuities. Travelers also benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a lowest price guarantee starting at $63.09 per person.

Inclusions	Description
Transportation	Hotel pickup and drop-off, boat
Guidance	Professional local guide
Provisions	Food, drinks, gratuities

The tour’s comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors exploring the charming Dodecanese islands from Rhodes.

Reviews and Feedback

Based on feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor, the full-day boat trip from Rhodes has received an overall rating of 4.0 out of 21 total reviews.

Highlights include the beautiful scenery, delicious food and wine, and the memorable experience at Panormitis Monastery.

However, some critiques note limited tour insights at the sponge factory, pressure from restaurant staff, and catering issues on the boat.

The trip provides a chance to explore the charming Dodecanese islands, with:

• Panoramic sea views from the ruins of St. John’s Fortress
• A visit to the sacred Panormitis Monastery
• Picturesque seaside villages like Yalos

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at booking for this full-day boat trip from Rhodes, making it convenient for travelers.

Children must be accompanied by an adult, as the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible. Infants must sit on laps during the journey.

The tour is located near public transportation, so most travelers can participate.

While the boat trip offers stunning scenery and cultural experiences, it’s important to note potential drawbacks, such as limited tour insights and catering issues, as mentioned in previous reviews.

Exploring the Charming Village of Yalos

What intriguing sights await visitors in the charming village of Yalos during this full-day boat trip from Rhodes? Strolling through the picturesque harbor, travelers are enchanted by pastel-hued buildings and winding alleyways.

From the central square, admire the striking neoclassical architecture and delight in the lively buzz of local cafes and shops.

• Explore the historic Castellana, the remnants of a medieval fortress perched atop a hilltop, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sparkling Aegean Sea.

• Wander through the narrow streets, discovering hidden gems like artisanal workshops and family-owned tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine.

• Enjoy the timeless allure of Yalos, where the past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating a truly captivating island experience.

Discovering the Ruins of St. John’s Fortress

As visitors ascend the winding path leading to the ruins of St. John’s Fortress, they are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the shimmering Aegean Sea. This strategic hilltop site offers a glimpse into the island’s storied past. | Architectural Highlights | | — | — | — |
Massive stone walls, towers, and bastions remain, testament to the fortress’ former strength. | Panoramic Views | Sweeping perspectives from the fortress offer breathtaking views of Symi’s picturesque harbor and surrounding islands. | Historical Significance | The fortress dates back to the 14th century, when it served as a stronghold against invaders. Today, its crumbling ruins provide a tangible connection to Symi’s rich history.

Visiting the Panormitis Monastery

After sailing past the picturesque Symi harbor, the boat trip takes visitors to the serene Panormitis Monastery. This sacred site is home to a revered icon of the Archangel Michael.

Visitors can explore the monastery’s ornate interiors, adorned with intricate frescoes and religious artifacts. The tranquil atmosphere invites contemplation:

• The monastery’s hilltop location offers stunning views of the surrounding bay.
• Guided tours provide insights into the site’s rich history and spiritual significance.
• Guests can light candles, make offerings, and experience the reverence of this holy place.

Things To Know

Is the Boat Trip Suitable for People With Disabilities?

The boat trip may not be suitable for people with disabilities. The description notes it is not wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps, indicating limited accommodations for those with mobility or other challenges.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the boat. The tour includes all food and drinks, so you’ll need to rely on the catering provided. Bringing outside items isn’t allowed.

Are There Any Stops for Swimming or Snorkeling During the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention any scheduled stops for swimming or snorkeling. However, passengers may have opportunities to swim or snorkel during free time at the destinations, depending on the boat’s itinerary and weather conditions.

Can We Extend the Tour to Spend More Time on Symi Island?

The tour can be extended to spend more time on Symi Island, but this would require booking a separate, longer excursion. The standard full-day boat trip focuses on key sights, allowing limited free time on the island.

Are There Any Souvenir Shops or Local Markets to Explore on Symi Island?

Yes, there are several charming souvenir shops and local markets to explore on Symi Island. Visitors can browse for traditional Greek handicrafts, pottery, and clothing while seeing the island’s unique culture and atmosphere.

Sum Up

This full-day boat trip to Symi Island from Rhodes offers a delightful experience, blending stunning scenery, cultural attractions, and local cuisine. With knowledgeable guidance, travelers can enjoy the island’s enchanting atmosphere, from the picturesque Yalos village to the historic Panormitis Monastery. It’s an ideal way to discover the charm of the Dodecanese islands and create lasting memories.