Symi Island from Rhodes: Full-Day Ferry & Monastery

Colorful harbor, ancient monastery bells, and a whole island to yourself for an afternoon

You board a passenger ferry in Rhodes, spend an hour exploring a 18th-century monastery with silver icons and bell tower views, then have 3.5 hours loose in a harbor village to swim, eat, and wander. Hotel pickup and drop-off from select Rhodes resorts are included, along with your boarding cards and a printed guide to the island.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day cruise to Symi Island

• Pick up from accommodation
• Drive to ferry boat
• Check-in and boarding
• Depart from Mandraki port
• Pass by ancient Colossus
• Visit Holy Monastery of Panormitis
• Admire monastery and museums
• Pass by St. George bay
• Optional quick swim (Saturday)
• Arrive at Symi village
• Walk or take Fun Train tour
• Free time for swimming, shopping, dining
• Return to Rhodes by ferry
• Transport back to hotel

The Experience

The ferry pulls away from Mandraki port—the same harbor where the Colossus once stood—and you're already watching Rhodes shrink behind you. The Nikolaos X is built for this crossing, steady and unhurried, and most people head straight to the deck. That's where the first real moment hits: the water changes color as you leave the shipping lanes, and then you see it—Symi rising out of the Aegean like someone painted it there. The monastery comes first, perched in a small bay so quiet you can hear the church bells before you see the building. You get an hour to walk through the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael, built in 1783, with its bell tower mixing Baroque and Renaissance styles in a way that shouldn't work but does. The silver-plated icon inside is the draw for pilgrims, but the real thing is the peace—the wall paintings, the candles people light, the sense that this place has been doing the same thing for two centuries.

Then the boat turns toward Symi village itself, and that's when the island stops being a postcard. The harbor fills with fishing boats painted in blues and reds, mansions stacked up the hillside in pastels, and enough restaurants and sponge shops that you could spend three hours just wandering and still miss half of it. You get 3.5 hours free here—long enough to swim off the rocks if you want, eat lunch at one of the waterfront taverns without rushing, or take the fun train up through Gialos if your legs need a break. The locals don't hurry you. The island moves at its own pace, and that's the whole point. Some days in June through September, the ferry stops for a quick 20-minute swim at St. George bay on the way back, though that's weather-dependent.

The whole day is structured so you don't have to think about logistics. Hotel pickup happens from Ialyssos, Ixia, or Kallithea resorts—the driver collects you and handles the ferry check-in. You get a map and a take-away guide with information about the island before you leave, so you're not walking around blind. The ferry does the heavy lifting; you just show up at the port and board. By evening you're back at your hotel, and Symi stays with you longer than you'd expect from a day trip.

What’s included

• Round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Ialyssos, Ixia, or Kallithea resorts.
• ferry transport on the Nikolaos X.
• one-hour guided visit to the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael Panormitis with entry included.
• 3.5 hours free time in Symi village for swimming, dining, shopping and sightseeing.
• boarding cards arranged.
• printed map and information guide about Symi Island.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Manos Going

Is this one for you?A good fit if you want a full Aegean island experience without arranging your own ferry or transport—the pickup from your resort and pre-arranged boarding cards mean you just show up. The day is full but unhurried: monastery, village, and water time all fit because the schedule gives each one the hours it needs.

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Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The crossing takes roughly 50 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions. The Nikolaos X is a passenger ferry built for comfort on this route.

What is there to do during the 3.5 hours in Symi village?

You can swim, eat at waterfront restaurants, shop for sponges and wooden carvings, walk through the harbor, or take the fun train up through Gialos. The time is unscheduled, so you set the pace.

Is the Panormitis Monastery visit included?

Yes. You stop for one hour at the Holy Monastery of Archangel Michael before heading to the village. Entry and time to explore the church, museums, and grounds are part of the tour.

Which hotels does the pickup cover?

Round-trip hotel transport is included from Ialyssos, Ixia, and Kallithea resorts. Pickup and drop-off are arranged before you board the ferry at Mandraki port.

Is there a swimming stop on the way back?

From mid-June to end-September, the ferry may stop for a quick 20-minute swim at St. George bay on the return journey, weather permitting. It's not guaranteed every day.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and cash for meals and shopping. The island has restaurants and shops, but it's small, so plan accordingly.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes, children are welcome if accompanied by an adult. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller. The day involves ferry travel and moderate walking, so consider your child's comfort with boat rides.

Is this tour recommended for people with health concerns?

The tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness for the ferry crossing and walking around the island.