From Rhodes: Boat Trip to Symi Island with Hotel Transfer

If you’re visiting Rhodes and craving a taste of the nearby islands, a boat trip to Symi might just be the highlight of your trip. This particular tour offers a full-day adventure including hotel transfers, a boat cruise, and time to wander through the colorful streets of Symi. While we haven’t taken this exact tour ourselves, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a pretty appealing picture.

What’s really attractive here is the chance to see Symi’s famous pastel-colored houses and vibrant fishing boats up close—perfect for photo lovers. Plus, the opportunity to explore monasteries and climb the Kali Strata for sweeping views makes this experience more than just a boat ride. One thing to keep in mind: it’s a fairly packed 8-hour trip, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule and some walking.

One potential drawback? The tour doesn’t include lunch or entry fees, meaning you’ll want to plan for meals and any additional site costs. Still, with a reasonable price of around $71 per person and a knowledgeable guide, it offers good value especially if you enjoy cruising and scenic exploration. This trip can be great for curious travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Symi without staying overnight.

If you’re someone who loves combining natural beauty, culture, and a bit of adventure, this trip could be just what you’re looking for. It’s especially suitable if you enjoy guided tours that handle the logistics and let you focus on soaking up the views and atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Convenient hotel transfer from Rhodes simplifies logistics.
• Beautiful scenery with colorful houses and fishing boats.
• Visit monasteries and climb Kali Strata for panoramic views.
• Live German guide offers informative commentary.
• No lunch included, so plan accordingly.
• Full-day experience perfect for those who love sightseeing and walking.

This tour offers a solid mix of scenic cruising, sightseeing, and cultural exploration. From the moment you’re picked up from your hotel, it’s all about enjoying the journey—both on the water and on land.

The Pickup and Transfer

Start your day with a comfortable hotel pickup from many locations around Rhodes—this is a nice plus, especially if you’re staying in less central areas. Expect to be collected early enough to make the most of your day, but check the starting times before booking—availability can vary.

Once you’re at the harbor, you’ll board a boat that will take you across the sea to Symi. The cruise itself is a relaxing way to begin, with the chance to enjoy views of the coast and the open sea.

Symi’s Colorful Streets and Houses

Once on Symi, you’ll immediately notice the town’s signature charm: pastel-colored houses and painted fishing boats. The streets are narrow and winding, perfect for exploring on foot. As you wander, you’ll get a real sense of this island’s laid-back vibe, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Visiting Monasteries and Chapels

One of the tour’s highlights is the chance to visit some of the islands’ many monasteries and chapels. While specific sites aren’t named, these religious sites are often nestled into the landscape, offering peaceful spots and lovely views. These visits give a glimpse into Symi’s spiritual heritage and add depth to the day.

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Climbing Kali Strata

The climb up the 400 steps of Kali Strata is a memorable part of the trip. The stairs connect the lower town with the upper area, where the fortress and panoramic views await. From the top, the scenery over the sea and town is well worth the effort, especially for those who enjoy a bit of physical activity and spectacular vistas.

The Fortress and Additional Views

While the review mentions seeing the Johanniter fortress, it’s important to note that the tour focuses on the scenic spots and key historical sites around the town. The views from the fortress or surrounding areas are often praised for their beauty, making the climb worthwhile.

Free Time and Optional Exploration

After visiting the main sights, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. You might choose to relax at a seaside café, browse local shops, or simply enjoy the colorful scenery. Some reviews suggest considering an overnight stay if you want to explore beaches or wander more leisurely.

The tour costs about $71 per person, which seems reasonable given the inclusions: hotel transfer, guide, and boat ticket. Not included are lunch and entry fees, so you should budget extra if you plan to visit specific attractions or dine out.

The live German guide adds a layer of cultural enrichment, although language may be a consideration if you don’t speak German. If you’re comfortable with this, it shouldn’t be an issue—the guide is described as knowledgeable and friendly.

The duration is around 8 hours, making it a full-day adventure. The timing can vary, so check availability to ensure it fits your schedule. Be prepared for a lot of walking, especially if you climb Kali Strata or explore the town’s alleys.

What Travelers Are Saying

Reviewers generally find this trip enjoyable and well-organized. One notes how Anna, the guide, was “lovely” and very informative, highlighting the value of having a guide to bring the island’s history and stories to life.

Another reviewer emphasizes the beauty of Symi and suggests that staying overnight could be worthwhile for those wanting to visit beaches or explore more leisurely.

However, some mention that it can get hot during the day, so bringing sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes is essential. Symi’s topography involves some uphill walking, which might not suit everyone.

This trip is well-suited for travelers who enjoy scenic boat rides, exploring colorful towns, and visiting historical sites. It’s a good option if you’d prefer not to worry about transportation logistics or navigation, as everything is organized for you.

It’s also ideal for those who want a full-day, guided experience that covers the highlights of Symi without the hassle of planning. If you enjoy walking and climbing stairs, you’ll love the Kali Strata and fortress views.

Note that it may not be ideal for travelers with mobility issues, as some parts involve uphill walking. Also, if you’re looking for a relaxing day with plenty of beach time, this trip might feel a bit busy, but it’s perfect for those interested in sightseeing and culture.

If you’re looking for an easy, guided way to see Symi’s most scenic and historic sights, this tour offers solid value. The combination of hotel pickup, a boat cruise, and time to explore means you get a well-rounded experience without much fuss.

The views and knowledgeable guide make this a memorable outing, especially if you’re keen on photography or discovering local architecture and religious sites. The price is reasonable considering the inclusions and the convenience factor.

However, be prepared for a busy schedule and potential heat—bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. If you prefer a more leisurely, beach-focused day, you might want to consider spending the night or choosing a different activity.

Overall, for curious travelers wanting to see Symi’s charm without the hassle, this trip can be a real highlight of your Rhodes holiday.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, pickup is available from many areas around Rhodes, including Rhodes City, Faliraki, Afandou, and others. You’ll receive email notification about specific pickup details.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience is about 8 hours, including transfer, boat ride, sightseeing, and free time.

Is lunch included? No, lunch isn’t included. You should plan to bring snacks or eat in Symi after your sightseeing.

What language is the guide? The live guide is German, so some language considerations might apply if you don’t speak German.

Can I cancel? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this suitable for children or people with mobility issues? It’s not recommended for those with mobility impairments due to walking and climbing stairs involved.

Are entry fees included? No, entry fees are not included, so you might want to budget extra for specific sites.

What should I bring? Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a hat are advisable for a full day outdoors.

If you’re keen on combining a scenic boat trip with cultural sights, this Symi experience seems like a solid choice. It’s not perfect for everyone, but if you’re up for a full day of exploring and stunning views, it might be just what you’re looking for.

You can check availability for your dates here: