What You'll See
- Symi Island – one of the most beautiful islands of the Dodecanese
- Yialos Harbour – colourful neoclassical houses and a picturesque panorama
- Chora – the oldest part of the island with spectacular views
- Panormitis – a peaceful port on the western coast
- Monastery of Archangel Michael – a 12th-century place of worship
What’s included
- Transfers
- Guide service
- Boat cruise
Not included
- Lunch & beverages
Program Description
Symi is one of the smallest islands in the Dodecanese, yet it captivates with its unique charm and distinctive atmosphere. It’s a perfect choice if you want to discover a less obvious side of Greece – full of colour, history and a relaxed island rhythm.
Your journey begins at Mandraki harbour, where you will set off on a cruise along the Turkish coastline. The crossing itself, lasting approximately 1–2 hours, lets you enjoy views of the Aegean Sea and ease into a truly holiday mood. Upon arrival at Yialos harbour, you will see one of the most picturesque spots in the region – colourful neoclassical houses arranged amphitheatrically, creating a stunning panorama of the island.
Strolling through narrow, cobbled streets, you will discover the authentic character of Symi – with its many churches, monasteries and waterfront tavernas. It’s worth heading up to the island’s oldest part – Chora – where breathtaking views over the harbour and surrounding area await. During the day, you will have free time, which you can use, among other things, for lunch in a traditional Greek tavern and to try local specialities.
This is also a great opportunity to experience everyday island life – you will browse local shops selling, among other things, natural sea sponges, for which Symi has long been known and which remain one of its most recognisable symbols.
Later in the cruise, you will visit Panormitis – a peaceful port on the island’s western coast. Here you will find the famous Monastery of Archangel Michael, dating back to the 12th century. It is an important place of worship, especially for local fishermen, who consider the saint their patron and protector.
This is a day full of varied experiences – from scenic landscapes and cultural discovery to moments of relaxation in a truly Greek setting.
The order of visits and the programme may be subject to change.
Vouchers
- You'll receive your voucher via email, immediately after booking.
- Your voucher contains all key information, such as pickup times and meeting points.
- Use the digital voucher on your mobile device or print it for convenience. Be sure to reach the pickup point 15 minutes ahead of time to avoid delays and ensure a smooth start to your tour.
Reviews
It might be an exaggeration to say that, in addition to visiting the city of Rhodes and Lindos, a cruise to the island of Symi deserves to be a must-do for tourists vacationing in Rhodes. We begin our adventure by sailing around the port of Rhodes, offering panoramic views of the city from the sea. A perfect view of the monumental Palace of the Grand Masters, the city walls, and Mandraki Harbor awaits. The cruise, though a bit long at about 2.5 hours, is enjoyable despite a few inconveniences depending on your seat (the noise of engines on the lower deck, the smell of exhaust fumes on the middle deck, or the blazing sun on the upper deck). We pass smaller islets with beautiful views of the Turkish coast. The town itself is captivating! A small port in a bay sheltered by hills dotted with colorful houses. The ruins of a castle on a hill offer a stunning view of the city, the island, and the sea. The history of the island is interestingly told by the guide; a tour of the island; Discovering the island`s famous product, natural sponges, at a local shop… The next stop on the tour is the Monastery of Panormitis. This famous 18th-century Orthodox church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, is located on the other side of the island, where we`ll reach it again by boat. Built in the Venetian style on older Byzantine ruins, it captivates with a three-meter-tall, silver, and ornate icon of the saint, and the church interior, which boasts a rich iconostasis, old frescoes, and numerous votive offerings left by sailors. The slightly shorter return trip offers a chance to rest after the rigors of sightseeing, much of which takes place along winding streets dotted with numerous steps.
The entire trip met our expectations. The island of Symi is beautiful, as is the town of Symi and the monastery. It`s truly worth it! The only thing missing was good information about the length of the voyage and the return time. Information that the ship returns to Rhodes port around 6:00 PM would have been valuable.
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