Rhodes: Evening Trip to Symi Island

Rhodes: Evening Trip to Symi Island — A Practical Guide to This Authentic Greek Experience

Imagine sailing on a swift boat through shimmering blue waters, leaving the crowds behind to explore one of the Dodecanese’s most charming spots. That’s exactly what the Rhodes: Evening Trip to Symi Island offers — an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Symi with minimal hassle. This tour combines the thrill of a high-speed boat, the allure of a picturesque fishing town, and a stop at the revered Monastery of Panormitis.

What we really love about this experience is how it maximizes your time on the island — almost three hours of free exploration — and how direct the departure is, with no bus transfer to Rhodes Town. Plus, the chance to taste Symi shrimps, a local delicacy admired throughout Greece, adds a flavorful local touch.

The only consideration? With a fairly tight schedule (about 5 hours total), you’ll need to plan your meals and activities efficiently. It’s best suited for travelers who want a quick yet rich taste of Symi without the hassle of arranging separate transport or full-day commitments. If you love scenic boat rides, authentic village sights, and a bit of history, this trip fits the bill.

Contents hide

1 An In-Depth Look at the Symi Island Evening Trip

2 Summary & Final Thoughts

3 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Key Points

Direct departure from Faliraki simplifies logistics.
Nearly 3 hours of free time in Symi allows for independent exploration.
Visit the Monastery of Panormitis with a 45-minute stop to see an important Orthodox site.
Enjoy the local specialty: Symi shrimps, renowned across Greece.
Includes swimming opportunity at Saint Georges bay.
Ideal for travelers seeking a mix of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and relaxed sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Symi Island Evening Trip

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Faliraki.

How the Tour Works and What to Expect

This tour offers a practical and scenic way to experience Symi Island without the need for a full-day commitment or complicated transfers. The journey kicks off directly from Faliraki — a seaside resort area — with five designated pickup points, making it straightforward for travelers staying nearby. The high-speed boat is the vehicle for adventure, giving you quick access to the island’s highlights while ensuring you have ample time to enjoy them.

The total duration is about five hours — a compact window that balances travel, exploration, and relaxation. The boat ride itself is a highlight, offering brilliant coastal views and a chance to swim in Saint Georges bay during the journey. The boat’s speed means you spend less time in transit and more time savoring Symi.

Symi’s Enchanting Harbor and Town

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the vibrant fishing harbor, famous for its turquoise water and neoclassical pastel-colored buildings. It’s the perfect spot for photos, leisurely walks, or a quick browse through local shops. The reviews highlight how gorgeous the scenery is: “Symi is gorgeous. Crustal clear water for swim, fresh fish for food, beautiful colors for photos” (pambosman).

Your almost three hours of free time give you the flexibility to wander at your own pace. You might choose to relax on a terrace overlooking the bay, explore narrow alleyways lined with shops, or sit down for a meal at a traditional taverna, with the expense at your discretion. Many visitors appreciate the laid-back atmosphere of Symi, especially at sunset.

Visiting the Monastery of Panormitis

A significant highlight is the 45-minute stop at the Monastery of Panormitis — a revered Orthodox pilgrimage site. This monastery is perched on the southern coast of Symi, and it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate its architecture and spiritual significance. It’s a quieter, more reflective part of the trip, giving insight into local religious traditions.

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The Return Journey & Additional Activities

After your free exploration, the boat departs for the monastery, allowing a scenic cruise along Symi’s rugged coastline. Many travelers enjoy snapping photos of the coastline, with some even taking a quick swim at Saint Georges bay during the voyage.

Here's some more things to do in Faliraki

The Food and Local Delights

While dinner is not included, the tour offers ample opportunity to sample Symi shrimps, which are celebrated across Greece. Several reviews speak highly of the local seafood. You’ll find that local tavernas serve fresh fish and seafood, often at reasonable prices, if you choose to dine on your own.

Logistics and Practical Insights

The cost of $55 per person is reasonable considering the speed, convenience, and inclusions. Compared to full-day cruises, this trip offers a more focused experience, saving time and money. The boat’s departure from Faliraki means no long bus transfers to Rhodes Town, which is a plus for travelers staying in or near Faliraki.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and hosted in English, making it suitable for a broad range of travelers. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

Authentic Experiences and Authenticity

Reviews reveal that travelers value the authentic charm of Symi. Pambosman notes, “Symi is gorgeous…crustal clear water for swim, fresh fish for food, beautiful colors for photos.” The emphasis on local flavors and scenery makes this a genuine Greek experience, not just a hurried tourist snapshot.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys scenic boat rides, appreciates authentic traditional villages, or wants a manageable day trip with a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation, this tour hits the spot. It’s ideal for those short on time but eager to see a different side of Greece beyond Rhodes.

Summary & Final Thoughts

This Rhodes: Evening Trip to Symi Island offers a practical, scenic, and culturally enriching experience for travelers wanting a taste of one of the Dodecanese’s most picturesque islands. The combination of a high-speed boat cruise, free time in Symi’s colorful harbor, and a visit to the Monastery of Panormitis makes for a well-rounded outing.

The value here is in the ease of logistics — no need for complicated transfers — and the authentic, relaxed vibe of Symi, which many reviews highlight as “gorgeous” and “not to miss.” The opportunity to enjoy crystal waters and local seafood elevates this trip beyond just sightseeing.

This trip is perfect for travelers who appreciate a balanced mix of scenic cruising, cultural sights, and free exploration, especially if short on time. It’s also a good choice for those who want to avoid crowded, full-day cruises and prefer a more intimate, manageable outing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the price of this tour?
It costs $55 per person, which covers the boat ride, the free time on Symi, and the stop at the Monastery of Panormitis.

How long is the cruise?
The total experience lasts about five hours, including travel, free time, and sightseeing stops.

Does the tour include transportation to Faliraki?
Yes, you board the boat directly from Faliraki, with five pickup points — no need for additional buses or transfers to Rhodes Town.

How much free time do I get on Symi?
You’ll have nearly three hours to wander the town, relax by the water, or visit local restaurants.

Is there an opportunity to swim during the trip?
Yes, the boat stops at Saint Georges bay for swimming and relaxing in the water.

What’s special about the Monastery of Panormitis?
It’s a significant Orthodox pilgrimage site, and the 45-minute stop allows visitors to see its impressive architecture and learn about its religious importance.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it more inclusive.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Absolutely, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

To sum it up, this trip offers an excellent balance of ease, authenticity, and scenic beauty. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see Symi in a relaxed, manageable way, especially those interested in local culture, gorgeous views, and fresh seafood. Whether you’re visiting Rhodes for a short stay or just want a quick escape to an island gem, this tour delivers a slice of Greek paradise with minimal fuss — highly recommended for a memorable afternoon by the sea.