A day trip to Symi is one of the most popular activities from Rhodes. Many visitors want to see the colorful houses and enjoy the calm atmosphere. We also wanted to experience a Symi day trip from Rhodes and looked for a suitable tour*.
The choice feels easy and difficult at the same time, as there are many operators and very different types of boats. In this article, I share our experience and show you the most beautiful highlights of this day.
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Is a Symi day trip from Rhodes worth it
A boat trip is always part of our travels. The Symi day trip fit perfectly into our stay on Rhodes. The island offers colorful houses, a calm harbour and short walks to scenic viewpoints. This combination suited us very well.
We wanted a relaxed day with many impressions and a quiet atmosphere. We found exactly that on Symi. The tour* works well for travellers who enjoy beautiful places and also appreciate time on the water.
Rhodes offers many operators who run trips to Symi. The differences lie mainly in the route, the size of the boat and the comfort on board. We therefore looked at several options and compared the most important points.
Tour operators, boat options and how we chose the right trip
We wanted a clear and relaxed schedule. This included a stop at Saint Georges Bay and enough time on Symi. Many operators offer only short stays on the island, but we wanted enough time to explore Symi at an easy pace. We also looked for a comfortable boat. A clean toilet on board was essential for us. Space and seating areas were also important. Some boats felt quite narrow, while others offered much more room to move.
In the end, we chose a large and very comfortable boat*. It had plenty of space and still felt a little like a modern yacht. This choice matched our needs and gave us a good feeling for the entire day.
Starting at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town
Our boat tour started at Mandraki Harbour, which is where almost all tours depart. The tour even offered hotel pickup*. However, our hotel at Elli Beach* was only a ten minute walk away, so we reached the pier with a short and relaxed stroll.
Our meeting time was ten in the morning. We arrived a little early and reached the harbour at nine thirty. This gave us enough time to find a good seat. Many operators do not assign seats, so arriving early really helps. We managed to get a spot at the very back of the upper deck and enjoyed a wonderful view of the sea.
As the boat leaves the harbour, you pass directly by the two famous deer statues. They mark the entrance to Mandraki Harbour and are well known landmarks of Rhodes, as this is where the Colossus of Rhodes is said to have stood.
Boat trip to Saint Georges Bay
After leaving the harbour, we headed out onto the open sea. During the ride, we saw the coast of the Turkish Aegean, which appears rugged and largely untouched. The scenery looks very impressive, as the islands in this region lie close to each other.
The ride to Saint Georges Bay took around one hour. This sheltered bay sits between high cliffs. Its water shimmers in bright shades of turquoise and looks very inviting. We had really looked forward to this stop, as many travellers describe the bay as one of the most beautiful spots in the region.
No swimming stop at Saint Georges Bay – our experience
When we arrived at Saint Georges Bay, the crew prepared everything for a swim stop. One crew member jumped in first and swam a short distance. He then returned to the boat and spoke briefly with his colleagues. A moment later, the crew informed us that we would not be stopping for a swim.
We asked for the reason and learned that it was considered too dangerous that day. The crew mentioned the wind. This surprised us a little, as we did not notice strong wind at that moment. They might have meant currents or other conditions. Safety always comes first in situations like this.
We had experienced similar moments before. On Cyprus, two of our boat tours were cancelled due to wind. Late October can bring unstable weather across the Mediterranean. During these days, we also noticed clear temperature differences between the islands. Cyprus often reached twenty eight to thirty degrees. Rhodes stayed closer to twenty four to twenty six degrees. The water was also warmer around Cyprus.
The cancelled swim stop was our biggest disappointment of the tour. This stop is normally one of the highlights of a Symi day trip, and we would have loved to swim in the turquoise water.
Arrival on Symi – Gialos Harbour and the colourful houses
After the boat ride, we reached the harbour of Symi. As you approach, you immediately see the colourful houses on the hillsides. These buildings are typical for the island and create a beautiful first impression. The warm tones look striking and blend well with the clear water in the harbour.
Gialos Harbour looks very picturesque and feels like a real postcard scene. The houses stand close together and create a charming backdrop for photos and videos. Many boats line the waterfront and add even more atmosphere to the scene.
Once we arrived, we had three hours on the island. This gives plenty of time for a relaxed walk around the harbour and the nearby lanes. The paths are short and allow you to explore without any rush.
Best places to see on Symi – our walking route
We started our walk at the small bridge in the harbour. This bridge connects two parts of Gialos and offers a lovely view of the colourful houses. The view from here feels very balanced and shows the typical architecture of the island.
From the bridge, we continued towards Kali Strata. This historic staircase leads up many steps to the higher part of Chorio. We walked far enough to reach a beautiful viewpoint over the harbour and the colourful houses. The area up there feels calm and very pleasant. We met only a few people and almost no day visitors.
After our walk, we stopped for a meal at a restaurant right by the harbour. There we tried the small Symi shrimps. You eat them with the shell on. They taste very fresh and have a nice crunch. This speciality is one of the best known dishes on the island.
To finish our visit, we stopped at a small patisserie. The selection looked great, and we picked up a few treats to take with us. Afterwards, we browsed some of the shops along the harbour and bought a few small souvenirs as a reminder of our day.
Return to Rhodes and our conclusion
After our time on Symi, we headed back to Rhodes in the late afternoon. The sun was already lower in the sky and cast a warm light over the sea. We reached the harbour of Rhodes in the evening and ended the day with a good feeling.
Our overall impression is mixed. Symi is a beautiful island, and the colourful houses leave a strong impression. The harbour and the viewpoints also reflect the very special atmosphere of this place.
The missing swim stop at Saint Georges Bay remained a disappointment for us. This stop is usually one of the highlights of the tour*, and we would have loved to swim in the turquoise water. Even so, the day trip is a lovely experience. The mix of a relaxed boat ride and a gentle walk through Symi makes for a very enjoyable day.
I’m Marie, and I write about our excursions and travel destinations. I love discovering new places and sharing my experiences and practical tips with you. My goal is to inspire you for your next adventure and help you find the best activities and must-see sights.
