Ferries Symi

Although it is still considered one of Greece's hidden gems, Symi’s popularity has risen in recent years, as photos of its stunning port have circulated on social media and in travel magazines around the world.

When it comes to ferry ticket availability, demand for tickets to Symi is higher in July and August. If you plan to travel during these months, we recommend booking your ferry tickets well in advance, especially if you want to take your vehicle on board.

For the rest of the year, you can book your tickets even a few days before departure. Symi also serves as a perfect day trip destination from nearby Dodecanese Islands or from Bodrum on the Turkish coast. For day trips, tickets may be available closer to the departure date, but securing your seats in advance is always safer.

Tip: Symi is one of the hottest Greek islands in September, with temperatures around 28°C and ideal conditions for swimming and exploring. If you opt for some shoulder-season magic, make sure to check Ferryhopper for the latest itineraries to find the one that best suits you.

Ferry companies operating routes to and from Symi provide discounts of up to 50% for specific passenger categories. More specifically, lower-cost ferry tickets to Symi are typically granted to:

• Children aged 5-10/12 years old
• Students of Greek public universities
• ISIC card holders
• People with disabilities and their accompanying persons

Note: infants and toddlers up to 4 years usually travel free of charge on ferries to Symi. However, available discounts may vary depending on the ferry operator.

When booking your ticket on Ferryhopper, simply select the route that suits you, choose the applicable discount, and it will be automatically applied to your final ticket price.

No matter how many times one takes a ferry to Symi, one thing remains constant: when the ferry reaches Gialos, the island’s main port, you will feel as if you have stepped into a painting or a theatre scene. The pastel-colored neoclassical mansions, which look like intricate dollhouses cascading down the hillside to the waterfront, will welcome you to one of Greece’s most distinctive destinations, and you will feel like never leaving.

Symi’s fairytale-like vibe is a perfect match for travelers seeking a slower pace. The island’s capital encompasses Gialos and the picturesque upper area of Chorio, with its narrow alleys, traditional tavernas, and breathtaking views of the port. To get from Gialos to Chorio (and take some Instagram-worthy shots in the meantime), you can walk the 500 steps called Kali Strata (Good Path).

Apart from its architecture, Symi boasts the Monastery of Panormitis, one of the most important religious sites in the Dodecanese, located in a serene bay on the island’s southwest coast and dedicated to the Archangel Michael.

And then, there are the beaches with their crystal-clear turquoise waters, many of which can only be reached by small boats operating from Gialos or the small settlement of Pedi. A highlight among them is Saint George (Agios Georgios Dysalonas), shaded by an imposing vertical rock that creates an unspoiled landscape where mountain goats roam freely.

Nightlife in Symi is considerably more subdued compared to other Greek islands, but that does not mean that Gialos lacks bars that stay open late, where locals and visitors come together every night. And, of course, you cannot wave goodbye to this gem of an island if you have not tried the local culinary specialties like the tiny fried Symi shrimp, a perfect mezes (starter) to any seafood meal.

Check out some helpful tips for your ferry trip to Symi and some useful information on your stay there:

• We recommend arriving at least 1 hour before departure, especially if you are traveling with your vehicle during the summer months. Greek ports, including the port of Piraeus, as well as the ports of Rhodes and Kos, are busy during this period, and arriving early helps avoid delays.
• The ferry crossing from Piraeus to Symi lasts 15 hours on average. To ensure a comfortable trip, consider booking a cabin in advance.
• Even if you plan to travel during the sweltering summer heat, a light sweater should be packed in your carry-on bag, as air conditioning on Greek ferries takes its job very seriously!
• Symi can either serve as your base or a stop on an island-hopping itinerary, as it is just a short ferry trip away from neighbouring Dodecanese islands. Check out our Map of ferries to find all the ferry connections to and from Symi.
• If you have already planned your stay at another Dodecanese destination but still want to get a glimpse of Symi, consider taking a day trip to either the main port of the island (Gialos) or the Monastery of Panormitis.
• Symi is a small island with relatively limited accommodation options. To ensure you won’t miss your chance to discover its charm, we recommend booking your stay well in advance.

The type of ferry that will take you to Symi, as well as the onboard services and amenities, depend on your point of departure.

Ferry routes to Symi from Athens (Piraeus) are operated by Blue Star Ferries. Onboard the company’s conventional vessels, you can book a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-bed cabin, or a bed in a shared cabin. Alternatively, you can opt for a deck-lounge or a numbered airplane-style seat. You will also find restaurants and stores on board.

Ferry routes connecting Symi to other Dodecanese islands, such as nearby Rhodes, are operated either by conventional or high-speed vessels. Cabins are not available on these routes, as crossings are relatively short. However, deck-lounge or airplane-style seating is included in the ticket price.

On most conventional and high-speed ferries travelling to and from Symi, you can expect the following:

• Snack bars for a quick bite and refreshments
• Air-conditioned indoor areas
• Accessibility infrastructure for people with disabilities (PWD)
• Wi-Fi (on select routes)

You can travel with your pet free of charge on all ferries to Symi. Make sure to carry along the necessary certificates, tickets, and any pet supplies you may need for your trip.

There are 2 ports in Symi: Gialos (Symi Port) and Panormitis.

Gialos is the main port, located at the island’s capital and serving ferry routes from Piraeus and other islands of the Dodecanese and the North Aegean. At the port of Gialos, you can find hotels, car rentals, restaurants, grocery stores, cafés, and other visitor amenities. Also, small boats that take you to the island’s beaches depart several times a day from here. The port of Gialos is also where you can take the ferry from Symi to the Turkish coastal town of Bodrum.

The port of Panormitis is situated in the southwestern part of the island and primarily serves routes to Rhodes, as well as the port of Gialos. Travelers who wish to do a day trip to visit the famous Monastery of Panormitis can take direct routes to this port, which does not feature many traveler services at the small port of Panormitis. Still, you can have a coffee or grab a bite at one of the few shops and restaurants.

Ferry route map

Below, you can see all active ferry connections to Symi, as well as starting prices for each route. Use our interactive Map of ferries to visualize your trip and easily plan an island-hopping adventure.