Symi · Getting there
Symi has no airport, and the boat in is half the pleasure. Almost everyone comes from Rhodes, just to the south-east, and arrives at Gialos, where the painted houses rise up both sides of the harbour as the boat turns into the bay. Some boats call first at the monastery of Panormitis in the south-west. There is also a long ferry from Piraeus for those with time.
By plane
Fly to Rhodes, which has direct flights from much of Europe in summer, then cross by boat. Check that the boat times match your flight before you book, and on a late arrival plan a night in Rhodes.
Paradisi, west coast of Rhodes
Direct flights from much of Europe in summer, and from Athens all year. The usual way in.
Into town: Take a taxi or bus to Rhodes Town, about 25–30 minutes, then a boat from the harbour to Gialos, which takes about 1–1.5 hours.
Antimachia, Kos
Direct flights from much of Europe in summer, and from Athens all year.
Into town: Take a bus or taxi to Kos Town, then a catamaran to Symi, about 2–3 hours, on the days it runs.
By ferry
Rhodes is the gateway: several boats a day in summer, from fast catamarans to the island's own ferries and day-trip boats. Ferries from Piraeus are long and less frequent.
Rhodes Town Gialos, Symi
Catamarans are fastest, at under an hour on a calm day. Day-trip boats leave Mandraki in the morning and come back in the evening, often stopping at Panormitis on the way.
Rhodes Town Panormitis, Symi
Some boats call at the monastery bay in the south-west before going on to Gialos.
Piraeus (Athens) Gialos, Symi
The big ferries to Rhodes call at Symi on some sailings, usually overnight, with cabins.
Island hopping
Gialos Rhodes
Easy to pair Symi with a few days in the Old Town of Rhodes.
Gialos Tilos & Nisyros
Quiet Tilos and the volcano of Nisyros are on the catamaran line north.
Gialos Kos
Catamarans go on via Tilos or Nisyros.
Gialos Kalymnos, Leros & Patmos
The catamaran line through the Dodecanese; check the season's timetable.
When you land
Everything starts at Gialos
The boats, taxis, buses and water taxis all leave from the harbour. Most hotels are a short walk from the quay, but some are up the Kali Strata, so pack light or ask your hotel about help with luggage.
Water taxis, not roads
Many of the best beaches have no road. Small boats leave Gialos in the morning for Agios Georgios, Nanou, Marathounda and Agia Marina, and from Pedi for Agios Nikolaos, and pick you up in the afternoon.
The little bus
A bus runs from Gialos up to Chorio and down to Pedi, and in summer a bus or taxi goes over the mountain to Panormitis. Taxis are few, so book ahead for an early boat.
Day-trippers come and go
From late morning to mid-afternoon the harbour fills with day boats from Rhodes. Stay at least one night to see Gialos empty out and turn gold.
Times and frequencies are typical for the summer season and change every year. Check the current timetable before you book.
Rooms with a view, picked for how they feel, not for star ratings.
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