Rhodes to Symi Day Trip: Is the Boat Tour Worth It?

So, you’re thinking about escaping Rhodes for a bit and scooting over to Symi on a day trip? Maybe you saw some pretty pictures online or heard a few people chatting about this adventure. That is why taking a boat tour might sound like a nice change of scenery, right? After doing the Rhodes to Symi day trip myself, I wanted to share what the experience is like and whether I reckon it’s actually a good use of your precious vacation time. I’ll go through the pickup, what the boat ride is really like, the things you can see on Symi, and some tips that’ll help make your excursion the best it can possibly be. The aim here isn’t just to describe the tour but too help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Hotel Pickup and the Start of the Voyage

A lot of these tours are advertising a hotel pickup, making it all look stress-free right from the jump. Thing is, the truth, it’s slightly more nuanced than the brochures lead you to think. Basically, depending on just where your hotel happens to be situated on Rhodes, you may find yourself on a minibus or even a full-sized bus doing a little tour of local resorts while you pick up other eagerly awaiting travelers. I was staying just outside Rhodes town, and very, very the pickup was early – like really early – which is what you can fully expect during the busiest parts of the summer. So, anyway, a little tip is to set an extra alarm (or two!), too just give yourself more than enough time, very, very in case you decide you need to run back inside for that charger or quickly grab a bottle of water. Also, make a mental note of the bus number or even any defining features; there might be other buses scooting about doing similar routes.

You will make your way down to the harbor after what is sometimes a long journey involving more people being crammed on to your bus along the way. The hustle as you wait in lines can get somewhat overwhelming! Remember that the trip may seem somewhat chaotic right now but you’re only steps away from the lovely calmness of the sea and just the change of scenery that will hopefully bring a big smile on your face.

The Boat Trip: Seas, Breezes, and Maybe Some Queasiness

So, the boat, that’s pretty where you spend a big chunk of your day, as you might guess. From Rhodes to Symi, reckon on about an hour to two hours on the water, maybe a bit longer hinging on which boat you’re on and what mood the sea happens to be in that day. Naturally, I love being on the open water, therefore I usually try to find a spot on deck to catch some rays and take in those unreal turquoise views. Just that it’s really worth slathering on the sunscreen; that Mediterranean sun is shockingly sneaky, and what feels like a delicate kiss of sunshine at first can easily turn into a lobster impersonation by lunchtime. Plus, bringing a hat and sunglasses, in that case you didn’t already pack them, too are good ideas. And a travel tip, just that, in fact that some boats, too have indoor, climate-controlled areas, they could be very, very ideal if you are quite sensitive to the heat or fancy catching a small break from it all. But of course make an attempt to secure a chair on the top deck.

If you’re at all prone to motion sickness, it’s usually suggested that you take something to relieve it beforehand. Seas can be pretty unpredictable, as you probably know! While that is usually quite smooth sailing, there can be times, and especially on windy days, when the boat has got a bit of rock ‘n’ roll happening. Oh and usually just make sure you’ve got your camera or phone fully charged; that you don’t want to miss the occasion to snap a couple pictures of the Aegean as you sail through it!

Exploring Symi Town: A Kaleidoscope of Colour

Symi town—or Yialos, like a lot of locals call it—is honestly picturesque. Right away, after approaching the harbor, you’re hit with a stunning panorama: houses in shades of ochre, coral, and sky blue climbing up the hillside like something right off a postcard. And this is a true delight to the eye, as a matter of fact. That there is usually around three to four hours of free time here; it’s actually up to you what you wish to see and do. Many, very head directly for the waterfront restaurants, very where you are able to tuck into some incredibly fresh seafood. I am a fan of grilled octopus and some classic Greek salad with some crusty bread.

You might instead choose wandering some backstreets; where it’s very, very possible to stumble upon old churches, local craft shops, and cute cafes. The climb as much as the castle above the town might not be for everyone, but very if you’re up for it, that view, too is properly spectacular. Do think about the temperature, anyway, I suppose; traipsing up in the midday sun might be a tad ambitious, therefore the beginning or ending of the afternoon may just prove more comfy. Basically, be sure to just take comfy shoes. That these cobbled streets are pretty but too unforgiving in flip-flops. So if you fancy just dipping your toes in the water; Nos Beach isn’t too far from the harbor and is usually an easy walk. In the meantime, that you just want some shade; grab a coffee or a cold drink and do people watching!

Optional: The Monastery of Panormitis Stop

Now, just some tours include a stop at the Monastery of Panormitis, situated on the other side of the island. This trip will add to the day; therefore do bear this in mind when deciding. Basically, the monastery, it’s devoted to Archangel Michael; therefore it’s a significant pilgrimage site and the building actually is stunning. You can find a stunning bell tower, and it’s actually very possible to see a peaceful courtyard that almost provides a reflective ambiance. That being said, usually this part of the trip feels a tiny bit rushed hinging on how long the boat is actually docked for, just therefore factor that into your thoughts.

If you do decide to go for it, please be sure to actually dress respectfully because as you already know it is actually a religious site and covering your shoulders and knees may be usually expected. Although a lot of the vendors around sell scarves for this purpose if you do turn up unawares! Naturally, while the monastery may well be well worth seeing, make certain it will fit into your itinerary without which means you are simply rushing through Symi Town and find that you are struggling for time on your arrival. The decision hinges fully on your priorities for this journey!

Is the Rhodes to Symi Day Trip Worth It? My Verdict

Okay, as a matter of fact so is that Rhodes to Symi day trip that has been well worth it? Properly, that is pretty, a little complicated, right. Therefore I actually have got this thing that I just should tell you.

You’ve got to just ask what you hope to gain from your excursion; that hinges completely on how you are able to answer that question. Basically, I hope these will assist you; I actually believe in this; take note: If that you are pretty limited time in Greece; Symi gives you a flavour of one of many Greek islands devoid of needing an interior flight or a ferry hopping. However the boat will not permit more than a passing vacation; usually so plan ahead. Now, just for photography fans; the island is properly amazing; if that you will do this, anyway, you just might love the place; that colorful harbor at the beginning may seem just wonderful!

On one hand, Symi actually is gorgeous. It looks simply like it actually should take its place as on the cover of a travel magazine, if only just in those Instagram shots. Those blue seas are extremely clear; those homes actually look as though they are coloured with pastels, it is wonderful and so forth and so on, right?

Conversely, that the tours will get fairly crammed in high season, in fact it could also just have the possibility to feel a little rushed. Getting all the way over there by water actually has the result that all those trips might just go to make it so much of that destination may begin to feel overcrowded when people are just simply trying to get somewhere or catch those pictures.

But what’s going on; really just I might point you in what path to travel: Just go; have yourself on the Rhodes side and therefore therefore that it’ll just do you so much of good too but you just won’t even have quite the chance for being at Symi overnight. Simply consider a good break which can just get your personal island so very so well and do everything at your particular tempo.