Getting from Anafi to Symi

If you are heading to Symi from Anafi you are making your way from one of the most remote islands in the Cyclades to one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese group. The colorful neoclassical mansions stacked up the hillside above the port make for one of the most striking harbour approaches in the Greek islands.

Take the ferry

There is a seasonal direct ferry from Anafi to Symi running in summer on the wider Blue Star route that connects the Cyclades with the Dodecanese. The service runs a limited number of times per week and takes around 10 to 14 hours depending on the vessel and stops along the way. Alternatively, take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, fly to Athens and then fly to Rhodes, followed by the local ferry from Rhodes to Symi taking around 1 to 1.5 hours.

Getting there by air

Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Anafi has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, flying to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes, followed by the local ferry from Rhodes to Symi, gives a total journey time of around 6 to 7 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Anafi to Santorini, fly to Athens and then fly to Rhodes and take the local ferry across to Symi. It is the most practical approach. Give yourself at least two nights on Symi. The island reveals itself completely once the day visitors leave and the harbour becomes entirely your own.