Getting from Andros to Symi

If you are heading to Symi from Andros you are making your way from the northernmost island in the Cyclades to one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese group, on the opposite side of Greece. 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 no direct ferry from Andros to Symi. The two islands are in completely different parts of Greece with no sea connection between them. Getting there means taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, which runs up to 11 times daily and takes around 1 to 2 hours, flying to Athens and then flying 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. Andros has no airport either. Taking the ferry from Andros to Rafina, flying to Athens and then Athens to Rhodes, followed by the local ferry from Rhodes to Symi, gives a total journey time of around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Andros to Rafina, fly to Athens and then fly to Rhodes and take the local ferry across to Symi. 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.