Getting from Athens to Symi

If you are heading to Symi from Athens you are going to one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese. The neoclassical mansions climbing the hillside above the port in graduated tiers of ochre, terracotta and cream, built by sponge merchants who made their fortunes in the 19th century, create a harbour approach that has no equal in the Greek islands. The upper town of Chorio has a ruined medieval castle and views across to Turkey. The beaches on the southern coast are excellent and the island transforms completely once the day boats from Rhodes leave in the afternoon.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Athens to Symi. The island is connected primarily to Rhodes in the Dodecanese network, with local ferries from Rhodes to Symi taking around 1 to 1.5 hours. Getting to Rhodes from Athens by sea means the long Piraeus to Rhodes crossing taking around 14 to 18 hours. Flying to Rhodes and connecting by ferry is the only practical approach for most travellers.

Getting there by air

Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes, which has multiple daily connections from Athens taking around 1 hour. From Rhodes Airport a taxi to the ferry port takes around 15 minutes and the crossing to Symi takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. Total travel time from Athens is around 3 to 4 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Rhodes and take the local ferry across to Symi. It is the only realistic approach and the connection from Rhodes is straightforward. 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.