Getting from Paros to Symi

If you are heading to Symi from Paros you are making your way to one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese, with neoclassical mansions climbing the hillside above the port in graduated tiers of ochre, terracotta and cream.

Take the ferry

There is no direct ferry from Paros 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 Paros means either flying via Athens or taking the long seasonal ferry, which takes around 8 to 10 hours.

Getting there by air

Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Flying from Paros to Athens takes around 45 minutes and then Athens to Rhodes takes around 1 hour, followed by the local ferry from Rhodes to Symi taking around 1 to 1.5 hours. Total travel time is around 4 to 5 hours.

Your best option

Fly to Rhodes via Athens 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.