Getting from Symi to Kalymnos

If you are heading to Kalymnos from Symi you are making your way from one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese to an island in the northern part of the same group. It is known above all for its sponge diving tradition and its status as one of the premier rock climbing destinations in Europe.

Take the ferry

There is a direct ferry connection from Symi to Kalymnos via the Dodecanese network. Getting there means taking the ferry from Symi north through the Dodecanese, with Blue Star Ferries and Dodekanisos Seaways connecting several times a week and taking around 3 to 5 hours via Kos. This keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese without going through Athens or Piraeus. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season.

Getting there by air

Kalymnos has its own small airport with connections from Athens. Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and flying from Rhodes to Athens and then Athens to Kalymnos takes around 1 hour on the second leg. Total journey time is around 5 to 6 hours. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Symi north through the Dodecanese to Kalymnos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Check the schedule carefully before booking as departure days vary by season. If you prefer to fly, take the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and fly from Rhodes to Athens then Athens to Kalymnos. Note that Symi is car-free so if you are traveling with a car it would already be in Rhodes, from where the conventional ferry takes it north through the Dodecanese to Kalymnos.