Getting from Symi to Pserimos

If you are heading to Pserimos from Symi you are making your way from one of the most beautiful harbour towns in the Dodecanese to a tiny island wedged between Kos and Kalymnos in the same group, to the north. It has a single sandy beach, a handful of tavernas and accommodation that makes it worth staying overnight rather than just passing through on a day trip.

Take the ferry

There is a natural ferry connection from Symi to Pserimos via the Dodecanese network. Getting there means taking the ferry from Symi north to Kos, which runs several times a week and takes around 2 to 3 hours via Rhodes, and then taking the local boat from Kalymnos to Pserimos, which takes around 30 to 45 minutes. This keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely.

Getting there by air

Pserimos has no airport. The nearest airports are Kos and Kalymnos. Symi has no airport. The nearest airport is Rhodes. Taking the ferry from Symi to Rhodes and then flying from Rhodes to Athens and then to Kos, followed by the local boat to Pserimos, is considerably less practical than the direct ferry connection within the Dodecanese. In Greece, airlines do not operate direct inter island flights.

Your best option

Take the ferry from Symi north through the Dodecanese to Kos and then make your way to the local boat connection across to Pserimos. It keeps the journey entirely within the Dodecanese and avoids Athens entirely. Check local schedules on arrival as the Pserimos service is not bookable online in advance. If you want to stay overnight rather than day trip, the local ferry from Kalymnos is the more reliable connection. Note that Symi is car-free so no vehicles need to be considered for this connection.