Each one of the Dodecanese Islands offers a distinctly different experience – and Symi is one of the most culturally rich of them all. You'll discover its laidback charm and visit sites such as Panormitis Monastery and a sponge maker. Fotini, one of our local guides, says, ‘Symi is one of the smallest and most picturesque Greek islands. The sight of the colourful houses as soon as you enter the harbour never fails to impress.'

The fun starts with a glide across the Aegean to Symi. The first stop is in the southwest of the island, at the vast, Venetian-style Panormitis Monastery. It is famed for its Byzantine frescoes and icon of St Michael, but most of all for its location right on the water's edge in a remote and sheltered bay. You'll also have free time to explore the site.

Next, you'll sail for Symi town itself. The arrival into the harbour is a joy to behold – tiers of pastel-coloured houses cascade down the surrounding hillsides. There's a guided tour of Symi town, too. And during the sponge maker visit, you'll learn about the island's sponge-diving heritage and its importance to the eco system surrounding the Symi. Your visit also helps support this traditional industry, vital to the local community. You'll get a small gift to take home, too. It's Fotini's favourite part of the experience. She says, ‘The old tradition of sponge diving has strongly affected the history and the customs of the Dodecanese Islands.'

What is the itinerary for this experience?

The itinerary for this experience is...

- 7:30am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel

- 8:55am – departure from Mandraki Harbor

- 10:25am to 11:30am – arrive in Panormitis for a monastery visit and free time

- 11:30am – leave Panormitis

- 12:00pm – photo stop in St. George Bay

- 12:25pm to 4:00pm – arrive in Symi for a guided tour, visit to a sponge workshop, lunch (not included) and free time

- 4:00pm – leave Symi

- 5:35pm to 5:45pm – arrive back at Mandraki Harbor

Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day and depending on boat operations, sometimes you may visit Panormitis before Symi.

Why you’ll love this…

You'll take a boat trip from Rhodes to two locations on the island of Symi
A visit to the Venetian-style Panormitis Monastery and the surrounding bay is included in the tour
You'll enjoy a walking tour of Symi Town, famed for its hills packed with pastel-coloured homes
The tour includes an in-depth look at sponge making, along with a gift from the sponge maker
An expert local guide will share their unrivalled knowledge of Symi and its people

What people say about this experience

4.2/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 2847 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Service

3.4/5

Staff

3.8/5

Value for money

2.6/5

All ratings (2847)

5 stars (1263)

44%

4 stars (1114)

39%

3 stars (376)

13%

2 stars (64)

1 star (30)

C
Cerilou
Travelled as a couple
17 May 2026
5
United Kingdom
Very interesting trip. Would recommend to anybody. Boat trip back was a bit long but the day was well worth it. The restaurant recommend by guide was amazing food and location.
M
Mike
Travelled as a couple
17 May 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
It looked like organised chaos, getting off the coach,but it worked ok. The ferry journey took 2hrs. You did have to scramble to get a seat. But the sea was calm, weather beautiful, so all was great. Our guide Katarina was amazing. It was a long day. Got back at 1945 to Pefkos after a 655 pick up. . We loved it thought. Symi is a stunning island
P
Palmers
Travelled as a couple
17 May 2026
4.2
United Kingdom
Would have been helpful if told how long you would be on the boat when booking this tour other then that great day
H
Hamid Hojabr
Travelled as a couple
12 May 2026
3.4
United Kingdom
The time spent in Symi about 3 hrs in my opinion was too long. It would havd been better to reduce it by 30 mins so the time in Monastery would be more
T
Teresa
Travelled as a couple
11 May 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Was a lovely day me and my husband John loved looking around so thank you for a lovely day just wished the boat had more seats
K
Kim1
Solo traveller
10 May 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
I thought we would have the chance to reach one of the beach or rocks to have a swim ! Although the TUI agent who took my booking (Sara) and the guide (French) were very nice, friendly and professional ; the crossing from Rhodes to Symi took too long with a big boat as opposed to other groups that went on smaller boats with the possibility to stop over in one of the beaches and coud swim.