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 2828 reviews

Review categories

Safety

3/5

Service

3/5

Staff

2.6/5

Value for money

3.8/5

All ratings (2828)

5 stars (1252)

44%

4 stars (1108)

39%

3 stars (374)

13%

2 stars (64)

1 star (30)

K
Kim1
Solo traveler
May 10, 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.
C
Connor
Traveled as a couple
May 9, 2026
2.2
United Kingdom
Its called a tour but you don't receive a tour you sit on a 3 hour coach then sit on there countrys public ferry basically for 2 hours and then when you arrive no one walks with you and your kinda just left there for 4 hours then when you come back you have to do the same 2 hour boat trip again and the same 3 hour coach trip so 10 hours roughly is not even spend at the destination you have paid to see
B
Brian
Traveled as a couple
May 8, 2026
3.4
United Kingdom
Symi was beautiful and we enjoyed our time there. The monastery is one of the most beautiful and ornate we have ever seen. Our issue was the travel time. We were picked up at 08:00 and dropped off at 18:30, but we only had 3 hours in Symi and 45 minding the monastery. The difference between boring travel and actual excursion time means we could not recommend this tour, despite Symi and the monastery being amazing. You have a captive audience on the ferry, provide something during the journey.
H
Helen
Traveled with family
May 7, 2026
5
United Kingdom
Emma was a wonderful guide, full of very interesting information. The eir pieces worked really well as a means of communicating, especially when there are so many different groups. Great day out.
R
Rob
Traveled as a couple
May 4, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Visit to the monastery is a little rushed and, dare I say unneccesary. Simi is beautiful, would be nice to have been back a little earlier-hence ideally the monastery trip suggestion
S
Sugarplum55
Traveled as a couple
May 3, 2026
4.6
United Kingdom
Lovely island, well worth the visit. Long journey on the boat, but not unpleasant. Guild was very informative. Happy we went.