Highlights
- Experience the stunning natural beauty of Symi Island and its surroundings
- Reach Symi Island onboard the comfortable and fast ferry boat NIKOLAOS X
- Visit the Panormitis Monastery and see the miraculous silver-plated icon
- Enjoy a 3-hour stay on Symi with colorful houses and sponge diving traditions
- Take a swim at Nymporio Bay (mid-June to the end of September) on Saturdays
Description
Sail to the island of Symi and explore its colorful streets and the Panormitis Monastery on this full-day cruise from Rhodes. Admire the island's traditional houses, relax on the beach, and enjoy free time to explore the island at your own pace.
Cruise from Rhodes to the island of Symi and be welcomed by the sight of the Panormitis Monastery overlooking the bay. As you approach the monastery, hear church bells ringing, welcoming all the pilgrims, explorers, holidaymakers, and curious travelers into its warm embrace.
The monastery was built in the late 18th century and is a treasury of Greek-Orthodox culture. Admire the contemporary church, built in 1783, which hosts the miraculous silver-plated icon of Archangel Michael. The main architectural feature of the monastery is its impressive bell tower, a mixture of Baroque and Renaissance styles, with colors that will definitely woo you.
Let’s not forget the setting on the Panormitis Port that is breathtaking. During your 1-hour stay, don’t miss out on visiting its museum and grab a refreshing drink at the café only a few feet away from the water.
When approaching the port, be welcomed by the sight of a scenic traditional village made by a skillful artist. Admire the island's traditional houses and charming neoclassical buildings that feature pointy roofs of red tile and wonderful balconies, authentic fishing boats, private yachts, and sailboats, folk and art shops, stalls with sponges, and wooden carvings.
During your 3-hour stay at Symi, relax while walking along the colorful coastline or swimming at the small organized beach of Symi with sunbeds provided. Choose from an abundance of local sea-view restaurants and taste seafood to the calming sound of the waves beneath you. All these restaurants and cafes surround a beautiful bay filled with small boats and the sparkling blue water of the Aegean Sea.
Get your camera out and snap some photos. Symi is so much more than words or photos can say. Symi is famous for its sea sponges and there are even a few places that sell them as souvenirs. You can also find oils, honey, spices, and wild herbs. Take a stroll around the harbor but don’t forget to also make your way into the backstreets and alleys of the town to get a glimpse of the center.
For this excursion, the boat may first stop in the town of Symi and then continue on to the Monastery.
Includes
Hotel pick up & drop off
Boat ticket
Free time at Panormitis Monastery
Free time at the City of Symi
Extra swimming stop to Nymporio Bay (mid-June until the end of September) on Saturdays
Excludes
Food and drinks
Important Information
- Your precise pickup time depends on your accommodation venue
- The duration of visits may vary slightly according to weather conditions and season
- Swimming is subject to favorable weather
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking
- Bring a camera for photos
- Consider bringing swimwear for the beach
- Carry some cash for personal expenses
- Ferry occupancy: 420 passengers, 3 decks, snack bar, and bathroom
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
