Symi island & Panormitis Monastery Self-Guided Tour

A stunningly beautiful island. It was like stepping back in time. The people are so lovely and polite and chilled. We caught the local bus a couple of times to nearby Pedi beach, which was very pretty with sunbeds for hire next to a good restaurant. We did a whole day trip round the island and stopped off at another beach where goats were wandering around the beach trying to steal food and drink from people. We also caught the tiny 'road train' (not really a train) for a short ride round part of the island. There are lots of restaurants and bars around the port, along with souvenir shops. My favourite shop was called Sophia Gallery, which sold beautiful handcrafted items. The only downsides for us were (a) the number of stray cats and (b) the heat, which was 32-37 degrees.

Took a day trip from Rhodes (by ferry) to the island of Symi and the Panormitis monastery. Overall, it was fine, but only 20 minutes were allocated for the monastery, so I didn't manage to see anything properly and didn't have time to go into the museum. And this was a very important part of the trip for me

The pickup happened late. The driver was driving with one hand on his cold espresso and the other on his cell phone, resting it on his shoulder or in his hand, talking the whole time and swearing. Absolutely dangerous! The agency justified itself by saying that this happened during breaks....but no, he was driving while we in the front rows watched him, astonished. They rely on Sea Dreams for the navigation, which lasted two hours instead of one, with an outdated vehicle that smelled of gasoline and was noisy. Instead of apologizing, they even want to be in the right. Terrible experience. In Alonissos there is a guide for nothing, so you can book independently with the Dodecanese Seaways, a serious company with fast and quiet ships. In the end, anyone can take a bus, taxi, or park at the port. It's faster.

Not sure about this one. It was all a bit boring, the day didn’t help as it was overcast. We had been on another boat trip to Lindos a few days earlier and it was far nicer with beanbags to sit on and a nice selection of drinks at the bar. We got to swim on that one too. It’s a long trip there and back and not a lot to see. Wouldn’t do it again.

Really helpful travel service. All very easy to identify what we wanted to do, the price and crucially map for the bus pick up stops.

The contact is very easy, and the agency is very available and very friendly. The driver is also very friendly.

Great trip. Visiting Symi was recommended to us by the taxi driver who took us from the airport to our hotel. We’re glad we took their advice. Symi really is a beautiful place to go. Being on a self-guided tour meant we could go at our own pace, stop somewhere for as long as we wanted and also have a coffee or lunch to suit ourselves. The monastery is well worth a visit too, and the chapel there is lovely inside. The 4* rating is no reflection on the tour or value for money. Rather there’s not much information when you book, while pick-up details are not given until midday on the day before you travel. Everything on the day went smoothly but a little more upfront information would be useful. Overall a great day that cannot be faulted.

Lovely day out. Kariba picked us up on town and kept us informed all the way. We had plenty of time and Symi and the monastery. The boat was on time and we had clear instructions about departure times etc. There were plenty of snacks and drinks in the boat as well as toilets. Symi is beautiful. Altogether a great trip.

This was the highlight of my week! Both Symi and the monastery were beautiful. It was well organized from start to finish. I was not allowed into the monastery as I was a lady wearing shorts but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the stop. The boat is cold and windy out at sea so do bring an additional layer and be careful of the seats. It looked like someone had attempted to pain plastic yellow seats with yellow emulsion. I saw several people with lighter coloured clothing getting off with yellow bums......

+5

Trip was exactly as described: a boat transfer from Rhodes to Symi and the Panormitis Monastery. Boat was fine, with toilets and two small cafes on board. At the gangway at each stop a sign was put up with the departure time. The time we had at each stop (3 hours in Symi, 1 uir at the monastery) was long enough. Simi was very nice, definitely recommended. Monastery was very small. Not five stars, because the beginning was very messy. What we would have liked to know in advance: 1. You cannot use the Tripadvisor digital voucher for the boat. Once you arrive at the port of Rhodes, you must first go to the ticket kiosk to get a physical ticket. 2. On our tour the order was reversed: first the town, then the monastery. 3. The bus and boat transfer is organised by an external company. Something had not gone right with us and the bus driver had not received our pick up point. Fortunately, we were able to stop him by waving. So pay attention if you use the bus transfer!