Datça to Symi Day Trip 2026: Ferry and Visa

How to Get from Datça to Symi? The New 2026 Route

Today, June 7, 2026, we're excited to present a brand new sea route connecting two beautiful sides of the Aegean. The long-awaited Datça - Symi route, which officially commenced operations on June 1, 2026, offers a brand new and highly practical alternative for traveling from Turkey to the Greek Islands. While in previous years, reaching Symi typically involved connecting through Bodrum or Marmaris, or taking longer ferry journeys, now, with catamarans departing from Datça Port, the island is just a 45-minute ride away.

This new route is operated by Mavi Transfer. Thanks to direct services, the question of "how to get from Datça to Symi" is answered in the fastest and most comfortable way. Especially for holidaymakers planning a Datça to Symi day trip, this schedule, offering early morning departures and late afternoon returns, is a perfect opportunity to add an unforgettable Greek island experience to your Aegean vacation.

Mavi Transfer Datça - Symi Ferry Schedules 2026

Mavi Transfer's schedule for the 2026 summer season (June 1 - October 31) has been specially arranged to meet the needs of both day-trippers and those planning overnight stays. For those planning a day trip, the most suitable days are Monday and Thursday. On these days, you can travel to the island in the morning and return to Datça with the afternoon ferry.

If you wish to stay overnight on the island, you can consider Tuesday departures - Wednesday returns (1-night stay) or Friday departures - Sunday returns (2-night premium stay) options. You can review the current schedules in the table below:

Note: Day trip programs on Monday and Thursday are subject to reservation requests. Overnight departures are on Tuesday and Friday, with returns on Wednesday and Sunday.

Datça - Symi Ferry Ticket Prices (2026 Current)

Ticket prices for Datça Symi ferry services in 2026 are charged in Euros (EUR). Mavi Transfer offers discounted fares for different age groups and students. For day trips, purchasing a round-trip ticket is always a more economical option.

*Important Note: Discounted round-trip fare information for child, student, and senior (65+) passengers is not fully specified in the available data. For exact prices and up-to-date information regarding round-trip ticket purchases for these passenger types, please check Mavi Transfer's official channels. Operator Phone: +90 252 275 02 04.

Symi Visa on Arrival Process and Requirements

As part of Greece's facilitated visa program for Turkish citizens, the Symi visa on arrival application continues to be active during the 2026 summer season. If you do not have a valid Schengen visa or a green passport, this application allows you to travel to Symi Island for up to 7 days with your burgundy passport.

Despite its name, the visa on arrival process is not a visa obtained directly upon disembarking the ferry. You must submit your documents through authorized agencies or the ferry company at least 4-5 business days before your trip. The essential documents you need are:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months and without any TRNC (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) entry stamps.
• 2 recent biometric photographs.
• Bank statement for the last 3 months (with sufficient balance).
• Round-trip ferry ticket (if you are going for a day trip, your return ticket must be included).
• Hotel reservation document if accommodation is planned.
• Completely filled visa on arrival application form.

Visa fees and agency service charges may be updated periodically. For the most accurate information regarding current visa on arrival fees and agency service charges, please check the operator's official channels or refer to our Symi Island Visa Information guide.

Symi in 6-7 Hours: Datça - Symi Day Trip Itinerary

Assuming you take the 09:30 ferry from Datça, arrive in Symi at 10:15, and return with the 17:30 ferry, you'll have a wonderful 6-7 hours to explore the island. Symi is a small but visually stunning island. Here's your hour-by-hour day trip itinerary:

10:15 - 12:00: Gialos Port and First Impressions

As the ferry approaches the port, you'll be greeted by magnificent neoclassical houses, arranged like an amphitheater and painted in pastel colors (yellow, terracotta, mustard, blue). Gialos (the port area) is the heart of the island. After clearing customs, take a stroll along the waterfront. Photograph the Clock Tower and the statue at the end of the harbor. Venture into the narrow streets to discover local boutiques, shops selling natural sponges, and charming cafes.

12:00 - 13:30: Kali Strata and Horio Hill

Symi is not just about its waterfront. To reach Horio, the island's old settlement, you'll need to climb the famous "Kali Strata" (Good Path) steps. Consisting of approximately 500 steps, this path is best ascended before the midday heat sets in. Along the stairs, you'll see restored old mansions and doors adorned with bougainvillea. Upon reaching the summit, you'll be rewarded with that famous panoramic view, laying the entire Gialos harbor at your feet.

13:30 - 15:30: Cooling Off at Agios Nikolaos Beach

After descending from Horio and returning to the port, it's time to immerse yourself in the cool waters of the Aegean. Given your limited time for a day trip, Agios Nikolaos beach, reachable by small taxi boats from the port in just 15-20 minutes, is the most ideal option. On this beach, with its pebble shore and crystal-clear waters shaded by pine trees, you can rent a sun lounger and relax for a few hours.

15:30 - 17:00: Famous Symi Shrimp and Early Dinner

It would be a shame to visit Symi and not try the island's unique, crispy "Symi Shrimp," eaten with its shell. After returning to the port from the beach, settle into one of the traditional Greek tavernas along the waterfront. Order a fresh Greek salad (Choriatiki), tzatziki, calamari, and grilled octopus alongside to turn your day trip into a feast. Remember that portions in restaurants are quite generous.

17:00 - 17:30: Return to Port and Passport Control

After finishing your meal, make sure to be at the passport control point by 17:00 at the latest for the Mavi Transfer catamaran departing at 17:30. Due to the volume of day-trippers, short queues may form at customs.

Practical Tips for Your Symi Day Trip

• Passport Control: You will go through passport control both when departing from Datça and when returning from Symi. Being at Datça Port at least 1 hour before the ferry departure time is critical to ensure smooth processing.
• Carry Cash: While large restaurants in Symi may accept credit cards, taxi boats, small cafes, or local shops selling sponges might require cash Euros. Make sure to have some small Euro denominations with you.
• Comfortable Shoes: If you plan to climb to Horio, the Kali Strata steps are stony and tiring. Opt for comfortable athletic shoes instead of high heels or slippery sandals.
• Book Early: The newly opened Datça-Symi route is attracting significant interest, especially during the high season in July and August. It is advisable to arrange your day trip tickets and any visa on arrival documents weeks in advance. For more route alternatives, you can check our Ferry Services from Turkey to the Greek Islands 2026 guide.

This 45-minute journey from Datça, the pearl of the Aegean, to Symi, enchanting with its neoclassical architecture, is set to be one of the most popular activities of summer 2026. We wish you a pleasant journey!