About Symi Port

One of the most characteristic stops in the Dodecanese archipelago, the island of Symi holds an important place in Greece's maritime and commercial history. Symi Port, the island's main entry point, is located in the central area also known as Yialos. The colorful neoclassical houses arranged in an amphitheater style, which greet visitors approaching the port by sea, are a legacy of the island's 19th-century commercial golden age. Enriched in the past by sponge diving and shipbuilding, the island has managed to perfectly preserve the architectural fabric of this era to the present day.

Today, Symi Port is a modern customs checkpoint that remains faithful to its historical texture, serving passenger ferries, luxury yachts, and day-trip boats rather than commercial ships. The port area is the administrative and touristic heart of the island. Having become a primary destination for Turkish tourists and yachters due to its proximity to the Turkish coast, this port also serves as a regional transfer hub through its connections with other Greek Islands. The customs building, police station, and coast guard units are located directly on the port quay.

Location and General Features

Symi Port is located in the southeastern Aegean Sea at coordinates 36.6172° N latitude and 27.8389° E longitude. Geographically, it is very close to the Turkish mainland; it is just 8 kilometers from Marmaris's Bozburun Peninsula, while the sea distance to the Marmaris central port is approximately 30 kilometers. It is 24 kilometers away from Rhodes, the largest island in the region.

The physical structure of the port is designed to accommodate mid-sized catamarans, car ferries, and private yachts rather than large cruise ships with deep drafts. The naturally sheltered structure of Yialos Bay offers a safe docking area, especially against northern winds. The promenade stretching along the port quay connects directly to the waterfront, which is lined with cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. This allows passengers disembarking from the ferry to step directly into the island's center without needing any additional transportation.

Which Routes Serve the Port?

Symi Port is an active hub for both international and domestic Greek ferry routes. Sailings from Turkey to the island are generally concentrated during the summer season (between April and October). The most frequently used routes are:

Marmaris - Symi Route: This forms the main backbone of transportation from Turkey to the island. Depending on the type of ferry or catamaran used, the journey takes an average of 75 to 90 minutes. Thanks to regular sailings, it is highly suitable for day trips.
Datça - Symi Route: Sailings departing from Datça (Körmen) or directly from the Datça center serve as an alternative route, especially during the summer months. Because the distance is short, the journey time is around 50-60 minutes.
Bodrum - Symi Route: Usually operating with a transfer in Kos or directly on specific days, these sailings are preferred by passengers planning a longer Aegean tour.
Rhodes - Symi Route: The most popular of the domestic Greek routes. Numerous ferries and sea buses operate daily from Rhodes to Symi. The journey time drops to as little as 45 minutes with fast ferries.

For passengers planning to travel to different islands, the current schedule tables on our Greek Islands page can serve as a guide to explore routes in the Dodecanese region. Additionally, those considering crossing to the northern islands can explore alternative routes via the Kuşadası–Samos Guide.

How to Get to Symi Island

Transportation from Turkey to Symi Island is provided exclusively by sea. There is no civil or military airport on the island. The most practical method of transportation is to use the regular passenger ferries departing from the ports of Marmaris or Datça. Tickets can be obtained from the ticket offices of the operating companies or authorized online platforms. It should be noted that tickets are issued personally and cannot be transferred to anyone else.

After arriving at Symi Port, there are several different options for getting to other parts of the island. There are small municipal buses operating regularly between Yialos (the central port), Chorio (the Upper Village), and Pedi Bay. Additionally, taxis waiting in the port area can provide transportation to distant points such as the Panormitis Monastery at the southern tip of the island. Due to the island's steep and narrow street structure, motorcycle or ATV rental options are more frequently preferred by visitors instead of car rentals.

Port Facilities

Although Symi Port is a boutique island port, it has all the necessary basic facilities as it is an international entry and exit point. Passengers disembarking from the ferry are first greeted by the passport control and customs building. While this area can get crowded depending on the density, especially during the summer months, procedures generally move quickly.

Right after the customs exit, passengers encounter the island's famous clock tower (near the Michalaki Statue). Currency exchange offices, car/motorcycle rental agencies, tourist information offices, and ferry ticket sales points are lined up along the port promenade. Furthermore, numerous shaded cafes, traditional Greek tavernas, and clean public restrooms are within walking distance of the port area for waiting passengers. Luggage storage services are generally provided for a fee by certain tourism agencies around the port.

Places to Visit in Symi Island

Despite its small area, Symi is an island that stands out with its historical and cultural riches. From the moment you step into the port, there are many spots to explore:

Yialos (Port Area): Serving as the island's showcase, Yialos stands out with its protected neoclassical architecture. The mustard yellow, terracotta, and pastel-toned houses offer an ideal setting for photography enthusiasts.
Kali Strata and Chorio (Upper Village): Kali Strata (Good Steps), which starts from Yialos and is climbed via approximately 500 steps, leads you to Chorio, the island's old settlement. Here, narrow streets, old churches, and the island's local life can be observed.
Panormitis Monastery: Located about 15 kilometers from the port in the southwest of the island, this Orthodox monastery is dedicated to the Archangel Michael. It is an important pilgrimage and visiting site for both Greeks and foreign tourists.
Symi Archaeological and Folklore Museum: Located in the Chorio area, the museum exhibits the island's history from antiquity to the present day, along with traditional clothing and household items.
Traditional Sponge Trade Museum: A specific exhibition area detailing the history of sponge diving, which was the source of Symi's 19th-century wealth, as well as the old diving gear and methods used.
Ruins of the Castle of the Knights of St. John: Situated at the highest point of Chorio, the castle ruins are the best location to enjoy a panoramic view of the island.
Pedi Bay and Nimborios Beach: Located close to the center, these two bays are ideal for those who want to take a sea break with their calm waters and traditional tavernas.

Passport and Border Crossing

Since Symi Island is Greek territory, Schengen area rules apply. For Turkish citizens to enter the island, they must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the end date of their travel and a valid Schengen visa. For Turkish citizens without a visa, a single or double-entry visa valid for up to 15 days can be obtained upon arrival under the "Gate Visa" program implemented during certain periods. It is mandatory that Gate Visa applications are made through authorized agencies at least 4-5 business days before travel, and that biometric photos and necessary documents are submitted completely.

Other important rules to consider when crossing the border are as follows:

Luggage Rules: On ferry journeys, each passenger is entitled to carry 1 standard-size suitcase and 1 handbag. Extra-large or commercial cargo may be subject to fees or customs inspection.
Customs Limits: According to the exemption limits applied on departure or return from Greece to Turkey, an adult passenger can carry a maximum of 2 liters of alcoholic beverages and 200 cigarettes (1 carton).
Traveling with Children: If children under the age of 18 are traveling with only one parent, the original notarized consent document belonging to the non-traveling parent must be presented to the border police.
Adverse Weather and Cancellations: Ferry tickets are issued personally and cannot be transferred. However, if the sailing is canceled due to adverse weather conditions or operational reasons, passengers are offered the right to a full refund or the option to open the ticket for future use.

For more comprehensive information on border crossings, visa fees, and current document lists, it is recommended to visit our Passport and Visa Guide page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the ferry journey from Marmaris to Symi take?
Depending on the speed of the catamarans and ferries departing from Marmaris port, the journey time varies between 75 and 90 minutes on average. Sea and weather conditions may partially affect this duration.

Is the gate visa application valid for Symi Island?
Yes, Symi is one of the Greek islands where the gate visa is applied. Turkish citizens can enter the island by obtaining a gate visa valid for up to 15 days at the port, provided they submit the necessary documents in advance.

Can I get a refund for my ticket if the ferry sailing is canceled due to bad weather conditions?
According to general ferry rules, if the sailing is canceled due to adverse weather or operational reasons caused by the company, passengers are given a full refund of the ticket fare they paid, or the ticket is rescheduled to another date upon the passenger's request.

I will be traveling to Symi alone with my child, do I need an additional document?
Yes, if children under 18 are traveling abroad with a single parent, it is a legal requirement to present a notarized consent document (original document with a wet signature) from the non-traveling parent at border control.

Symi Ferry Port

Port Guide