From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

The clever idea here is simple: two of Rhodes’ best day-trip sights in one outing. You spend the morning wandering the medieval streets of Rhodes Old Town, then cross the sea to Symi, where colorful waterfront houses, restaurants, and swimming spots fill the afternoon. I like the easy hotel pickup and the chance to explore independently. I also like the price, $55, which is hard to beat for transport to both places.

The catch is time. Rhodes Old Town can feel rushed, especially if the coach leaves late or makes extra hotel stops. This is a long day, often closer to 12 or 13 hours in practice, and the return trip to Lindos can take longer than the morning drive.

Key points at a glance

• Two major sights in one day: Combine Rhodes Old Town and Symi without arranging separate buses, boats, and tickets yourself.
• Independent sightseeing: You receive transport and meeting instructions, not a guided tour with a running commentary.
• About 80 minutes by boat each way: The vessel is often more like a large fast ferry than a small private speedboat.
• Symi is the afternoon highlight: Use your free time for the harbor, lunch, shops, a swim, or a walk uphill.
• Pickup reaches well beyond Lindos: Collection points cover Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and nearby resorts.
• Excellent value at $55: The price includes hotel transfers and all main transport, but not meals or attraction tickets.

One day, two very different Greek islands

This outing gives you a useful snapshot of eastern Rhodes and nearby Symi. Rhodes Old Town brings stone lanes, fortifications, grand medieval buildings, and busy shopping streets. Symi feels smaller and more relaxed, with a compact harbor lined by colorful buildings and places to eat.

I like the contrast. In the morning, you are walking through a major historic city. By afternoon, you are sitting near the water with a drink or looking across the harbor at the steep hills around Symi.

You should understand the format before booking. This is primarily a transportation day trip with free time, not a guided cultural tour. There is no guide leading you through the Palace of the Grand Master or explaining Symi’s past. You are given instructions, transport, and time to make your own plan.

That suits me when I want freedom. It also means you need to watch the clock, find the correct meeting points, collect the boat ticket, and decide what matters most at each stop.

Pickup from Lindos, Pefkos, and the southern resorts

The day starts with hotel pickup in Lindos and a wide group of surrounding resort areas. Collection points include Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, Kalathos, and hotels such as Lindos Royal Resort, Lindos Grand Resort & Spa, Aquagrand, Princess Andriana, Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa, and Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa.

Because the service gathers people from many hotels, your pickup time depends on your location. You are told to wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled time, looking for the Sebeco Tours bus. The driver is expected to wait no more than five minutes after the set pickup time, so do not linger inside your hotel or assume the coach will come back.

This is one of the practical weak spots. A closed road or a late passenger has occasionally caused confusion and reduced time in Rhodes. Call the local contact if the bus is not where expected, but arrive early and stand somewhere visible. Punctuality matters because the boat from Rhodes leaves at a fixed time.

The coach ride to Rhodes takes about an hour from the Lindos area, though the full transfer can vary with hotel stops and traffic. The buses have been described as comfortable, and drivers have generally been friendly and helpful. One driver named Ivan received special praise for being informative and assisting passengers during the transfers.

Three hours in Rhodes Old Town, if the day runs to plan

Rhodes Old Town is the first major stop, with around three hours scheduled for free time. In practice, many people get closer to two or two and a half hours once late pickups, arrival procedures, and the return meeting time are taken into account.

That is enough for a first look, not enough for a leisurely visit. You can walk the main medieval streets, see the harbor area, and visit one major sight if you move with purpose. If you want both the Palace of the Grand Master and the Castle of the Knights, plus shopping and lunch, you will need to keep an eye on your watch.

The Palace of the Grand Master is the obvious choice for history and architecture. The Castle of the Knights and the fortified lanes give you the visual character of the old city even if you do not pay for every attraction. Entry tickets are not included, so decide in advance if you want to spend part of your limited time inside.

A useful approach is to treat Rhodes as a walking sampler. Choose one priority, then allow time for the old streets and harbor. Trying to see every corner will make the morning feel like a race.

The old city also offers plenty of places to eat, but a full sit-down meal can consume a large part of your visit. I would keep lunch simple here unless Rhodes is your main reason for booking the excursion. Symi has a more relaxed setting for a meal later in the day.

You receive a map or basic written information for Rhodes, which helps you get oriented quickly. The information for Symi is less detailed, so it is worth deciding before departure if you want a harbor stroll, lunch, a swim, or a short uphill walk.

Finding the boat in Rhodes

After your free time, you return to the agreed meeting area near the port. The boat ticket may need to be collected from a kiosk under your name. This step is important and has caused confusion for some passengers, especially when the group was expecting a representative to hand over tickets directly.

Listen carefully to the meeting instructions and do not leave ticket collection until the last moment. The boat departs on time. The transfer staff and drivers generally provide clear directions, but the responsibility for getting to the correct queue and boarding point is still yours.

Boarding can be informal, with passengers choosing seats as they enter. Families may not always sit together, particularly on a crowded return crossing. If sitting together matters, stay near your group and board promptly.

The 80-minute crossing to Symi

The crossing is advertised as a speedboat ride, but you should set your expectations correctly. Several passengers describe the vessel as a large ferry-style boat rather than a small private speedboat. That is not necessarily a problem. The larger vessel provides indoor and outdoor seating, toilets may be available, and the ride gives you room to move around.

The sea crossing takes about 80 minutes each way. The ride can be smooth and enjoyable, with open views and plenty of fresh air. On the upper deck, though, sea spray can be heavy. If you want to stay dry, sit inside or on a lower sheltered level. If you enjoy the spray and the sound of the wake, the back of the lower deck can be a good place to watch the water.

The return crossing may be more crowded than the outward trip. One report described extra chairs being placed inside, while another person had to stand for part of the journey. Families with children may want to keep this in mind, especially after a hot afternoon.

The best part of the ride may be the changing light on the way back. Depending on the season and departure time, you might catch sunset over the water. That can turn a basic transfer into one of the day’s most memorable moments.

Three hours in Symi’s harbor

Symi is the afternoon highlight for many people. The port area is compact and easy to explore on foot, with brightly painted houses rising around the harbor and a long waterfront lined with cafés, tavernas, and shops.

You get roughly three hours here, although some departures allow closer to four. That sounds generous, but the time passes quickly if you want lunch, photographs, a walk, and a swim.

The easiest plan is to stay around the harbor. You can stroll along the waterfront, choose a restaurant, and watch the boats come and go. A fish-market area provides a pleasant setting for lunch, and the quayside restaurants make it easy to eat without losing time to a long search.

Symi is not an attraction-packed stop. Its appeal comes from the setting and the chance to slow down. If you expect a long list of organized activities, you may find the afternoon quiet. If you are happy with a scenic harbor, a meal, and time by the sea, the stop works very well.

You might find a beach or swimming area to relax at, and some people use the afternoon for a swim or watersports. The exact options are not included as part of the excursion, so bring what you need for sun and water time. The island also has uphill streets and steps, including a route toward the castle area, but the hot weather can make that walk tiring.

There is no formal guide showing you around Symi. That gives you freedom, but it also means you should keep track of the departure time yourself. At least two couples have missed the return boat after becoming distracted. The departure is clearly important, but you should still set an alarm and return to the boarding point early.

What the $55 price really covers

At $55 per person, this is a strong transport value. You get hotel pickup and drop-off, a coach to Rhodes, the boat to Symi, and return transport. Booking separate transport from a southern Rhodes resort to Rhodes, then arranging a Symi boat independently, could be more complicated and possibly more expensive.

The price does not include entry tickets, food, drinks, or a guide. That keeps the cost down, but you need to budget for the Palace of the Grand Master or other paid sights if you want to go inside. You also need to pay for lunch and drinks on your own.

I see the excursion as best value for people staying south of Rhodes Town. The farther you are from Rhodes, the more useful the hotel transfer becomes. It is especially practical for people staying around Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, or Gennadi, where reaching a boat departure point independently may take planning.

The tradeoff is a long day built around fixed transport. You are not paying for a private experience or a flexible schedule. You are paying for access, convenience, and the chance to see two places that would be difficult to combine on your own.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want to see Symi but are staying in Lindos or farther south.
• Prefer free time to a guide-led group walk.
• Are comfortable walking in the heat and keeping track of departure times.
• Like combining historic streets with a harbor town and boat ride.
• Want a low-cost way to cover a lot of ground in one day.
• Are traveling with older children who can manage a long schedule.

I would hesitate if Rhodes Old Town is your main priority. You will need more than two or three hours to see the museums, fortifications, streets, and harbor without rushing. In that case, visit Rhodes Town separately and choose a dedicated Symi trip on another day.

I would also think twice if you dislike long transfers or crowded boats. The day can begin around 7:30 or 8:00 in some locations and end around 8:00 or 9:15 at night. The return coach may take longer because it has many drop-offs.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable shoes. Rhodes Old Town and Symi both reward walking, and Symi includes steep streets and steps if you explore away from the waterfront.

Carry water, sun protection, and a swimsuit if you might swim. Food and drinks are not included, so you can choose where and when to eat rather than being tied to a group meal.

Keep your boat ticket, map, and meeting instructions together. In Rhodes, confirm where to collect your ticket. In Symi, note the exact return time and boarding area before heading off for lunch.

If you want to sit together on the boat, board promptly. If you want to stay dry, avoid the exposed upper deck. If you want sea spray and a strong view of the wake, the open rear area can be more fun.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the practical ease of moving between coach, port, boat, and old streets may depend on the day’s boarding arrangements. Confirm your needs before booking if you use a wheelchair.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still moving, but they do not change the fixed nature of the day once you go.

Should you book this Rhodes and Symi trip?

Book it if you want maximum scenery for a low price and accept a long, self-guided day. The strongest parts are the smooth coach-and-boat connection, the beautiful arrival in Symi, the helpful transfer staff, and the convenience of hotel pickup from the Lindos area.

Do not book it expecting a small private speedboat, a personal guide, or a relaxed half-day outing. Rhodes Old Town may feel hurried, the return journey can run late, and the boat may be crowded.

For most people staying in southern Rhodes, I think the $55 price is convincing. You get a taste of Rhodes Old Town, a proper afternoon in Symi, and transport that removes much of the planning. Just arrive early, keep your watch handy, and save your energy for the return trip.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included from Lindos?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included from many locations in Lindos and nearby resort areas, including Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and Kalathos.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is 12 hours. Some departures have taken closer to 13 hours, especially when late hotel drop-offs or delays affect the return journey.

How much free time do I get in Rhodes Old Town?

The planned free time is about three hours. In practice, you may have closer to two or two and a half hours if pickup delays or extra stops reduce the available time.

How much time do I get in Symi?

The planned stop is about three hours, although some schedules provide closer to four hours.

Is this a guided tour?

No. You explore Rhodes Old Town and Symi independently. Transport, meeting instructions, and free time are included, but there is no guide leading sightseeing.

Is the boat really a small speedboat?

The boat is described as a speedboat, but it may be a large ferry-style vessel rather than a small private boat. The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You pay separately for meals, drinks, and any snacks in Rhodes or Symi.

Are attraction entry tickets included?

No. Entry tickets for places such as the Palace of the Grand Master and the Castle of the Knights are not included.

Where do I wait for pickup?

You should wait at the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time and look for the Sebeco Tours bus. Drivers may wait no longer than five minutes after the scheduled time.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific assistance between the coach, port, and boat, confirm the arrangements before booking.