The first thing that hits you as you step onto the slipway at the old Rhodes harbour is the scent of salty sea air mixing with the faint aroma of fresh‑baked bougatsa from a nearby kiosk. Boats of all sizes bob gently against the wooden pilings, and the turquoise water stretches toward the horizon, catching the late‑morning sun in a way that makes the whole scene feel almost cinematic. From the dock you can already see the silhouette of the small island of Symi rising in the distance, its white‑washed houses perched on the cliffs like a picture postcard. That view is the perfect prelude to the hour‑long ferry ride that connects these two Dodecanese jewels. Taking the Ferry From Rhodes to Symi # The scheduled service between Rhodes and Symi runs once a day, covering the 30‑kilometre stretch in exactly 1 hour. The ticket price is $8 per passenger, making it one of the most affordable ways to hop between islands. The departure point on Rhodes is the main passenger terminal near the historic harbour, while the arrival dock on Symi is the modest but well‑located harbour that sits just a short walk from the town centre.
As I stood on the deck of the ferry, watching the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Aegean Sea, I couldn’t help but feel the thrill of adventure. The ferry was a sight to behold, its white hull glistening under the sunlight, and the waves lapping gently against the sides. This was my first time crossing from Rhodes to Santorini , and I was eager to share my experiences with fellow travelers. Taking the Ferry From Rhodes to Santorini # The journey from Rhodes to Santorini by ferry is a scenic one, offering a chance to experience the beauty of the Aegean Sea up close. The ferry I took, while not the largest or most luxurious, was comfortable and well-maintained. The crossing took approximately 11 hours and 35 minutes, which is a bit longer than a flight, but the ferry offers a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to enjoy the view.
Salt spray hits the starboard railing as the port of Kos shrinks behind the wake, leaving the whitewashed town houses and medieval fortifications of the island fading into the Aegean haze. Ahead lies the long, open stretch of blue water leading down to the imposing fortifications of Rhodes . For anyone who prefers travel that moves at a measured pace rather than being crammed into an airport metal tube, this specific Greek island link stands out as a genuine highlight.
Photo by Sami TÜRK on Pexels Standing on the deck of the ferry, I was greeted by the stunning view of the turquoise waters surrounding Fethiye. The gentle waves lapped against the hull as the sun began to rise higher in the sky, illuminating the charming harbor filled with yachts and fishing boats. This is the perfect start to a ferry journey that takes you from the picturesque coast of Turkey to the historic island of Rhodes in Greece .
Photo by Mete Kaan Özdilek on Pexels As I stood on the deck of the ferry, the gentle breeze tousled my hair, and the sun cast a golden hue over the water. The views from the ferry are nothing short of stunning, with the rugged coastline of Dalaman gradually giving way to the enchanting island of Rhodes . The sea glistens under the sun, and the horizon stretches endlessly, making this journey one to remember.
Photo by Alex Staudinger on Pexels As I step onto the ferry at the port of Heraklion, the view is nothing short of captivating. The azure waters of the Aegean stretch out before me, dotted with small islands and the distant outline of mountains. The sun glints off the surface, creating a shimmering path that beckons travelers to explore. This is not just a mode of transport; it’s an experience in itself.
