Dodecanese Weekend
Rhodes & Symi long weekend
A four-night Rhodes and Symi pairing, built around one of the most frequent short crossings in the Dodecanese.
This is the simplest route in the collection: two islands, one crossing, four nights. Rhodes supplies a proper old town, beaches and an international airport; Symi supplies a quiet, photogenic counterpoint reachable in under an hour. It suits a long weekend extended into something closer to a week, without the logistics of a multi-island chain.
Why this order
Rhodes goes first because it has the airport, so travelers land, settle in, then take the short Dodekanisos Seaways or Blue Star crossing to Symi, 50 minutes on the fast option, up to three sailings a day year-round. Ending on Symi rather than Rhodes would mean a same-day ferry-then-flight scramble on departure day, since Symi has no airport of its own — this order keeps the flight home simple by returning to Rhodes with a day to spare.
Best for
Fits travelers with four or five days who want one iconic Dodecanese island and one quiet one, without adding a third stop. The relaxed pace suits a genuine short break rather than a packed itinerary. Skip it if you have more than five days free — Kos or Kalymnos would fit naturally into a longer version of this same trip — or if you'd rather spend all four nights in one place.
Islands on this route
- 1
- 2
Who sails it
- Dodekanisos Seaways Official timetable
- Blue Star Ferries Official timetable
Frequently asked questions
Why this order?
Rhodes goes first because it has the airport, so travelers land, settle in, then take the short Dodekanisos Seaways or Blue Star crossing to Symi, 50 minutes on the fast option, up to three sailings a day year-round. Ending on Symi rather than Rhodes would mean a same-day ferry-then-flight scramble on departure day, since Symi has no airport of its own — this order keeps the flight home simple by returning to Rhodes with a day to spare.
Best for?
Fits travelers with four or five days who want one iconic Dodecanese island and one quiet one, without adding a third stop. The relaxed pace suits a genuine short break rather than a packed itinerary. Skip it if you have more than five days free — Kos or Kalymnos would fit naturally into a longer version of this same trip — or if you'd rather spend all four nights in one place.
How we plan it?
Book the Symi crossing for early or midday rather than the last sailing of the day, since Rhodes–Symi is well served but a missed final departure means an unplanned extra night. The route runs year-round, but summer crowds on Symi's small harbor make an early rather than late ferry the more comfortable choice.
Times, prices and frequencies are indicative and change by season and operator. Always confirm the live timetable before you book.