Kalymnos – Symi (Simi)
Ferry to Dodecanese Islands
Kalymnos – Symi (Simi)
Ferry to Dodecanese Islands
There are about 2 weekly sailings between Kalymnos to Symi (Simi). 2 operators sail this route
The Kalymnos Symi (Simi) ferry typically departs from Kalymnos at around 01:40.
Kalymnos Symi (Simi) ferry sailing duration on this route can take around 1h 19m. The fastest sailings are approximately 1h 0m. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators and can be impacted by weather conditions.
On average, there are around 2 weekly ferry sailings from Kalymnos to Symi (Simi). These sailings are provided by Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables may differ by season.
Kalymnos Symi (Simi) ferry prices typically range between £29.39* and £159.1*. The average price is typically £67.49*. The cheapest Kalymnos Symi (Simi) ferry prices start from £15.66*. The average price for a foot passenger is £48.55*. The average price for a car is £162.34*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Kalymnos and Symi (Simi) is approximately 62.6 miles (100.7km) or 54.4 nautical miles.
Yes,
Yes, it is possible to travel as a foot passenger between Kalymnos and Symi (Simi) with Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please note that the availability of foot passenger services may vary between ferry operators. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for foot passenger ferries.
Pets are allowed on ferries traveling from Kalymnos to Symi (Simi) with Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.
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| Kalymnos - Symi (Simi) Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Greece | |
| Destination Country | Greece | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways | |
| Average Price | £67* | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 1h 19m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 1h 0m | |
| First Ferry | 01:40 | |
| Last Ferry | 23:05 | |
| Distance | 54 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
"Great way to travel"
"Tilos to Rhodes ferry - diagrams blue star ferry"
"Holiday"
"Great trip"
Not many nations across the world can boast to have a moniker as unique (or indeed as strange) as the “Sponge-diving Island”, of Kalymnos. The odd nickname is a throwback to the Greek island’s thriving sponge trade when local divers, armed with just a harpoon and a lungful of air, trawled the bottom of the surrounding Aegean Sea in search of so-called “Kalymnian gold”. Such is the importance of sponges to the island’s culture that an annual Sponge Week celebration is held to honour the bravery of divers through the telling of poems, the singing of songs, and even the showing of tribute films. Nowadays Kalymnos is a millionaires’ playground, teeming with wealthy Greeks who want to while away the hours in the glorious warmth of the Mediterranean sun. The island is shaped by a rough and ragged coastline and a landscape of barren hills; their steep slopes marked by solitary pine trees clinging desperately to the rocks. Yet the desolate backcountry is a stark contrast to the beauty of Kalymnos town, where a pristine promenade hugs the deep-blue waters of a bay and narrow streets play host to white-washed buildings topped with terracotta tiles. The entire town is huddled at the foot of a valley; one side coloured by a rare swathe of deep-green where the lemon and tangerine groves of Pothia grow. The port in Kalymnos covers most of the town’s waterfront and consists largely of small piers and jetties lined with yachts that roll with the gentle swell of the waves. The ferry terminal is found on the largest of these piers at the western edge of the bay, just beside a sharp-angled, S-shaped breakwater. It is a small facility consisting of little more than a car-park and a designated section of the roadside where ferries make anchor. Though the port is located in the heart of Kalymnos’ main urban centre, travelling further afield can prove difficult due to the island’s harsh terrain and largely remote nature. The best way to get around is by following the single, main road that circles around the spine of mountains that cut across the region from the south-east to the north-west. This route – regularly traversed by local buses - leads directly from the ferry terminal, slices through Kalymnos town, and snakes away to the smaller villages of Mirties, Arginonta, and Vathis. A wide range of ferry routes currently operate from the port throughout the week, most hopping to the multitude of neighbouring islands. Services hosted by Dodekanisos Seaways sail to Arki, Fournoi, Agios Kirikos, Pyhagorio, Agathonisis, Lipsi, and Chalki as well as sharing the journey to Symi, Rhodes, Tilos, Patmos, Nisyros, Leros, and Kos with Blue Star Ferries. Blue Star Ferries also travel to Astypalea, Kastelorizo and the city of Piraeus on the Greek mainland.
Once the ferry meanders over the gentle rocking waves of the Mediterranean Sea, and you first lay eyes on the wine-coloured houses overlooking the sleepy harbour that embodies Symi – it will be love at first sight. Every shade of orange, yellow and red is presented in an oasis of colour and vitality, symolising Symi’s character. A constant stream of buoyant tourists adorn the beaches, basking in the scorching sunrays and golden sands, bringing a youthful energy to the island. St Nicholas Beach and Marathounda Beach are the pinnacle of the shoreline, leading to a selection of blue coves waiting to be explored. Primed for sunbathing and lounging around the harbour, whiling away the hours tasting a hybrid of Italian, French and Greek cuisine which epitomises the history of Symi, many often ignore the myriad of spectacular ancient buildings dominating the town centre, but some believe that is the highlight of the island. The numerous steps leading to the apex of the acropolis make the spectacle even more worthwhile - the Panormitis Monastery offers an insight into the fascinating history of Symi - as well as a breathtaking view of the incredible architecture.
You’ll certainly get through a few miles when perusing the shops, landmarks and restaurants, but there is no need for a car, just make sure you bring sturdy walking shoes.
