From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

Two famous islands, one very long day. This $55 trip from Lindos packs Rhodes Old Town and Symi into a single outing, with hotel pickup, bus transfers, and a boat crossing included. I like the chance to explore the UNESCO-listed Old Town independently, and I like that Symi gets a proper afternoon visit rather than a rushed photo stop. The main catch is time: Rhodes Old Town can feel hurried, and the full day may stretch to 13 hours once delays and hotel drop-offs are added.

The trip works best for you if you want to see a lot without arranging separate transport. It is not a guided sightseeing tour, so you will need to manage your own route, meals, attraction tickets, and meeting times. Symi is the visual prize, while Rhodes Old Town provides the grand monuments and maze-like streets.

Key points to know before booking

• Two major stops in one day: Spend the morning in Rhodes Old Town, then the afternoon on Symi.
• The boat takes about 80 minutes each way: Expect a large passenger boat or ferry-style vessel rather than a tiny private speedboat.
• Rhodes Old Town time can be tight: Actual free time has often been closer to two or two and a half hours.
• Symi is excellent for a relaxed afternoon: You can eat beside the harbor, browse, enjoy the views, or find a place to swim.
• Hotel pickup covers a wide area: Collection is available from Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and nearby resorts.
• You arrange your own sightseeing: Transport, the driver, and free time are included, but guides, food, drinks, and admission tickets are not.

Why this combined trip works from Lindos

Lindos is beautifully placed for beaches and village life, but Rhodes Town is about an hour away by coach. Symi is farther still and requires a boat crossing from Rhodes harbor. Organizing both independently would mean arranging a long bus journey, harbor connections, boat tickets, and return transport.

This outing removes most of that work for a modest price. At $55 per person, it is especially good value if you are staying south of Rhodes Town, such as in Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, or Gennadi. The transport alone would take effort to arrange, and the boat ride to Symi is the central reason to book.

The trade-off is control. You are not joining a small private excursion with a flexible schedule. You are following the transport timetable, and the coach may make several hotel stops. Most people find the organization clear, but a late pickup can reduce your time in Rhodes.

The trip receives an overall rating of 4.4 from 336 ratings, which fits the experience well: strong value and good organization, with time pressure and boat boarding as the main weak points.

Pickup from Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, and Gennadi

Pickup is offered from a long list of hotels and meeting points across the southern resort area. The exact arrangement matters, so check your confirmation closely. You are told to wait on the main road 10 minutes before the scheduled time, look for the Sebeco Tours bus, and remember that the driver waits no more than five minutes.

That rule is important. Several pickup points and a large route mean one late party can affect everyone else. There have been occasions when a bus returned for people who were not ready, cutting into the time available in Rhodes. I would arrive early, stand somewhere visible, and avoid assuming the coach will pull directly into a hotel driveway.

The transfer to Rhodes takes about one hour, though the full journey can vary with the pickup route. The buses are described as comfortable, and the drivers are often praised for being friendly and helpful. One driver, Mr. Ivan, received a special mention for being particularly informative and supportive.

The return can take longer than the morning transfer. The coach may have more drop-offs on the way south, and some parties have arrived back around 9 p.m. or later. Think of this as a full-day expedition, not a gentle half-day outing.

Three hours in Rhodes Old Town, with no guide

The coach drops you near Rhodes harbor, where you receive instructions for the next stage. From there, you walk into Rhodes Old Town on your own. The Old Town is a UNESCO-listed fortified city, and even a short visit gives you a taste of its stone lanes, old walls, squares, shops, and harbor approaches.

The key attractions include the Castle of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master. Admission is not included, so you need to decide how to use your limited time. If you want to enter both, check the meeting time first and keep an eye on the clock.

I would treat this stop as an introduction rather than a full visit. You can walk the main streets, see the Palace from the outside, reach the harbor, and perhaps visit one major attraction. You probably cannot explore every lane and spend long inside several museums before returning to the boat departure point.

The amount of free time varies in practice. The advertised schedule allows up to three hours, but late pickups, traffic, and the timing of the boat can leave closer to two hours. One useful touch is the map provided for Rhodes, which helps you make quick choices instead of wandering without a plan.

A simple approach works best:

• Head straight toward the main Old Town streets and the Palace area.
• Choose one paid attraction if entering matters to you.
• Leave time to return to the harbor meeting point.
• Buy food or water before boarding if needed.

Do not treat the boat departure as flexible. The return crossing is scheduled, and missing it creates a serious problem because the coach transfer home depends on it.

The boat crossing to Symi

The trip description calls this a speedboat ride, but expectations need adjusting. The vessel may be a large passenger boat or ferry-style craft rather than a small, nimble speedboat. The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

That is not a complaint in itself. The larger vessel can offer indoor seating, lower-level areas, outdoor spaces, and good views across the water. Some passengers prefer standing at the back to watch the spray, while others choose shade or shelter. On the upper deck, sea spray can be heavy, especially when the boat is moving quickly. If you want to stay dry, sit inside or on a lower covered level.

Seat selection can be informal. Families may not always sit together, and the return boat can feel crowded. One useful tactic is to board promptly and choose a sensible spot rather than waiting for an assigned seat.

The ride is part of the attraction. You get open-water views, a cooling breeze, and, on a late return, the chance to watch the sunset. The crossing also gives you a break after walking around Rhodes. Pack a light layer, protect your phone, and keep valuables away from the spray.

At the Rhodes harbor, pay close attention to the instructions about tickets. In some cases, you need to collect paper boat tickets from a kiosk under your name. This step is easy once you know about it, but confusing if you expect to walk straight onto the vessel.

Symi harbor and three hours of free time

Symi is the highlight for many people on this day. The harbor is lined with colorful buildings rising around the water, restaurants, cafés, and small shops. The setting feels very different from the heavy stone fortifications of Rhodes Old Town.

You have roughly three hours here, though the exact amount can vary. That is enough for a meal by the fish market, a walk along the waterfront, some browsing, and a relaxed drink. You may also find a beach or watersports option, and some people use part of the afternoon for a swim.

Do not expect a packed sightseeing program. Symi is mainly about the harbor setting, the buildings, the water, and the pleasure of sitting somewhere attractive. There are things to see, but the organized outing does not include a guide or a detailed island tour.

One visitor climbed the steps toward the castle, while others preferred a quayside lunch and a slow walk. The shops may not all be open, especially outside the busiest part of the day, so do not book this trip mainly for shopping.

The time balance is a personal choice. If you love historic buildings and museums, you may wish for more time in Rhodes. If you prefer a scenic lunch, a swim, and an easy afternoon, Symi’s longer stay will suit you well.

Before leaving the harbor, confirm the exact departure point and time. The boat leaves on schedule, and missing it is not a minor inconvenience. Keep your return ticket safe and arrive early.

Food, tickets, and what you need to budget

The $55 price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lindos, the coach transfers, the driver, the boat transportation, and free time at both destinations. It does not include entry tickets, food, or drinks.

That makes the price strong for anyone staying in the southern resorts. The boat trip alone is a major part of the day, and the included transfers save you from finding your own way to Rhodes harbor. Families should multiply the cost carefully, then add meals and any attraction admission.

You can keep the day fairly affordable by choosing one paid sight in Rhodes and having lunch in Symi at a restaurant that suits your budget. The harbor is the obvious place to eat, but a waterfront table may cost more than a short walk away. The supplied information does not specify a meal arrangement, so plan to buy food independently.

Bring water, sun protection, comfortable shoes, and a small bag that can handle sea spray. Rhodes Old Town involves walking on old streets, and Symi may involve steps if you go beyond the waterfront.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you:

• Are staying in Lindos or farther south and want an easy route to Symi.
• Prefer independent exploring to a guided group walk.
• Want to see the main feel of Rhodes Old Town without spending a full day there.
• Enjoy boat rides, harbor views, cafés, and unhurried sightseeing.
• Accept an early start and a late return.
• Want strong value rather than a private or luxury experience.

It is less suitable if you want a detailed explanation of every monument, dislike fixed departure times, or find long coach and boat journeys tiring. It may also frustrate you if Rhodes Old Town is your main priority, because two hours can feel too short for the Palace, the Castle, the streets, and the harbor.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the practical experience still includes transport between vehicles, boat boarding, and time on historic streets. If you need specific assistance, confirm the arrangements before booking.

My verdict on the Rhodes and Symi combination

I like this excursion because it solves a real problem. From Lindos, seeing both Rhodes Old Town and Symi in one day is difficult without organized transport. The trip is affordable, generally well run, and clear enough for independent visitors who pay attention to meeting times.

The strongest part is Symi, especially the boat crossing, harbor views, and freedom to spend the afternoon as you please. Rhodes Old Town is also worthwhile, but you should arrive with a short plan and accept that you are getting a sample rather than a complete visit.

Book it if you want maximum variety for $55 and do not mind a 12 to 13-hour day. Skip it if you prefer slow travel, detailed guiding, or a full day in one place. For most people staying in Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, or Gennadi, this is one of the simplest and least expensive ways to combine two standout places in the Dodecanese.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The stated duration is 12 hours, but the day can run longer because of pickup delays and the number of hotel drop-offs. Some departures have returned around 9 p.m. or later.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from many hotels and meeting points in Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and nearby areas. Your confirmation should show the assigned location.

How early should I wait for the bus?

You should wait at the main road 10 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. Look for the Sebeco Tours bus, as the driver may wait no more than five minutes.

How much time do I get in Rhodes Old Town?

The planned free time is three hours, but the actual visit can be closer to two or two and a half hours if pickups or traffic cause delays.

Is Rhodes Old Town guided?

No. You explore independently. A map may be provided, but no guide or guided walking tour is included.

Are attraction tickets included?

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

How long is the boat trip to Symi?

The boat crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

Is the boat a small speedboat?

Not always. The vessel may be a larger passenger boat or ferry-style boat. The upper deck can be exposed to strong sea spray, while indoor and lower covered seating offers more shelter.

What is included in the $55 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lindos, all transportation, the driver, and free time in Rhodes Old Town and Symi. Food, drinks, attraction tickets, and a guide are not included.