From Lindos: Rhodes Old Town and Speedboat Trip to Symi

Traveling to Rhodes and looking for a way to combine history, stunning scenery, and a taste of island life in one day? This tour from Lindos offers just that—exploring the UNESCO-listed Rhodes Old Town in the morning, followed by a scenic speedboat ride to the charming island of Symi in the afternoon. It’s a package designed for those who want to see a lot without feeling rushed, with the promise of authentic sights, beautiful views, and a smooth transfer experience.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how flexible it is—you get ample free time to wander and soak in the atmosphere at your own pace. Plus, the boat rides add a splash of adventure and a chance to admire the Greek coast from the water. However, one thing to keep in mind is that, because of the schedule, your time in each stop is limited—this isn’t a deep-dive into every attraction but a quick, well-organized taste of the highlights.

This experience suits travelers who love a blend of sightseeing and relaxation, are comfortable with some independent exploration, and appreciate the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off. If you want a structured yet flexible way to see Rhodes’ historic heart and picturesque Symi, then this tour might be just what you’re after.

Key Points

• Flexible Free Time: You get several hours to explore Rhodes Old Town on your own, perfect for wandering and personal discovery.
• Beautiful Boat Rides: The speedboat journey offers spectacular views and a fun way to travel between islands.
• Comprehensive Day: Combines cultural sights with island scenery, ideal for a broad experience in one day.
• Convenient Transfers: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Lindos, eliminating the hassle of finding your own transport.
• No Guide Included: You’re on your own during free time, giving freedom but less structured sightseeing.
• Good Value: At $53, it’s a cost-effective way to see both a UNESCO site and Symi with transportation covered.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Morning: Exploring Rhodes Old Town

The day begins with a pickup from your hotel in Lindos, with drivers waiting promptly—many reviews mention the smooth, punctual transfers, which is a huge plus. The drive to Rhodes Old Town takes about an hour, giving you some time to settle in and prepare for a relaxed stroll through this historic jewel.

Once in Rhodes Old Town, you’ll have roughly 3.5 hours of free time. This is a generous window to explore at your own pace. Many travelers appreciate the autonomy—some visit the Castle of the Knights, while others prefer wandering through the narrow alleys lined with shops, cafes, and historical ruins.

A noteworthy detail from reviews is that several guests felt the timing was well-managed, with pick-ups and boat departures happening as scheduled, making the day flow smoothly. One reviewer mentioned the “timings were spot on for picking up boat departures,” highlighting how reliable the organization is.

However, the lack of a guide means you’ll need to navigate on your own. If you’re comfortable with independent sightseeing, you’ll love the freedom to visit places like the Palace of the Grand Magister or simply soak in the lively atmosphere of the city’s cafes.

The Speedboat Journey: From Rhodes to Symi

After your exploration, you’ll board a speedboat for an 80-minute ride to Symi. Many reviews describe this leg as the highlight, emphasizing the spectacular views of the coastline and the excitement of sea travel. The boats are described as scenic and speedy, though some guests mention the boat can get crowded on the return trip, so arriving early or being prepared for a full boat is advisable.

Once on Symi, you’re free to explore. The island is renowned for its colourful houses, clear waters, and quaint streets—a perfect setting for relaxing, taking photos, or enjoying a casual lunch. Guests often mention having delicious meals on the quayside, with some describing it as a highlight of their day.

You’ll have about 3.5 hours on Symi, which is enough for a quick walk around, a swim in the sea, or simply lounging and soaking up the views. One review praised the “delicious quayside meal in the afternoon sunshine,” showing how leisurely and enjoyable the experience can be.

Returning to Rhodes

The journey back is another 80-minute boat ride, followed by a one-hour coach transfer to Lindos. Reviewers note that the return transfers are smooth, and many appreciate the timeliness of the pick-up, which keeps the day on track.

What We Love About This Trip

The combination of flexible free time and scenic water transportation makes this a well-rounded day. The hotel pickup is particularly appreciated, removing logistical stress, especially in a busy tourist area. The spectacular views on the boat, combined with the chance to wander Rhodes Old Town and Symi at your own pace, give you a taste of authentic Greek island life.

Considerations and Possible Drawbacks

While the itinerary is well-organized, some reviews highlight that the time in each location is limited—around 3.5 hours each in Rhodes Old Town and Symi. If you’re someone who loves to take your time exploring historical sites deeply, this might feel rushed.

Another point to keep in mind is the lack of a guide during your free time. If you prefer guided tours with detailed commentary, this package might feel a little light on context. Plus, the boat can get crowded, especially on the return trip, which might impact comfort.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a low-stress, all-in-one day to see both Rhodes Old Town and Symi without the hassle of planning multiple transports. It’s ideal if you enjoy independent exploration and are comfortable navigating on your own, with the added thrill of scenic boat rides.

It’s also well-suited for those on a budget—offering good value for the price of $53—especially when you consider transportation, some free time, and the scenic experience packed into one day.

However, if you’re looking for a guided, in-depth historical tour, or prefer more time at each site, you might find this experience a little too rushed or superficial.

Final Thoughts

For anyone seeking a balanced mix of culture, scenery, and relaxation, this trip from Lindos hits many marks. You get the freedom to explore Rhodes Old Town, combined with the thrill of a speedboat ride to Symi, one of the prettiest Greek islands. The logistical organization and punctuality are noteworthy, making it easy to enjoy what’s promised.

The scenic boat rides, authentic island charm, and convenient hotel transfers make this a strong choice for visitors who want a full day of sightseeing without the hassle. It’s especially suited for those who love independent wandering and want to avoid overly structured tours.

While it’s not a deep dive into history or culture, it offers a beautiful snapshot of Rhodes’ old town and Symi’s idyllic island vibe—perfect for a first visit or a relaxed day of sightseeing.

FAQs

Do I need to bring my own entry tickets for attractions?
Yes, entry tickets to attractions are not included, so plan to purchase them separately if you wish to visit specific sites like the Castle of the Knights or the Palace of the Grand Magister.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, food and drinks are not included. Many travelers enjoy the free time in Symi to grab a local meal or snack at the quay, which is highly recommended.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for guests with mobility needs.

What is the duration of the total trip?
The entire trip lasts approximately 12 hours, starting with hotel pickup and ending with drop-off in Lindos, with plenty of time allocated for exploration and travel.

How punctual are the transfers?
According to reviews, pickups and boat departures are generally well-timed—drivers wait no longer than 5 minutes after scheduled times, maintaining a smooth flow.

Can I do this tour if I don’t want to explore Rhodes Old Town on my own?
This tour is designed for independent exploration during free time; if you prefer guided tours, this might not be the best fit.

What should I pack for the boat ride?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water—it’s a scenic ride but can get hot. A towel or swimwear might be useful if you plan to swim or relax on Symi.

Is the boat ride comfortable?
Most reviews describe the speedboat as scenic and enjoyable, though it can get crowded on the return trip. Arriving early can help secure a better spot.

This tour offers a thoughtfully organized way to enjoy Rhodes’ historic heart and a picturesque Greek island in a single day—perfect for travelers eager to see a lot without sacrificing comfort or flexibility.