Symi and Lipsi sit at opposite ends of the same stretch of the southern Dodecanese, and this route links two islands that couldn't feel more different on arrival. Symi's harbour, Gialos, is a tight amphitheatre of pastel-shaded neoclassical houses rising from the water, with the quay itself lined by cafes and the town within a few minutes' walk of where the boat ties up. Lipsi is smaller and quieter, a single low-key village wrapped around its own port, with tavernas close enough to the boarding point that you'll see the ferry crew before you see your table. Between the two lies open Dodecanese water, so expect some movement on the crossing when the wind is up, and check the schedule box above for the current confirmed sailing dates.
Outside the busiest months this is a modest, once-a-day link, so it rewards a bit of planning if you're threading it into a wider island-hopping itinerary. In peak summer an extra sailing sometimes appears, but you shouldn't rely on a second option turning up on the day -- treat the timetable above as the one to build your plans around.
Dodekanisos Seaways runs a fast catamaran, which is the quicker of the two by some margin and the obvious pick if you'd rather spend your day on an island than at sea. Blue Star operates a larger conventional ferry on the same pairing; it takes considerably longer but tends to ride the swell more comfortably and has more room to stretch out, which some travellers prefer even with the extra time on board.
Useful Resources for Your Greek Island Trip
- Find accommodation in Greece – hotels, apartments and villas on Booking.com
- Book tours and activities in Greece via Viator
- Find guided experiences and day trips via GetYourGuide
- Compare car hire prices in Greece via DiscoverCars