Symi – Kalymnos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
Symi – Kalymnos
Ferries to Dodecanese Islands
There are approximately 2 weekly sailings from Symi (Simi) to Kalymnos. 2 operators sail this route
The Symi (Simi) Kalymnos ferry typically departs from Symi (Simi) at around 08:55.
The average duration of a Symi (Simi) Kalymnos ferry is around 3h 20m. The fastest sailings are approximately 2h 5m. Sailing times can vary; durations often differ between ferry operators, type of ship and can be impacted by weather conditions.
On average, there are around 2 weekly ferry sailings from Symi (Simi) to Kalymnos. These sailings are provided by Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables may differ by season.
Symi (Simi) Kalymnos ferry prices typically range between $61.32* and $196.32*. The average price is typically $67.64*. The cheapest Symi (Simi) Kalymnos ferry prices start from $57.11*. The average price for a foot passenger is $57.11*.
Pricing will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.
The distance between Symi (Simi) and Kalymnos is approximately 62.6 miles (100.7km) or 54.4 nautical miles.
Currently, cars are not allowed on ferries between Symi (Simi) and Kalymnos.
Foot passengers are allowed on ferries between between Symi (Simi) and Kalymnos 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 welcome on board Symi (Simi) Kalymnos ferries 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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| Symi (Simi) - Kalymnos Route summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | Greece | |
| Destination Country | Greece | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Blue Star Ferries & Dodekanisos Seaways | |
| Average Price | A$67* | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 2 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3h 20m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 2h 5m | |
| First Ferry | 08:55 | |
| Last Ferry | 19:40 | |
| Distance | 54 nautical miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 2024-11-05.
Symi is a small island of the Dodecanese group, north of Rhodes in Greece. In recent years Symi has become a haven for tourists from abroad.
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.
