Ferry from Symi (Gialos) to Lipsi

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.

Symi to Lipsi Ferry Fares

Weekly Symi to Lipsi Ferry Schedule

The repeating pattern behind the dated timetable, without dates. Each row is one scheduled departure and the days it runs.

Next 14 days

Every scheduled departure from Symi to Lipsi between 16 October 2026 and 29 October 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips for the Symi to Lipsi ferry

• Symi's harbour has two separate docking points: Dodekanisos Seaways catamarans use the clock tower, while larger conventional ferries dock at the New Port, a shadeless 15-minute walk away with no shops or taxis – confirm which one applies before you set off.
• Buy or confirm ferry tickets at the Symi Tours office on the harbour front, the long-standing general agent for Dodekanisos Seaways and Blue Star Ferries, rather than assuming online booking alone will guarantee your allocated departure point.
• Don't confuse the scheduled Dodekanisos Seaways or ANES catamarans with the organised day-trip excursion boats from Rhodes, which fill the harbour around midday and typically call passengers back for a fixed afternoon return sailing.
• Autumn schedule reductions typically happen in stages: first in late September, then again in late October – always check the timetable for your specific dates.
• Winter sailings are less frequent but rarely sell out for foot passengers; vehicles may be more restricted due to reduced sailing frequency.

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