Your Ultimate 2025 Greek Islands Ferry Guide from Turkey: Marmaris, Rhodes, Symi & Kos
Planning a 2025 summer holiday from Turkey? Discover the ultimate Greek island-hopping guide from Marmaris and Bodrum to Rhodes, Symi, and Kos. Find ferry times, ticket prices, and essential travel tips for an unforgettable Aegean adventure.
A Greek Island Odyssey Awaits You in 2025
Imagine a world of ancient history, turquoise waters, and charming seaside villages, all just a short ferry ride from the Turkish coast. The Dodecanese islands, a stunning archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea, are the perfect destination for an unforgettable summer escape. With frequent ferry connections from popular Turkish ports like Marmaris and Bodrum, island-hopping has never been easier.
This comprehensive guide outlines a spectacular 4-stop itinerary for your 2025 summer holiday, starting from Marmaris and weaving through the iconic islands of Rhodes, Symi, and Kos, before concluding your journey in Bodrum. We’ll cover everything you need to know: ferry schedules, ticket prices, accommodation tips, and a curated list of things to do on each island.
Stop 1: Marmaris → Rhodes – The Knight’s Island Awaits (2 Nights)
Your adventure begins in the bustling Turkish port of Marmaris. From here, you’ll embark on a quick and scenic ferry ride to the largest and most historically significant of the Dodecanese islands: Rhodes.
- Ferry Details (May–October 2025)
- Departure Port: Marmaris Cruise Port
- Arrival Port: Rhodes Tourist Port (Mandraki Port)
- Schedules: High-speed catamaran services operate daily with multiple departures.
- 08:45 – 09:45 (~1 hour)
- 11:00 – 12:00 (~1 hour)
- 17:30 – 18:30 (~1 hour)
- Ticket Price (Per Person, One Way): Starting from €45
- Total for 6 people: Approximately €270
- Accommodation:For your two-night stay, we recommend staying in Rhodes Town. This allows you to easily explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town and is conveniently located near the Mandraki Port for your next ferry connection.
- Rhodes Highlights:
- Wander the enchanting cobblestone streets of the Medieval Old Town and walk along the imposing city walls.
- Take a day trip to the iconic village of Lindos to see its breathtaking Acropolis and enjoy a swim in the beautiful St. Paul’s Bay.
- Relax and swim at the famous Elli Beach, or venture to Tsambika Beach for golden sands and clear waters.
Stop 2: Rhodes → Symi – The Postcard-Perfect Island (1 Night)
From the grandeur of Rhodes, you’ll travel to the small but captivating island of Symi, known for its colorful neoclassical houses that cascade down to the picturesque harbor.
- Ferry Details
- Departure Port: Rhodes Tourist Port
- Arrival Port: Symi Island (Gialos Port)
- Schedules: Numerous daily sailings are available from 08:00 to 18:15.
- Example High-Speed Ferry: 08:00 – 08:50 (~50 minutes)
- Ticket Price (Per Person, One Way):
- Sebeco Lines: Starting from €17
- Dodekanisos Seaways: Starting from €21
- Total for 6 people: Approximately €102 – €126
- Accommodation:To fully immerse yourself in the island’s charm, stay in the harbor area of Gialos, where you’ll be surrounded by vibrant tavernas and beautiful architecture.
- Symi Highlights:
- Climb the 500+ steps of the Kali Strata for a stunning panoramic view of the harbor.
- Visit the historic Panormitis Monastery, a key pilgrimage site for many Greeks.
- Find a secluded cove to swim in, such as Agios Nikolaos or Nanou Beach, both accessible by local water taxi.
Stop 3: Symi → Kos – The Island of Hippocrates (1 Night)
Next, your journey takes you to Kos, a fascinating island that seamlessly blends ancient ruins with a lively modern atmosphere.
- Ferry Details
- Departure Port: Symi Port
- Arrival Port: Kos Town Port
- Schedules: A variety of routes are available, with journey times varying.
- Example High-Speed Ferry: 08:55 – 10:20 (~1 hour 25 minutes)
- Note: Journey duration can vary from 1 hour 20 minutes to over 4 hours depending on the ferry line and route.
- Ticket Price (Per Person, One Way): Starting from €9 – €48
- Total for 6 people: Approximately €54 – €288
- Accommodation:We recommend a stay in Kos Town, within walking distance of the port, to easily explore the ancient sites and enjoy the nightlife.
- Kos Highlights:
- Discover the legendary Hippocrates Tree in the main town square, where the “Father of Medicine” is said to have taught his students.
- Explore the ruins of the Ancient Agora and the Castle of the Knights of Saint John.
- Head to Lambi Beach for a relaxing day of sunbathing and swimming.
Stop 4: Kos → Bodrum – A Turkish Riviera Finale
Your final leg takes you back to the Turkish coast, arriving in the glamorous town of Bodrum, a perfect end to your Greek Islands journey.
- Ferry Details
- Departure Port: Kos Town Port
- Arrival Port: Bodrum Cruise Port
- Schedules: High-speed ferries run frequently, with an average of 5 daily departures in the summer.
- Journey Time: ~20–30 minutes
- Ticket Price (Per Person, One Way): Starting from €21
- Total for 6 people: Approximately €126
2025 Summer Ferry Cost Summary (Per Person)
| Route | Approx. Price (One Way) | Journey Time |
| Marmaris → Rhodes | €45 | ~1 hour |
| Rhodes → Symi | €17–€21 | ~50 min |
| Symi → Kos | €9–€48 | 1–4 hours |
| Kos → Bodrum | €21 | ~24 min |
| Total (per person): | €92–€135 | |
| Total (6 people): | €552–€810 |
Why This Greek Island Route is a 2025 Must-Do
- Frequent Ferry Connections: With daily or near-daily services between these islands from May to October, your travel plans are flexible and reliable.
- Ideal Weather: The warm Mediterranean climate provides endless sunshine and calm seas, perfect for swimming and outdoor exploration.
- Diverse Experience: This single route offers a blend of medieval history (Rhodes), picturesque charm (Symi), ancient ruins (Kos), and vibrant Turkish culture (Bodrum).
- Convenient Ports: All of the main ports are centrally located, making it easy to get to your accommodation or start your sightseeing.
Essential Travel Tips
- Book Early: Especially for peak season travel in July and August, ferries and popular accommodations sell out fast.
- Pack Light: Navigating between islands is much easier with a small suitcase or backpack.
- Check Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date.
- Plan Your Connections: Pay close attention to ferry arrival and departure times to avoid any last-minute stress.
- Consider Transfers: For a smooth journey, arrange private transfers from the port to your hotel in advance.
Best Time to Go
- May–June: Pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and often better prices.
- July–August: Peak season with a lively atmosphere, but also the highest prices and most crowds.
- September–October: The perfect balance of warm weather, calmer crowds, and more affordable options.
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Conclusion: One Incredible Journey, Four Unforgettable Islands
Whether you’re a group of friends, a family, or a couple, this Marmaris – Rhodes – Symi – Kos – Bodrum route offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and seaside relaxation. In just one week, you can walk through medieval castles, swim in turquoise bays, and savor the best of both Greek and Turkish cuisine.
Are you ready to book your ultimate Greek island adventure? For ferry tickets, personalized itineraries, and hotel reservations, contact Tesla Travel via WhatsApp at +90 552 532 48 48.
