The ferry companies seem to have decided what they are doing in time for the peak July and August season. There are more sailings than ever, though if you dislike Sebeco class ferries you’ll have to select travel times with care. September is a little more confused – one ship appears to arrive and depart simultaneously, but once I’ve worked out what they actually mean, the September timetable will appear in a new post.
In the meantime, here are the times for July and August
So some clarifications
Rhodes departure points – large ferries leave from Akandia – that’s the Blue Star and SAOS ferries ships, and the Panagia Skiadeni; most of the smaller ferries – Dodekanisos Express, Sebeco 1 and Sebeco 2 leave from Kolonna, and the King Saron leaves from the landward end of the Tourist Port jetty – that’s the one that specialises in gigantic cruise ships. No ferries whatever leave from Mandraki – that’s entirely day excursion boats and yachts now.
Symi departure points – Sebeco Lines on the south side of the harbour by the bus terminus; Blue Star in the new port area on the south side past the petrol station, King Saron and Dodekanisos Express – north side near the clock tower. Panagia Skiadeni and Stavros are meant to use the new port area, but can often use the Clock Tower side to load and unload passengers – check with Symi Tours who are the port agents.