One of the great things about the Greek islands is that there are so many of them. Wherever you are you can hop on a boat and go and visit another one. For those who don’t want to island hop there’s always a day trip.

Last week we had a friend visiting so I got to be a tourist for the week. We had several days out, including a glass bottom boat trip and a day trip to Symi.

Symi is just a couple of hours from Rhodes and yet a world away. We caught a coach from south of the island at 7am and joined in the holidaymakers for the day.

We arrived on the boat early. A fair size there was lots of room on 2 levels to sit in the sun or shade and enjoy the view. There was also an air-conditioned lounge, but we stayed outside.

Seeing Rhodes harbour from the sea is always a treat, with the view of the old walls, harbour entrance. You can see the buildings of the knights, the spires of the mosques and domes of the Orthodox Church.

The trip across was smooth with a cool breeze. On the way you get a great view of the coast of Turkey. Make sure you take plenty of sunscreen, a hat and a cover up.

As you motor towards the main harbour of Symi you’ll pass coves that are only accessible by boat, with yachts moored up for the day. The coast line is rugged and rocky.

I’ve been to Symi several times now but am always impressed by the first view of the Venetian harbour and the colours of the buildings. They have slowly restored more over the years we’ve been visiting, but there’s still a few empty shells to admire too.

The boat we were on had a huge clock face by the entryway with the time it would leave. We were advised that if we missed the ferry back we would have to find and pay for any other boat.

Once you disembark there’s lots to do in the main town port of Gialos for the 2 hours you’re there. You’ll never fit it all in though.

Many people head up about 350 steps of the Kali Strata to the Church at the top to admire the view, there’s lots of shops and beautiful alley ways on the way lined with 19th century homes. At a steady pace it will take about an hour up and back.

One passenger on our trip took a taxi to the top. At €5 she thought the views of the harbour from the taxi were better and enjoyed the walk back down.

With my leg recovering I didn’t attempt the steps, instead enjoying a wander around the harbour and shops, a frappe and lunch. Watching the world go by and people on organised tours marching past with headphones in listening to their guides.

New additions in recent years include a land train that takes you on a little trip and a horse and cart, both take you around the harbour past the clock tower.

A trip to Symi wouldn’t be complete for me without a plate of Symi shrimps, small crunchy and with a distinctive flavour.

Once the horn sounded we headed back on board

Next we headed about an hour round the island to the Panormitis Monastery, a beautifully imposing structure in a vast harbour. You can visit the monastery, eat and drink at a couple of tavernas, or just wander around.

I’ve always heard about the apple pies that they make in the bakery there. Each time we’ve visited there’s been none left. This time friends took up the challenge and dashed off the ferry to be first in the bakery. We weren’t disappointed they were delicious and didn’t last long enough to take a photo.

About an hour later we were heading back into Rhodes harbour and on our way back. We took an organised trip but there are many different ways to get to Symi, from hiring a yacht for the day to getting a ferry.

It’s a full days trip and completely worth it. Next time we want to stay over for a few days, see more of the island and discover what it’s like when the daytrippers have gone.