If you ever get tired of your all-inclusive holidays in Greece, there is an option to escape it and jump on a ferry from Greece to Turkey. If you look at the Mediterranean map, you will discover how the Greeks and the Turkish share borders, culture, history, and influences. Why don’t you spend some of your holidays in Turkey, thereby killing two birds with a stone? A ferry from Greece to Turkey will give you this option.
Important Tips about the Ferry from Greece to Turkey
- Ferry from Greece to Turkey has 5 main destinations for departure from Greece. The 5 points of departure are Chios, Kos, Lesbos, Rhodes, and Samos.
- There is more ferry service in the summer season.
- There is a reduced service for ferries during the Winter months.
- There is an online booking service from Aegean Speed Lines and this is where you will find vital information about schedules of the ferry from Greece to Turkey.
How to get Ferry from Greece
If you will like to explore Turkey during or after your holiday to one of the Greek islands, you can take a Ferry and there are about five popular ferry routes from Greece to Turkey. They are from the Greek Islands of Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Chios, and Lesbos.
Ferry From Greece to Turkey – Samos
Samos is just a mile away from Turkey and an ideal entry port to Turkey from Greece. During the months of April and October, you will find daily ferry service from Samos to Kusadasi. The ferry takes about 55 minutes when you depart from Vathy, Samos.
The Turkey Landmarks close to Kusadasi are Pamukkale – The thermal pools and Ephesus. These Turkey landmarks are located in Izmir and will take you about 2 hours on a coach bus to get here.
Ferry From Greece to Turkey – Kos
Kos is also known for its beautiful beaches as well as an abundance of nightclubs and bars in the larger towns. Three different ferry companies make the sailing from Kos to Bodrum and in a given week there are around 21 ferries departing. The journey takes around 45 minutes. Bodrum is a modern resort town built on the ruins of Halicarnassus in 1402. It features a 15th-century Crusader Castle (which now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology), an airport, lots of shopping, including a colorful market, and a very lively nightlife.
Ferry From Greece to Turkey – Rhodes to Fethiye and Rhodes to Marmaris
If you want to visit the Greek island of Rhodes, Fethiye is a natural next destination. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and is the archipelago’s cultural capital. The site of the Colossus of Rhodes—one of the seven wonders of the ancient world—and several UNESCO World Heritage sites make Rhodes one of the most popular European vacation destinations. Fethiye is a port city best known for its beaches and yachting. History buffs will enjoy the ruins of ancient Telmessos that are scattered throughout the city.
Ferries run mostly in the summer, from mid-June through August with 14 sailings each week and the journey takes an hour and 30 minutes.
Another option from Rhodes, Marmaris is an hour away by catamaran and two hours by normal ferry. It’s an attractive tourist destination with architectural charm. The little port, fine beaches, and the medieval castle are the main attractions here. The Marmaris tourist season opens in April and ends in the middle of October.
Ferry From Chios, Greece to Cesme, Turkey
Chios is a smaller Greek island with gorgeous beaches (of course) and quite a few Medieval towns and Byzantine monasteries. Cesme is popular for its clear waters and dive sites. This route brings you to a pleasant town with good beaches and good restaurants along the waterfront and along the main street. The journey takes between 20 and 30 minutes depending on which ferry operator you chose. Plus, Cesme is 53 miles (85 kilometers) from Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city.
Ferry From Lesbos, Greece to Ayvalik, Turkey
The isle of Lesbos is covered in historic churches, old monasteries, ruins, and greenery. In fact, Lesbos has one of the world’s only petrified forests. Ayvalik is an ancient city just across the bay. The area also makes some excellent olive oil. Ferries are more popular with Turkish tourists and those folks who like seaside resorts, but if you have a car you might think of visiting some nearby Turkish archaeological sites. Within a short driving distance away from Ayvalik are some pretty well-known ancient sites: Assos and Troy are to the north, while Pergamon is to the east. The trip between Lesbos and Ayvalik takes around an hour and 30 minutes.
Final Thoughts on Ferry from Greece to Turkey
Turkey is geographically close to Greece and this makes it easier for you to enjoy the scenic and historic sites that both countries have if you are on an extended holiday and you want to see beyond Greece. A Ferry from Greece to Turkey will enable you to explore the sights and sounds of Turkey.
Check out my other posts on Turkey:
Best destinations to visit in Turkey
Best Holiday destinations in Turkey