These 10 Stunning Greek Islands Can Be Visited From Turkey

Whether you are aiming for a tranquil vacation at sea involving sunbathing and swimming in a

Crystal-clear turquoise water, or for adventurous sports activities like mountaineering splendid limestone paths at the edge of the sea, the paradisiacal Greek islands are the ideal destination to meet your needs.

People often visit popular Greek islands such as Mykonos, Crete, and Rhodes through direct flights departing from Athens. However, some less-known islands can't be accessed by air transportation because they don't have airports. Thanks to ferryboats and sea jets, island hopping has become much easier. People have the opportunity to discover two different countries in one day in the fastest and easiest way. Both located between the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, the Turkish and Greek islands are stunning destinations anyone can dream of. Here are ten stunning Greek islands easily accessed from Turkey.

10 Chios, From Cesme

Traveling from Turkey to Chios Greek island can be very easy by taking a ferryboat departing from Izmir, Cesme. Chios, the fifth-largest island in the Aegean Sea, is a famous destination among tourists. They can find amazing beaches to relax and chill, such as Megas Limnionas, Agia Fotini, and Karfas, but also historical sights, monuments, and aircraft to see. The island is best enjoyed in springtime when the sea temperature and weather are perfect.

Best place to stay: Chios Chandris Starting price: $52 USD per night

9 Rhodes, From Marmaris Or Fethiye

Close to the Bozburun Peninsula, on the Turkish coast, Rhodes is easily accessed by ferryboat. Like any other Greek island, Rhodes is known for its best splendid beaches, such as Anthony Elli Beach, Quinn’s Bay, and Ladiko Beach featuring turquoise clear water and offering perfect warm weather. It is also home to various historical places visited by tourists, like the Palace of the Grand Masters and many others.

8 Kos, From Bodrum

Kos Island, named Istankoy in Turkish, is located opposite the Bodrum Peninsula in Turkey. One can hop on a ferry boat from Bodrum to land in Kos the fastest, on average, 20 to 45 minutes, and the cheapest way. Kos is a touristic island, mostly visited in summer, offering many splendid beaches to relax on and enjoy the best holidays. Lambi Mylos and Psalidi are top-rated beaches to visit. It is also recommended to visit the old cities of Kos Town Castle and Asklepion, a major tourist attraction thanks to their historical sites.

7 Samos, From Seferihisar

Samos, or Sesame in Turkish, is a Greek island accessed by air transportation from Turkey, through a 4-hour flight from Istanbul to Athens or a 90-minute ferry cruise from Aydın/Kusadasi. Samos is a charming and impressive island, where one can enjoy beautiful weather mainly from June to September, chill by its magnificent beaches, including Potokaki, Megalo Seitani, Psili Ammos, and Heraion, and dine at its popular restaurants in the evenings. The island of Samos is famous for its natural beauty, clear atmosphere, and sea, but also for its landmarks, including Pythagorion, the Cave of Pythagoras, and the Cave of the Virgin Mary.

Best place to stay: Aeolis Hotel Starting price: $58 USD per night

6 Patmos, From Bodrum

Patmos, a small iconic island, is situated in the region of the Dodecanese and accessed through taking a ferry ride from Bodrum to Kos island, then another 2.5 sea cruise from Kos to Patmos. It is recommended to explore the island in 2 to 3 days, but one can also do it on a full day. People stroll around Patmos streets, visit the Monastery of Saint John historical site, the Cave of the Apocalypse, and buy Greek souvenirs, Christian artifacts, and other unique pieces.

Best place to stay: Stefanos Studios Starting price: $36 USD per night

5 Kalymonos, From Bodrum

Kalymnos is a large, intriguing Greek island, easy to reach from Bodrum in 25 minutes through hydrofoils. There are beautiful beaches to see in Kalymnos, such as Massouri, Linaria, and Gefira. The island is also very suitable for adventurous activities like hiking. It is ideal for climbing the sedimentary rocks built at the edge of the sea around Massouri village and walking through astonishing paths that will lead to the city centers, which are 5 to 20 minutes away.

Best place to stay: Olympic Hotel Starting price: $53 USD per night

4 Symi, From Bodrum

Symi Island is located between the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Easily reached by fast boat from Bodrum, the island offers a tranquil getaway and many attractions to discover. Symi island has a pleasant temperature and is ideal for swimming in, thanks to its stunning Agios Nikolaos and Nanou Beach featuring crystal clear water. It is suggested to visit the historical Archangel Michael Panormitis Monastery in the small village of Panormitis before heading to Gialos, Symi’s liveliest village, and enjoying its breathtaking view.

Best place to stay: Elenas Rooms Starting price: $40 USD per night

3 Leros, From Bodrum

The small Leros island is a must-see islet less familiar than other Greek islands, and tourable in a full day by car or foot, through a one-and-a-half-hour boat from Bodrum. This peaceful, welcoming island is very colorful and is home to traditional houses, small coves, and amazing people. One can visit its major port, Lakki, the Agia Marina blue sea, and Panteli, a fishing and boaters destination. The island hosts many entertaining activities and festivals in summer, making it a major attraction for tourists.

Best place to stay: Bianco Hotel Starting price: $48 USD per night

2 Kastellorizo, From Kas

Kastellorizo, or Megisti in Greek, is Greece’s smallest island, visited through Kaş-Meis boats leaving from the Kaş district every day. The boat ride from Kaş to Meis takes only 20 minutes.

People enjoy wandering the island’s streets, cruising around the Greek coastline, experiencing activities like the Blue Cave located in Meis and accessed through motorboats, and savoring the island’s popular Frappe and Greek dessert.

1 Lesbos, From Ayvalik

Lesbos is a popular destination, accessed through a one-and-a-half-hour sea cruise departing from Ayvalık Port. Known for its delicious cuisine, olive oil museum, and soap workshops, Lesbos offers many exciting activities and festivals, such as the International Eressos Women’s Festival and the Ouzo festival. People also relax on Lesbos stunning beaches, Molivos City Beach, Neon Kidonion Beach, and Tsamakia, which are popular for their stunning clear turquoise water.

Best place to stay: Porto Lesvos Starting price: $29 USD per night

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