Day Trips from Turkey to the Greek Islands

Anyone who is not well-traveled may assume day-tripping from one country to another is a strange pastime but during the summer in Turkey, everyday tourists catch ferries and sail across the waters to many Greek islands sitting in the Aegean and Mediterranean seas. Returning early evening, some passengers instead book a night’s accommodation and extend their trip to 2 days so they can leisurely indulge in Greek culture, history and travel.

The weather in Turkey and the Greek islands is the same, but the contrast in places and local attractions make the Greek islands appealing. Ferries running from May to October do a roaring trade and here are a few routes to consider if you plan to day trip from Turkey to Greece.

Day Trips from Turkey to the Greek Islands

From Bodrum to Kos
Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, who was the father of medicine, belongs to the Dodecanese group of islands, and is just 2 miles by sea from Bodrum town. Leaving from the main harbour in Bodrum town centre, the ferry or hydrofoil arrives in Kos, no more than an hour later. After disembarking, the first port of call for most passengers is the 14^th century castle, named Antimachia, and built by the Knights of Saint John. Although tourism features strongly in Kos, a wander of the streets will reveal establishments like taverns and restaurants where food culture is still strong.

Online Ticket: http://www.feribot.net/feribot/?lang=en

From Marmaris or Fethiye to Rhodes
Leaving at 09.00am and returning at roughly 5pm, a catamaran or hydrofoil takes passengers on a one-hour journey across to Rhodes, the largest of all the Greek islands. A favourite tour is exploring the old town of Rhodes, where the cobbled streets, houses old churches and buildings converted into museums, boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.

Online Ticket: http://www.rodosferibotu.com/

From Kas to Meis
This is one of the less well-known routes, but the island is just as stunning. Occupied by Turks under the Ottoman Empire, Meis now portrays a typical laidback Greek village where nothing moves at a fast pace. Energetic people head into the hills for an all-encompassing view over the coastline, otherwise explore the harbour front full of restaurants and souvenirs shops. For an extra 10 euros, a small speedboat jets around the coastline to the intriguing Blue Cave of Meis. Natural daylight streaming into the Blue Cave is limited causing reflections of the water to glisten on the cave walls and produce a truly beautiful sight.

Online Ticket: http://www.feribot.net/feribot/?lang=en

From Kusadasi to Samos
From cosmopolitan Kusadasi to the eighth biggest Greek island of Samos, the ferry journey is approximately 2 hours but refreshments are served on-board. Streets of Samos have a marvellous collection of houses displaying neoclassic and Venetian architecture, but shopping enthusiasts start spending when they arrive because siesta time is a strong tradition. The beginning of Siesta time also marks rush hours in restaurants and bars so to avoid this, rent a moped and drive away from Samos town to small fishing villages and sandy beaches.

Online Ticket: http://www.feribot.net/feribot/?lang=en

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Tags: ferry from Turkey to Greek islands, ferry from Turkey to Rhodes, ferry to Samos, greek island ferries