Best Greek islands near Turkey
Aegean escapes just a ferry ride away ⚓
Did you know that some of the most beautiful Greek islands are less than 1 hour away by ferry from Turkey? Some are so close, in fact, that you can see them from the Turkish coast!
With frequent daily departures, ferry crossings between Greece and Turkey are quick and easy. This means that one moment you could be strolling along the waterfront in Bodrum or Marmaris, and the next you could be enjoying an iced coffee at a beach bar on islands like Rhodes or Kos.
Read on to find out about some of the best Greek islands near Turkey and how to get there by ferry!
Tip: On Ferryhopper you can find all ferry routes, timetables and prices and book your tickets online with no hidden fees!
Ready for your next adventure to the Greek islands?
Greek islands closest to Turkey by ferry
Thinking of visiting the Greek islands near Turkey but not sure which ones to choose? To start with, most of them are part of 2 main groups: the Dodecanese and the North Aegean Islands.
Thanks to their proximity to Turkey, some of these Greek islands are ideal for a short day trip. You can easily soak up the atmosphere without feeling like you’re racing against the clock. But if you have more time, they are also perfect for longer stays. Think lazy mornings at the beach, long lunches in a local taverna overlooking the sea and evening strolls through narrow old town streets.
So without further ado, here are our favourite Greek islands near Turkey that you can reach in under 1 hour by ferry!
Kos
The beautiful island of Kos, which belongs to the Dodecanese group, is one of the easiest to reach from Turkey. Year-round ferries from Bodrum to Kos take just 30-45 minutes and run daily in summer. This makes Kos the perfect destination if you want a change of scenery without spending too much time traveling.
Once you arrive, you will find yourself by the imposing medieval Castle of the Knights (also known as Neratzia Castle), a striking 14th-century coastal fortress located in the harbour. The famous ancient Agora and Hippocrates' Plane Tree are only a short stroll away.
You can easily fill your day by hiring a bike and strolling along the coast towards Lambi Beach or heading inland to Zia, a town offering unforgettable sunset views over the island.
Bodrum - Kos ferry tickets from €15
Beautiful sunset over Kos island
Rhodes
From Marmaris, a popular port town in southwestern Turkey, ferries take about an 1 hour to reach Rhodes, docking right outside the walls of the Old Town, a UNESCO World heritage site. As you walk through one of the medieval entrances, such as the Gate d’Amboise, you can explore the cobbled streets and historical buildings from the Ottoman and Crusader periods.
After immersing yourself in the island’s history, you can cool off at Elli Beach, which is just a short walk from the town center, or head south to Tsambika Beach, which is famous for its golden sand and hilltop monastery. You can easily spend a full week exploring the island as Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and their historical capital.
Marmaris - Rhodes ferry tickets from €45
Stunning view over Tsambika Beach from monastery in Rhodes
Samos
Just 30 minutes by ferry from the Turkish city of Kuşadası, Samos is one of the Greek islands that is closest to Turkey. If you’re looking for an authentic slice of Greek island life away from the crowds of more popular destinations, this is the place for you.
Here you'll have the option to take a trip to Psili Ammos and Potokaki beaches to enjoy a day of swimming and sunbathing. Alternatively, you could head to inland villages such as Manolates for a leisurely stroll through the picturesque vineyards. Make sure you also spend some time exploring Vathy, with its charming neoclassical buildings and lively harbour cafes.
Ferries usually operate between March and November, so you can reach Samos from western Turkey most months of the year.
Kuşadası - Samos ferry tickets from €35
The picturesque town of Vathy in Samos
Chios
Taking the ferry from Çeşme to Chios takes less than 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest ways to reach a Greek island from Turkey. Chios is world-famous for its mastic, a resin harvested from trees in the south of the island that is used in everything from liqueurs to ice cream.
The south of this island is also known for its villages, consisting of fortified settlements that were built during the Genovese rule in the 14th century. Pyrgi and Mesta are prime examples, where geometric black-and-white patterns adorn their medieval houses creating a striking sight unique to this area.
In Chios Town you'll find a lively seafront, as well as quieter streets lined with Byzantine churches. Beaches such as Komi and Karfas provide the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon swim.
Çeşme - Chios ferry tickets from €28
Decorated houses and a church in the medieval village of Pyrgi
Symi
To reach Symi island from Turkey, you’ll first take a quick ferry from Marmaris to Rhodes and then a connection to Symi. As you arrive at one of Greece’s most picturesque harbors, you’ll notice the pastel-colored neoclassical houses rising in tiers above the water and coastline.
If you're planning to stay for the day you could browse the spice-scented shops in Gialos, then take a water taxi to Agios Georgios Beach, a dramatic harbor backed by imposing cliffs. Stay a little longer to experience more of Symi, from its tiny chapels to its hidden coves and fresh seafood.
Rhodes - Symi ferry tickets from €7
Dramatic cliffs towering over Agios Georgios Beach in Symi
Planning your ferry trip to the Greek islands near Turkey
Many travelers don't realize how easy it is to combine a trip to Turkey with a visit to the Greek Islands. In as little as 30 minutes you can reach some of the best destinations in the Mediterranean and enjoy new sights, flavors, and experiences.
Check out all the ferry routes between Greece and Turkey, choose the island that best suits your travel needs, and book your tickets online with Ferryhopper!
