It’s been two years since the last ferry ran from Turkey to Greece before closing indefinitely due to pandemic precautions, but tourists are now once again able to travel by sea between the two neighbouring destinations. 

The ban on ferry services, which were halted for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was lifted on February 7, and the restriction also applies to private yachts sailing between Turkey’s Aegean coasts and the Greek islands.

Ferry routes that have, or will resume shortly include those from Bodrum to Kos, Çeşme to Chios, Fethiye to Rhodes, Ayvalık to Lesvos and Kuşadası to Samos.

Most of these ferry services leave in the morning and return the same afternoon, making a quick day trip to Greece and vice versa an option for many locals and international tourists to both countries.

During a day trip, many visitors choose to enjoy some lunch, have a coffee, or walk around the port area and shops- while others prefer to stay overnight or for longer to experience more of the islands. 

Ferry destination options between Greece and Turkey are expected to increase over the next few months, as international visitor numbers start to grow and the weather warms up.