Ferry to the Greek Islands

Section: 2

We continue the "Island Hopping by Ferry through Greek Islands" series we started in our previous issue, this time completing it with Samos and Kos islands, which feature exceptional natural beauty. Greece, with its crystal-clear sea, unspoiled beaches, and peaceful lifestyle, makes for an excellent summer holiday destination. And the beauty of these two islands is that you can reach them by ferry from Turkey.

Samos

Known as Sisam Island in Turkish, it is accessible by ferry from Kuşadası in approximately 40 minutes. Ferry services also operate from İzmir's Seferihisar district to the island, though these journeys take approximately 2 hours. Daily package tours are available for exploring the island. Compared to Chios Island, which we mentioned in our previous issue, Samos has much less winding roads and less rugged terrain, making it easier to explore. However, since public transportation is not widely available, car rental is necessary to explore comfortably. Villages: Like Chios, Samos also has beautiful villages worth visiting. Pythagorion, Kokkari and Manolates are among the villages that should not be missed. Pythagorion is also the hometown of the famous mathematician Pythagoras and is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. In the village, you can visit the Pythagorean Cave, the Monastery of the Virgin Mary's Cave and the Temple of Hera. There is also a statue of Pythagoras. The Eupalinos Arch, located two kilometers from Pythagorion, is among the attractions of interest. The arch, which is exactly 1,036 metres long, is regarded as one of the most impressive works of antiquity. While in Pythagorion, you can also visit the archaeological museum. Beaches: If you are looking for a peaceful place where you can simply enjoy the sea and sand, Samos is exactly the right destination. It has a calming quality with unspoiled, tranquil coves. The island has more than 30 beaches where you can enjoy the sea. There are also beaches around the town centre and you can reach them on foot. However, if you want to visit more secluded coves and explore the island, you definitely need to rent a car or motorcycle. Some of the island's most beautiful beaches include Tsamadou, Kokkari, Karlovasi, Psili Ammos, Posidonio, Galazio and Gagou. Dining: In Samos, you can enjoy seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. The island has many fine restaurants serving seafood. Meltemi is particularly among the preferred restaurants, where you can enjoy an evening meal.

Kos

Kos, which you can reach by ferry in a fairly short time from Turgutreis village in Bodrum, is known as İstanköy in Turkish and is particularly a popular day-trip destination for those holidaying in Bodrum. Much smaller than Chios and Samos islands and easily explored, Kos attracts Turkish tourists during summer months due to its proximity to Bodrum. Yet it still retains the beauty of a Greek island with its clean beaches and tranquility. Kos is also the birthplace of Hippocrates and has historical structures worth visiting, including Neratzia Castle. In front of the castle, known in Turkish as the Knights' Castle, stands a tree called the Hippocrates Tree. According to legend, Hippocrates taught his students in the shade of this plane tree. An important location in antiquity, Kos has the Ancient Agora with its ruins, which has not survived in very good condition to the present day but can still be visited. The Ancient City of Asklepion also contains ruins from antiquity. It is named after Asklepios, the god of medicine and health, and according to legend, Hippocrates completed his medical education here. The busiest streets in the island's cafes are Appelou and Ifaistou. Elefteria Square is also the heart of the island. Here you can shop, find nice cafes and restaurants. Beaches: In Kos, you can easily reach beaches close to the town centre on foot after disembarking from the ferry. However, if you want to visit beaches in other parts of the island, you may need to rent a car or buy a tour. Agios Stefanos, Lambi, Therma, and Camel beaches are options for swimming in the sea on the island. Dining: For the freshest seafood, there are many fine restaurants in the town centre and surrounding areas. Plaza and Olympia are among the preferred restaurants. Rhodes, Lesbos and Meis islands are also Greek islands you can visit by ferry from Turkey. Ferry services operate to Rhodes from three different points in Turkey. You can reach Rhodes island from Fethiye, Marmaris and Bodrum. You can reach Lesbos island by ferry from Ayvalık in approximately 1.5 hours. You can reach Meis island from Kaş. On Greek islands, you can swim wherever you throw your towel, enjoy the tranquility and crystal-clear water, and taste fresh and fine examples of Mediterranean cuisine. If you want to spend your summer holiday more peacefully and enjoying nature, you can add these islands to your travel plans.     References Tripadvisor.com.tr, getyourguide.com https://bujuyollarda.com/kos-adasi-gezilecek-yerler/ https://www.greeka.com/eastern-aegean/chios/beaches/ https://www.egeligezginege.com/samos-adasi-gezi-rehberi/ https://gezimanya.com/samos   Prepared by: Nilsu Kotil