As the summer rush fades, the Greek islands on the opposite shore of the Aegean take on a completely different spirit. The sea remains inviting, the streets quiet, and prices more reasonable. Moreover, the rhythm of local life reappears. In autumn, these six islands stand out for both their proximity and the variety of experiences they offer.

Lesvos

  • Why Autumn? The olive harvest begins, ouzo factories begin production, and towns like Molivos and Petra are freed from the summer crowds.
  • Highlights: Chestnut trees of Agiasos, Church of Panaghia, Molivos Castle, Church of Panagia Glykofilousa in Petra.
  • Taste Stops: Ladotiri cheese, honey yoghurt, fresh seafood.
  • Transportation: Approximately 45 minutes by ferry from Ayvalık. You can purchase your ferry ticket to Lesbos Island by clicking here .

Leros

  • Why Autumn? Small, quiet, and still warm. Even in summer, the island is uncrowded, making it practically yours in autumn.
  • Highlights: Agia Marina, Panteli Fishing Bay, Leros Castle, Alinda Beach.
  • Taste Stops: Shrimp saganaki, octopus in wine, sea urchin.
  • Transportation: By ferry from Bodrum Turgutreis or Didim. You can purchase your ferry ticket to Leros by clicking here .

Samos

  • Why Autumn? The weather is still suitable for swimming and the trekking routes are cool.
  • Highlights: Manolates Village, Potami Waterfall, Samos Wine Museum, Heraion Temple.
  • Taste Stops: Samos wines, feta cheese, thyme honey.
  • Transportation: By ferry from Kuşadası or Seferihisar. You can purchase your ferry ticket to Samos by clicking here .

Chios

  • Why Autumn? The mastic villages (Pyrgi, Mesta) are still lively, but without the tourist crowds.
  • Highlights: Nea Moni Monastery, Emporios Beach, Mavra Volia black stone beach.
  • Taste Stops: Mastic coffee, mastic jam, fresh fish.
  • Transportation: 30-40 minutes by ferry from Çeşme. You can purchase your Chios ferry ticket by clicking here .

Kos (Istanköy)

  • Why in the fall? Beaches are emptier, and historical sites are easier to visit.
  • Highlights: Asklepion Ancient City, Neratzia Castle, Kardamena and Tigaki beaches.
  • Taste Stops: Fried calamari, taramosalata, souvlaki.
  • Transportation: 20-30 minutes by ferry from Bodrum. You can purchase your ferry ticket to Kos Island by clicking here .

Rhodes

  • Why Autumn? Discover the medieval atmosphere without the summer heat.
  • Highlights: Rhodes Old Town (UNESCO), Lindos Acropolis, Anthony Quinn Bay.
  • Taste Stops: Appetizer plates, seafood pasta, local wines.
  • Transportation: By ferry from Marmaris or Fethiye. You can purchase your ferry ticket to Rhodes by clicking here .

Route Suggestion

  • Duration: 7 days
  • Starting Point: Ayvalık / Çeşme / Kuşadası / Bodrum / Marmaris (varies depending on the ferry line)
  • Transportation: Ferry from Turkey + local ferries between the islands
  • Focus: Culture, flavor, peaceful beaches, local life

Day 1-2: Lesvos

  • Highlights: Molivos Castle, Church of Panagia Glykofilousa in Petra, Agiasos village.
  • Experience: Watch the olive harvest, sample ouzo, wander through local markets.
  • Flavor: Ladotiri cheese, honey yoghurt, mussel saganaki.
  • Transportation: 1.5 hour ferry from Ayvalık.
  • Tip: Don't miss the sunset in Molivos in the evening.

Day 3: Chios

  • Highlights: Pyrgi and Mesta mastic villages, Nea Moni Monastery, Mavra Volia beach.
  • Experience: Mastic harvest, photo hunt in narrow streets.
  • Flavor: Mastic jam, mastic coffee.
  • Transportation: If there is no direct line from Lesbos to Chios in summer, Ayvalık → Çeşme by land and ferry from Çeşme (35-40 min).
  • Tip: Buy mastic products from the island, fresh and original.

Day 4: Samos

  • Highlights: Heraion Temple, Potami Waterfall, Manolates Village.

Day 5: Kos

  • Highlights: Asklepion Ancient City, Neratzia Castle, Tigaki Beach.
  • Experience: Relaxed walk among ancient ruins, peaceful swimming at the beach.
  • Taste: Fried calamari, taramosalata.
  • Transportation: If there is no direct service between Samos and Kos in the summer, by ferry from Bodrum (20-30 minutes).
  • Tip: It is very enjoyable to rent a bike in the city center.

Day 6-7: Rhodes + Leros

Option A – Rhodes:
  • Highlights: Medieval city walls, Lindos Acropolis, Anthony Quinn Bay.
  • Experience: Walk through the stone streets of the castle, dinner by the beach.
Option B – Leros:
  • Highlights: Agia Marina, Panteli Bay, Leros Castle.
  • Experience: Peaceful day in small bays, seafood tables.
  • Transportation: There are fast ferries from Kos to Rhodes, which take ~2 hours, and from Kos to Leros, which take 1-2 hours.
Tip: Choose the island where you will stay on the last day based on the port where the return ferry departs.

Autumn Route Tips

  • Accommodation: Small family guesthouses and boutique hotels offer more personal service.
  • Take with you: Light jacket, comfortable shoes, light shawl.
  • Events: Olive harvest, wine tasting, village festivals.
  • Planning: Check ferry schedules in advance, numbers are reduced in the off-season.
  • Experience: Trekking in cool weather on hiking trails, wine tasting.
  • Flavor: Thyme honey, feta cheese, Samos wine.
  • Transportation: Çeşme → İzmir → Kuşadası / ferry from Seferihisar (30-60 min).
  • Tip: Go to Potami Waterfall with light sneakers.