It is easy to go to the Greek islands that you can reach by ferry from Turkey, but how about going to another island from there? Going from one island to another in the cool blue of the Aegean Sea both enriches your holiday and offers the chance to discover different cultural textures, natural landscapes and village life .
There is a well-developed ferry network between the Greek islands. In this way, you can not only spend your holiday on an island originating from Turkey, but also spend a few days on another island and make an inter-island discovery tour . In this article, we list the Greek islands that you can cross directly by ferry from the main islands such as Kos, Samos, Rhodes, Chios, and Lesbos . Moreover, some are short-distance, while others promise a small adventure on the sea.

1. Kos → Nisyros, Kalymnos, Leros, Patmos

Kos Island is an excellent starting point, with easy access from Turkey and access to the other Dodecanese islands.

Islands that can be visited from Kos:

  • Nisyros – Attracts the attention of nature lovers with its active volcano and small villages.
  • Kalymnos – Famous for rock climbing and natural beaches. Approximately 45 minutes by ferry.
  • Leros – Famous for its tranquility, this island is perfect for cycling and hiking enthusiasts.
  • Patmos – A sacred place with the “Cave of the Apocalypses”. It is also peaceful.
There are several daily trips to these islands from Kos Port. Kalymnos and Leros in particular are suitable even for day trips.

2. Samos → Ikaria & Fourni Islands

If you start your holiday by heading from Kuşadası to Samos , from here you can also move on to two other hidden gems: Ikaria and Fourni .
  • Ikaria – Known as the “island of long life”. Ideal for yoga, retreats, slow living philosophy.
  • Fourni – A small, quiet, peaceful fishing island, mostly preferred by locals.
There are several trips a week from Samos to these two islands. The journey takes an average of 2 hours. It is especially suitable for those looking for nature and silence.

3. Rhodes → Symi, Halki, Karpathos

Rhodes may be one of the most popular islands in the Aegean, but the surrounding islands stand out with their quieter and more authentic atmosphere.
  • Symi – An aesthetic paradise with colourful houses and a quiet harbour. Just 1 hour by ferry.
  • Halki – A small but peaceful route. An island far from the crowds, where time passes slowly.
  • Karpathos – The southernmost island of the Dodecanese. Reachable by ferry from Rhodes, ideal for diving and windsurfing.
There are frequent ferries from Rhodes to these islands during the summer season. Symi is particularly popular for day trips.

4. Chios → Oinousses & Psara

After spending a few days in Chios, you can move on to two smaller, non-touristy islands.
  • Oinousses – This small island, famous for its seafaring, has a peaceful atmosphere.
  • Psara – stands out for its history; a place of seclusion, completely far from the crowds.
There are weekly ferry services from Chios Port to these islands. The timing is usually early morning or late evening.

5. Lesvos → Lemnos & Chios

As Lesbos is one of the larger islands of the Aegean, it is quite easy to cross to several islands around it.
  • Limnos – Known for its silence and natural beaches. Ideal for windsurfing.
  • Chios – Ideal for the return route. You can cross back into Turkey from Chios.
Although there are direct ferries from Lesbos to Limnos, some days a transfer via Chios may be required.

Extra Tips:

  • Buy your tickets in advance: For inter-island crossings, online reservations can be made via Bilet.com.
  • Pack light: Choose a backpack as you will be changing places frequently while travelling by ferry.
  • Book accommodation: Accommodation may be limited on small islands. It is easier to book a guesthouse or small hotel on the island you are going to in advance.

For Those Who Say One Island Is Not Enough!

Taking a ferry between the Greek islands is one of the most enjoyable ways to transform a classic holiday into an adventure full of discovery. Each island offers its own character: some natural, some historical, some romantic. The important thing is to leave one port and feel like part of a new life in the next.
Pack your bags, set your route, because the Aegean invites you from one island to another. All you have to do is: set off!