The North Aegean is Greece's most authentically Greek island region, a scattered archipelago of forested mountains, medieval stone villages, Byzantine monasteries, and crystalline bays stretching along Turkey's western coast. Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Ikaria, and Lemnos each carry distinct identities shaped by centuries of Greek, Byzantine, Ottoman, and ancient civilisation.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
11 nautical miles from Chios
Cesme, Turkey (from Chios)
Daily ferry from Chios Town harbour; multiple operators. Journey: 45 minutes. Ferry ticket: €35–50 (~$38–55) return. Passport required.
25 km from Karlovassi (Samos); 30 km from Agios Kirykos (Ikaria)
Fournoi Islands (from Samos or Ikaria)
Ferry from Karlovassi (Samos) daily in summer; from Agios Kirykos (Ikaria) several times weekly. Ticket: €10–15 (~$10.90–16.35) one-way. Check schedules at sea.gr.
1.5 nautical miles from Samos (Pythagoreion) to Kusadasi
Kusadasi & Ephesus, Turkey (from Samos)
Daily ferry from Pythagoreion Harbour (Samos) to Kusadasi. Journey: 45 minutes. Ticket: €35–55 (~$38–60) return including port tax. Passport required. Ephesus: minibus or taxi from Kusadasi (30 min, approx TRY 200 / €5.50 (~$6)).
60 nautical miles from Chios Town
Chios to Lesbos Day Trip
Ferry from Chios Town to Mytilini. Journey: 3–4 hours. Ticket: €18–25 (~$19.60–27.25) one-way. Limited sailings (check sea.gr).
92 km from Mytilini
Sigri and Petrified Forest, Lesbos (from Mytilini)
Rental car from Mytilini (90 min). Bus to Sigri (2 hours, €7, 1–2 daily from KTEL station, Pavlou Kountouriotou, Mytilini). Petrified Forest entry: €4 (~$4.36).
On Ikaria (from Armenistis area)
Ikaria to Agios Kirykos Thermal Baths Day
Rental car or shared taxi from Armenistis (35 min). The Agios Kirykos thermal bath facility: open daily 08:00–12:00 and 16:00–20:00, entry €4 (~$4.36).
27 nautical miles from Myrina (Lemnos)
Lemnos to Agios Efstratios (Ai Stratis)
Ferry from Myrina (Lemnos) 2 hours. Ticket: €12 (~$13.10) one-way. Departures 2–3 times per week; check schedule at Myrina port. No cars on the island.
30 nautical miles from Chios Town
Psara Island (from Chios)
Ferry from Chios Town harbour 2–3 hours (1–2 daily in summer). Ticket: €14 (~$15.26) one-way. Psara was devastated in 1824 Ottoman massacre — important historical island with beautiful beaches.
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Tip
For Turkey day trips (Cesme from Chios, Kusadasi from Samos), ensure you carry a valid passport — Greek ID cards are not always accepted.
Tip
Check sea.gr for current inter-island ferry schedules — routes change seasonally and with weather conditions.
Tip
The meltemi wind in July–August can cancel ferry services for 1–2 days with little warning — build a buffer day before any critical connection.
Tip
Fournoi Islands have no ATMs — take cash from Samos or Ikaria before departing.
Tip
Most Turkish ferry operators near Greek islands accept euros — check current exchange rates and carry some Turkish lira for inland purchases.
