If you've decided that one side of the Aegean Sea isn't enough for you, a ferry is your ticket to a completely different world. Just an hour on the water, and the bustling Turkish bazaars give way to white-and-blue houses and the unhurried pace of the Greek islands. To ensure a smooth trip, it's worth planning your logistics in advance. For example, you can buy tickets to Dalaman on Kupi.com to quickly reach the port of Fethiye or Marmaris from there. And for those who prefer the northern direction, tickets to Bodrum, which is the region's largest ferry hub, will be an excellent option.

Popular Routes and Vessel Types

The choice of vessel directly affects your comfort and budget. Usually, two types of transport operate on these routes:

1. Catamarans (Sea Bus / Fast Ferry): high-speed enclosed vessels. Ideal if you value time. For example, the journey from Bodrum to Kos will take only about 20-30 minutes. A drawback is that you won't be able to go out on deck while moving due to the high speed.

2. Classic Ferries (Ferry Boat): slower, often with open decks. You can transport cars on such vessels (but remember that strict restrictions on entry to the EU currently apply to cars with Russian license plates). This is the best choice for those who want to enjoy the sea air.

Visa Question in 2026

To cross the border, you will definitely need a passport valid for at least 3 months (preferably 6) from the end date of your trip.

• Schengen Visa: the most reliable option. If you have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa issued by Greece or another EU country, you will cross the border as usual.

• Island Visa (Express Visa): in 2026, the program continues to be valid for 10 islands (including Rhodes, Kos, Samos, Chios, and Lesbos). Formally, the program is designed for Turkish citizens and their spouses/children, but Turkish ferry companies often assist other foreign tourists with obtaining it if they have a Turkish residence permit or through special tourist vouchers. The visa is issued for up to 7 days and costs approximately 60 euros.

Important: if you are a Russian citizen without a Turkish residence permit, obtaining this visa “at the port” is currently difficult. Experts recommend applying for a standard Schengen visa in advance to avoid being denied boarding the ferry.

Logistics Nuances and Port Fees

Sea travel has its own bureaucratic peculiarities:

• Check-in: an electronic ticket must be exchanged for a paper boarding pass at the carrier's office (usually located directly in the port). Arrive 1.5 hours before the departure: passport control in ports sometimes moves slower than at airports.

• New Taxes: from 2025-2026, Greece introduced increased fees for passengers arriving at popular islands during high season. Be prepared that a port fee or “sustainability tax,” which can range from 5 to 20 euros, will be added to the ticket price (averaging 35-60 euros).

• Spelling: when filling out ticket data and visa applications, pay attention to transliteration. If your passport contains specific characters in your surname or first name, write them exactly as they appear in your passport. Letter errors can lead to additional checks.

What to bring with you?

In addition to documents, be sure to bring cash euros. On the Greek islands, cards are accepted almost everywhere, but paying port fees or making small purchases at port kiosks often requires “live” money. Also, keep in mind that Greek time may differ from Turkish time depending on the season – always check the local departure time on your ticket.