Hello, we are traveling along the coast of Turkey next month and are trying to decide whether to go to Chios or Lesvos. At this point we are thinking only of a day trip (yes, certainly problematic!), although we may spend the night. Does anyone have advice or experiences to share to help inform our choice? E.g., is Cesme or Ayvalik more interesting in which to spend extra time? Which island is easier to get around on a day trip? Are buses/local transport readily available or do we need to rent a car/taxi? Does one trip take longer with more difficulties w/port officials?
Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Though it is easy to access both islands from the turkish coast, it is difficult to see the best of them in just one day, unless you hire a car . I have been to Chios and i can ensure you that it is far more interesting than Cesme which is a big and noisy port . I dont believe that you will face any difficulty in travelling along the two countries in one day; people there cross the channel for shopping etc... Chios has amazingly unspoilt villages built from the era when the island was under the control of Genova . Must sees; the villages of Mesta, Pyrgi, Anavatos (abandoned but restored), and the monastery of Nea Moni (fabulous frescoes) . Advice: dont spend time in the capital Chios . As far it goes about Lesvos, never been there but it is bigger and probably needs more time . As far as i know though the town of Molivos (or Mithimna) to the north is greatly picturesque . From what i have heard Ayvalik is more interesting than Cesme but i ve never been there so i dont want to affect your choice on that ...
Have a great time there ...

Thanks for your response. I was starting to think the same--that we should stay for atleast one night on Chios or Lesvos AND that we should spend more time in Ayvalik and Foca rather than Cesme.

re : chios. Is it easy to take a local bus to Mesta and then get around that part of the island on a scooter? Or is car the way to go?

I really dont know about the local buses of Chios ... But seeing the southern part on a scooter sound ok; it is not mountainous like central and western Chios . If you stay in Chios for a night search for a hotel in Mesta (true medieval atmosphere) or to the area of Kampos S from the capital . In Kampos are a lot of renovated 17th and 18th century houses of the genovesse noblemen and they are surrounded by vineyards and orange trees ( stayed in Perivoli hotel and liked it a lot). But of course staying in the capital is easier for your transportation .

We had a super week in Lesvos last year, tho we went for the birds. I would think you'd be limited in what you could do in a day.

nice beaches, nice small towns, very unspoiled.

I'll send the trip report if you email me.