Rhodes, Samos or Lesvos?
 

We are planning an 18 day trip to Turkey and we are considering taking a day trip over to one of the Greek islands. It looks like our options via ferry from Turkey are Rhodes, Samos and Lesvos.

Which one would you recommend and why?

Is it possible/practical to rent a car once we get off the ferry?

Any info on this is greatly appreciated!

Cheers!

Happy new year Eurotraveller to you and all the forumers!

To the best of my knowledge between Turkey and Greece (and from north to south) the following ferry routes are available:

1. Ayvalik - Lesvos
2. Cesme - Chios
3. Kusadashi- Samos
4. Bodrum- Kos
5. Marmaris - Rhodes
6. Kas - Kastellorizo

The island selection therefore mainly depends on where you plan to be in Turkey as well as on the timetable.

As for the timetable, you'd better contact a local travel agency since most of these routes are operated by small ferry companies and therefore it may be hard to find a reliable online timetable. You should take into account however that some of these crossings may require an overnight stay.

Renting a car is easy as there are numerous rental agencies just outside the ports. The cost for a single day rental should be around 40 euro.

I believe that you need more than just a day in Lesvos (my personal favorite), Chios and Samos mainly because their beauties lie outside their port-towns. If I were in your shoes I would pick Rhodes because it has a wonderful medieval city, which is perfectly doable in a day.

Should you need more information, I' d be happy to help.

Of the islands you mentioned I've only been to Rhodes. I absolutely LOVED it!! Rhodes City has a medieval castle which you can tour, a very charming old town, and a Byzantine look and feel throughout. If you stay in Rhodes City you will not need a car, as most everything is within walking distance. However, if you rent a car I recommend driving to Lindos. Lindos is a lovely town with whitewashed buildings against a crystal blue sea. Also Lindos has an acropolis at the top of the hill. Have fun whatever you decide.

Thank you both for the great feedback! Maybe we will consider an overnight.

Cheers!

Having spent a week or more on all three islands I think Rhodes offers the most for a day or overnight trip. Lesvos would undoubtedly be my favourite of the three but being the 3rd largest of the Greek Islands I think you need much more than a day to do it justice.