From Samos, any opinion? I already been to Ephesus, so thats covered, but the town Kusadasi? if have 8 days, solo trip, would one bother? and if so how long?. I'm thinking 8 day is a lot for a solo time on Samos. I wanted to to 4 Samos and 4 Chios, but boat only leaves 2 days a week and at midnight to Chios so all Samos thanks.

When will you travel?
The afternoon ferry from Samos leaves Vathy (Samos Island) every Saturday at 13.30 until end August and then at 15.45 until mid September.
The best "second Island" would be Patmos: 4 weekly departures from Pythagorio (Samos Island) at 8am and 2 weekly departures at 17.40 from Karlovasi (Samos Island). All these boats continue to Leros - Kalymnos - Kos.
There are of course daily ferries to Fourni - Ikaria - Mykonos too.
Kusadasi is the starting point for day trips to the ancient sites of Ephesos, Priene and Didimae. If you can afford 2 days, you can go up to Pamukkale/Hierapolis.
If you prefer the ancient site of Pergmon, take a late afternooon ferry from Samos (Vathy dp 17.00) to Seferihisar (ar 18.00), go on by bus to Izmir, sleep there and do the Bergama/Pergamon trip the day after. From Izmir, you can reach Chios by bus to Cesme plus ferry.

Thanks @neckervd — really helpful, appreciate the detail. I’ll be there mid-August so looks like I could swing that Saturday ferry to Kusadasi if I go that route. I’ve already done Ephesus (loved it), but wasn’t sure if Kusadasi itself was worth a night or two, or just feels like a cruise ship stop. Pamukkale’s tempting though… just not sure I want to spend too much time in transit.

Was leaning toward staying on the islands, but you’ve given me more options to think about. Patmos sounds chill — hadn’t considered that one. Will look into ferries from Pythagorio since I’ll likely base there.

Still tempted by Chios but that midnight ferry situation is rough. Might save it for another trip.

Thanks again.

Thanks @neckervd — really helpful, appreciate the detail. I’ll be there mid-August so looks like I could swing that Saturday ferry to Kusadasi if I go that route. I’ve already done Ephesus (loved it), but wasn’t sure if Kusadasi itself was worth a night or two, or just feels like a cruise ship stop. Pamukkale’s tempting though… just not sure I want to spend too much time in transit.

Was leaning toward staying on the islands, but you’ve given me more options to think about. Patmos sounds chill — hadn’t considered that one. Will look into ferries from Pythagorio since I’ll likely base there.

Still tempted by Chios but that midnight ferry situation is rough. Might save it for another trip.

Thanks again.

IMO, Pamukkale and Hierapolis are magnificent!

Patmos was apparently David Bowie's fave place on earth. Repeat visits saw him stay with royalty and celebrities. Your arrival by ferry will be a memorable one--nice views as you approach.
The upper Old Town is excellent. Lambi Beach is unique, with its remarkable pebbles across the beach (VG quintessential waterside cafe there too). Religious sorts will of course, value the Monastery. Maybe go there at opening time to avoid crowds?

I'm with kja--Pammukele is unmissable. Few natural aquatic attractions across the globe allow visitors to submerge themselves either in the actual travertines or instead in the troughs off to the side, as does this place.
Kusadasi is Ok too, but leans more towards touristy than the other locales discussed above.

I am done. the endahksi

Wow did not know about Bowie and Patmos! Love Bowie long time.

I did make it to Patmos, great vibe, 3 days.

Did day trip to Kusadasi, was ok,.

Don't know if I was at Pammukele many years ago but see themals in Turkey once, similar a bit to things see in US West... like Yellowstone National Park.