We want to go from Istanbul to Vatera Beach on the western side of the Greek island of Lesvos. What is the fastest and most direct way to go. It seems that the ferry system only has an evening ferry to the island from Turkey and only an early morning ferry back. We'd much prefer to hire a boat to take us directly from Istanbul to Vatera Beach. Any suggestions?

If you glance at a map, you might see that it's a long way from Istanbul to Lesvos, about 200 nautical miles, in fact.
Regular passenger services operate from Ayvalik on the Turkish mainland to Lesvos.

I guess I was wondering if we could charter a speed boat or something like that to avoid the land travel from Istanbul to Ayvalik...

last summer i took the bus from istanbul to ayvalik.bus travel in turkey is cheap,fast,clean and quite pleasant.there are even young " stewards" on the buses to serve coffe,warm cloths,etc.

Hi Julies813;
If the cost is not an issue everything is possible. Speed boat, gulet, you name it.
Actually there are many people hiring aboat and arrange sailing between two country. Bare in mind fuel is expensive in Turkey !
Happy travelling,
Murat