Whilst visiting one of the Greek Islands you may find that you can combine a day trip to the Turkish mainland. Some of the Greek Islands are within easy reach of a host of attractive and cultural destinations on the Turkish coast allowing you to experience the joy of another culture uniquely different to the Greek culture you have come to love.
Ayvalik
If you are staying on the Island of Lesbos, you can catch a local ferry over to Turkey’s beach resort on the Northern Aegean coast; it takes 80 minutes. This is a popular local resort and home to many olive groves, which make it the country’s leading producer of olive oil. Ayvalik has a rich history rooted in the Ottoman period and today there are many attractive Ottoman Greek houses. Many of the delightful little Orthodox churches have long since been converted into mosques. The resort is also home to some fantastic beachside restaurants and if fine dining is your passion then take another ferry across the bay to Alibey Island where you will find a wealth of open air tavernas and restaurants selling quality cuisine.
Bodrum
If you want to experience the fun, magic and history of one of Turkey’s best beach resorts then catch a local ferry over to Bodrum on the Aegean coast. There are regular ferry services from Rhodes and Kos and journey times are 135 minutes and 20 - 50 minutes respectively (depending on the ferry operator chosen). Beautiful Bodrum is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the ruins of the original Mausoleum, as well as a fortress from the Crusader era, which forms the world’s leading Museum of Underwater Archaeology. The town’s two small beaches are within easy access from the harbour and if you are feeling adventurous and energetic then you might want to dance the night away in Bodrum’s open air disco, Heraklion.Çesme
Those who are fortunate enough to stay on the Island of Chios, can take a 75 minute ferry over to Çesme, a small Aegean resort with a beautiful town square lined with some fantastic restaurants and cafes. The resort also offers some spectacular sunsets and a magnificently restored fortress, which also doubles as the town’s museum. Sunday is one of the best days to visit because the town plays host to a bustling Sunday market. The City dons its name from the many Ottoman fountains found all over the town, Çesme actually means ‘fountain.’ Çeşme Castle dominates the town. A statue of one of the famous Ottoman leaders stroking his pet lion stands before the entrance. Close to the castle is an old 16th century Ottoman roadside inn, which is now a boutique hotel and if you enjoy museums and exhibitions, then be sure to look in at the Ayios Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church built in the 9th century, which houses many temporary exhibitions.
Dikli
Another ferry from Lesbos will take you to Dikili on the Northern Aegean coast in only 75 minutes. The town is covered by tall pine trees and it spans over a wide bay, several kilometers long with a rough sandy beach. This is an area full of incredible beauty along with many historical sites. If you visit this town and want to do more than enjoy its golden sand, then get out to Merdivenli village to see the huge Crater Lake or to the villages of Demirtaş and Delitaş to see the caves. There are also many thermal springs in the area nearby Bademli, Nebiler and Kocaoba. The 18th century Merkez Mosque constructed solely from wood and was built without any nails. This is an area that will show you the real Turkey with cotton fields, olive groves, vineyards and donkeys pulling carts.
Marmaris
Only 45 minutes by ferry from Rhodes, Marmaris has a beautiful natural harbour and luxurious yacht port. This is one of Turkey’s leading beach resorts and consequently it offers some fantastic restaurants, shops and unrivalled nightclubs as well as great beaches. Marmaris is also a key yachting and sailing centre with two large and several small marinas. Many yacht owners use it to winter their boats. Worth seeing is the 16th century Marmaris Castle, which was built by Suleyman the Magnificent. It has undergone much renovation and now houses a museum with seven galleries, one of which is used for exhibitions. Another 16th century Ottoman building is the one built on the orders of Ayse Hafsa Sultan, Süleyman's mother. It is an old inn known as a caravanserai and it is located in the bazaar.Kusadasi
If you stay on the island of Samos you can catch the 90 minute local ferry to the port of Kusadasi. Located on the Guvercin Ada peninsula on the Aegean coast with spectacular Kaz Dagi Mountain as a backdrop, Kusadasi is a key beach resort and port, which lies close to the ancient ruins of Ephesus. There are some lovely old houses by the sea and some have been turned into cafes and bars and cafes. They are all that is left of sleepy old Kusadasi, which today has a very European feel. The town has many historic sites like the remains of the old city gate and 17th century Kaleiçi Camii mosque, but the real reason to come here is to catch the minibus directly from the town to Ephesus, a short ride away. This ancient town with well preserved ruins is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World; the Temple of Artemis as well as the Temple of Hadrian and St John’s Basilica.
