Turkey and Greece share borders on the map but provide very contrasting atmospheres. The former is a combination of Asia and Europe, including bazaars, mosques, and imperial history going back for ages, whereas organized Turkey Tours make it possible to visit the key sights of the country in one itinerary. Greece seems more relaxed and laid-back with its white towns, blue seas, and archaeological heritage, which influenced Western philosophy. Combined together, they form one of the most interesting routes in the Mediterranean, which can be reached by ferry in one hour.
Why Turkey and Greece Fit So Well Together
These two countries have a great deal of history together, which is often overlooked by travelers. The Byzantine and Ottoman empires once covered territories that now form part of both these countries, and many years of interaction have shaped their cuisine, music, and architecture in similar ways. A traveler can see how a common history has helped to create very different cultures:
- Bodrum faces Kos through a strait that is small enough that you can see the island from the shore
- Marmaris is just an hour ferry ride away from Rhodes
- Kusadasi is not far from Samos and is conveniently located near Ephesus
- Ayvalik faces Lesvos across the northern Aegean
This proximity means that a trip to these two countries can become one seamless journey.
The Ottoman Empire once had dominion over much of Greece, and Greeks have been living in Anatolia for many centuries prior to the population exchange of the 1920s, which separated the two communities. This can be seen at the dinner table:
- Baklava, consisting of layer upon layer of pastry and syrup
- Use of olive oil as the base for all the food consumed daily
- Dolma, or stuffed grape leaves in Greece, and dolmades in Turkey
- Preparation of coffee using a little pot
Both nations claim their own as the original one, a small competition illustrating just how closely the two food cultures have become related. While Turkey based its identity on a blend of European and Middle Eastern elements, Greece created its own by going back to its historical roots. A tourist is immediately aware of this contrast upon entering a Greek village square from a Turkish bazaar.
How to Move Between the Two Countries
Ferry services make the crossing easy during warm weather. One of the most common routes is the one connecting Bodrum to Kos, with a travel time of 30 to 45 minutes that varies according to the provider and season. Ferry tickets can be similar for one-way and round-trip because most people travel through that route once. The ferry to Samos from Kusadasi has a travel time of 45 to 90 minutes and goes well with Ephesus. Traveling from Marmaris to Rhodes will take almost an hour; Fethiye to Rhodes will take 1.5 to 2 hours, while traveling from Ayvalik to Lesvos is expected to take 1 to 1.5 hours.
Start the Adventure in Turkey
The tour will start in Turkey, where everything is hectic, and there is an abundance of attractions. In Istanbul itself, the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar are located right next to each other. The destination of choice after Istanbul would be Cappadocia, which is famous for its stone valleys and hot air balloon rides. After that, the journey can be carried on to the Aegean coastline, where the beaches are and from where ferries can be boarded. Bodrum serves as a good base for this purpose.
Continue the Trip Across the Aegean
But when tourists arrive in Greece, the atmosphere changes. There is the relaxed pace of Kos with its ruins at the Asklepion and the tranquil beaches at Psalidi. Rhodes comes next, easily reached from Kos by ferry and featuring the medieval town built by the Knights of St John and the cliff-top village of Lindos. Those with time may choose to move on to Athens with its famous Acropolis and Plaka neighborhood, finishing up in Santorini with its white-washed buildings perched high above a volcanic caldera. The ideal Greece Trips series will get all these done efficiently with no wasted traveling days.
Food and Daily Life on Both Sides of the Sea
The food in Turkey revolves around meat that is grilled, bread, and small plates known as meze, which are mostly served together at a long table with tea after the meal. The food in Greece is somewhat similar, with an emphasis on olive oil, fish that is grilled, salads, and moussaka, among others, with coffee being consumed instead of tea. The similarities in the food items make food an ideal way to connect the two countries on a trip. Time management also differs, with Turkish cities being characterized by a hectic pace of life, with markets that operate late and prayers calling the day. Life in Greece, on the other hand, takes on a relaxed pace, especially on the islands, with long lunches, naps, and late nights.
Best Time and Length for the Trip
The best period when the weather is warm enough, yet not very crowded, is late spring and early fall season. In Turkey and Greece, the highest frequency of ferries runs from June to September, which makes summer the perfect season for those who want maximum flexibility in travel. Visitors should make sure about the visa regime prior to traveling to Turkey, while Greece operates according to the Schengen visa regime.
It would take at least 10 to 12 days for a good trip through both countries. For those who travel for shorter periods, it might be better to choose one region in Turkey, combining it with some other regions in Greece; for instance, Istanbul and Cappadocia along with Kos and Rhodes. Visiting both Greece and Turkey offers a traveler a great experience of the Aegean coast. The distance of ferries between the two countries is rather short, making the whole journey look as one trip with two different parts, rather than two separate vacations.
