Ferries from Greece to Turkey

In the winter season, there are only a few ferries from Greece to Turkey. They start mainly at Chios and Rhodos (www.gtp.gr). During the summer season, there are the following possibilities:
Brindisi (Italy) - Cesme, Lesbos - Ayvalik, Chios - Cesme, Samos - Kusadasi, Kos - Bodrum, Rhodos - Marmaris. There are dayily ferries between Piraeus (Athens) and Lesbos, Chios, Samos, Kos and Rhodos. The ferries between Piraeus/Lavrio and Alexandroupolis (near the Turkish border) may also be of some use to you. There are no direct ferries between the Greeek mainland and Turkey.

Thanks Neckervd. I should have mentioned that I am planning this trip for April of 08.

You should also consider the overnight sleeper train from Thessaloniki to Istanbul as an alternative... Cheap and comfortable...

Thanks Partireeunpomorire, but I want to make Istanbul the last stop so I can begin the flight home from that airport.

If you're interested in seeing working your way up to Istanbul from southern Turkey, get a connection for Bodrum or Marmaris and then you can make your way up the Turkish Aegean coast (Ayvalik and Kusadasi are a good bit closer to Istanbul).

www.gtp.gr has an animated function that shows all the islands along any particular ferry route once you've plugged in a departure and arrival island and chosen a specific departure day. www.openseas.gr will tell you which islands can be reached from your departure island.

are you trying to explore the greek islands or spend more time on the mainland?

Ideally, I would like to do both. I'm allotting more time for Turkey but I want to spend some time on the islands. Any suggestions?

I am taking a similar trip, also in April/May. Our plan is to fly into Athens and just wing it, sort of island hop to Turkey and take our time doing it. I have a friend living in Turkey and I asked her advice on the subject of getting around via ferry. She, interestingly enough, referred me to the lonely planet guide for Greece. I spent a long time studying that before I realized there was a Greek Islands guide. This guide is very specific in terms of ferries. I have been able to make up a rough itinerary and decide which islands to research based on ferry prices, times, and durations. I recommend this book. Even if you camp out at a book store and get the gist. Keep posting, though, and so will I. These blogs are really indispensable.