Day trips from Bodrum to Kos and other Greek islands
Why settle for one coastline?
Got a spare day in Bodrum and want to experience a bit of Greek island magic? Then all you need to do is hop on a ferry and cross the Aegean, where ancient ruins, sun-drenched beaches and sleepy villages await!
With daily ferry crossings in the morning and afternoon during the summer, it is easier than every to plan a day trip from Bodrum to Kos and other Greek islands. Here are some of our suggestions for places to visit, things to try and travel details so you can turn your Turkish getaway into a two-country adventure!
The Greek islands are a short ferry ride from the Turkish Riviera
Day trip from Bodrum to Kos
At just 20 minutes from Bodrum, Kos is the perfect destination for a Greek island day trip experience. As soon as you reach the Greek port, the tone is set by the ancient ruins, Venetian walls and shaded café terraces by the sea.
Start by visiting the medieval Neratzia Castle by the port, pay your respects to the plane tree of Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and then continue with a stroll through the Old Town and the Ancient Agora to get a taste of the island’s history. For a deeper dive, you can also pop into the island’s archeological museum and swing by the Asklipieio, the famed healing temple of Hippocrates, just 4 km southwest from the port.
If the heat kicks in and it’s time to hit the beach, Lambi is a 10-minute walk from Kos town. You’ll find soft sand, busy beach bars and that unmistakable turquoise Aegean sparkle. Come lunchtime, there are many tavernas and restaurants along the shore and in town to get your fix of grilled octopus served with a side of krasotyri (white cheese matured in red wine) and wash it down with a glass of kanelada, a cinnamon-infused soft drink.
As the midday head begins to fade away, it’s time to head back towards the port. As you wait for your return ferry to Bodrum, don’t forget to check out the souvenir shops for olive oil soap and ntomataki (tomato spoon sweet)!
Good to know: Kos is big on farm-to-table dining and one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable Greek islands.
How to get there
There are over 10 daily Bodrum-Kos ferries, with the earliest departure typically scheduled at 08:30, while the last Kos-Bodrum ferry of the day usually sets sail for Turkey at 18:45. The journey normally takes 20 to 50 min each way, depending on the company, while tickets start from €15.
The municipal building of Kos by the sea
Excursion to Leros from Bodrum
If you are looking for a slice of slow island life and something a little further afield, then look no further than Leros. As a true hidden gem in the Dodecanese, Leros has that iconic Greek island charm, without the crowds, architecture with a backstory, and beaches that feel like a local secret.
The ferries from the Turkish Riviera drops you off on the eastern side of the island, at the port of Agia Marina, which is a great place to start your day with coffee and people-watching. Think Art Deco buildings with a 1930s Italian flair and laid-back cafés with a seaside view.
Once you catch your breath, wander towards Platanos, the island’s old capital that is as authentically Greek as you can get. Think laundry flapping in the wind, sleepy cats claiming every shady corner, and old folk arguing over backgammon and coffee. Trek up to the Castle of Pantelio, an ancient fortress from the Byzantine era, for sweeping views of the island.
To cool off, Vromolithos Beach is right around the corner. It’s a rocky little bay with clear waters and a few tavernas right by the sea. Speaking of which, they are a great place for fresh seafood like urchins, shellfish, synagrida (dentex) or lithrini (pandora) and other local delicacies. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to get back to Agia Marina for the ferry back to Turkey.
Tip: if you have time, catch a taxi or hire a scooter for a visit to the impressive War Museum of Leros, which is housed inside a tunnel in Merikia.
How to get there
You can travel to Leros from the port of Turgutreis, which is about 22 km west of Bodrum. There you can catch the daily Turgutreis - Agia Marina ferry, which usually departs at 09:00, while the return ferry from Agia Marina to Turgutreis leaves at 17:30. The journey normally takes about 45 min each way and tickets start at around €45.
A typical alley of whitewashed houses and Bougainvilleas in Leros
Travel tips
- Kos is easy to get around on foot in a day, but if you’d like to venture beyond the city, you can either rent a bike or hire a taxi.
- As you will be crossing the international border between Greece and Turkey, make sure you have the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport.
- Pets are not allowed on board ferries between the two countries, so your four-legged friend will have to sit out on the day trip to the Greek islands and wait for you in Turkey.
- Ferries between Greece and Turkey can fill up quickly, so make sure to book your tickets in advance during the peak summer season.
- For a smooth boarding experience, arrive at least 45 minutes before your ferry is scheduled to leave.
- If your day trip from Bodrum to Kos or Leros has opened your appetite for further exploration, check out our Greece - Turkey ferries guide to plan a cross-country adventure!
A hillside view of Agia Marina in Leros
Are you ready to add a Greek twist to your Bodrum adventure? Then check out the Ferryhopper Map of ferries, book your ferry tickets online and let the Aegean be your playground!
