Day trips from Rhodes to Turkey

If you're soaking up the sun in Rhodes and feeling a little adventurous, why not take a quick ferry ride across the Aegean and find yourself in a whole new country? Yep, we’re talking about day trips from Rhodes to Turkey!

Two incredible coastal towns, Marmaris and Fethiye, are just a boat ride away, each offering a mix of stunning beaches, tasty food, colorful markets, and that unmistakable Turkish charm. Ferries run frequently in the summer, so it’s super easy to plan your cross-border trip, even at the last minute! 

All you need to do is book your ferry tickets to Turkey on Ferryhopper, pack your sunscreen and you are set to explore two countries in one trip. Let’s dive in!

• Day trip to Marmaris from Rhodes
• Day trip to Fethiye from Rhodes
• Best time to visit Turkey
• Day trip travel tips

Visiting Marmaris from Rhodes in a day

Feel like swapping the Greek island vibes for something a bit more bustling? Then what you need is a day trip to Marmaris, which is just a ferry ride away from Rhodes and packed with things to do. This colorful coastal town is a Turkish favorite, where palm-lined promenades, buzzing bazaars and beach bars set the tone.

Once you make your way across the Aegean, you can explore Marmaris Castle, test out your haggling skills at the Grand Bazaar, or kick back with a Turkish coffee by the lively marina. While you’re there, make sure you set some time aside to hit the ultimate reset button: a hammam (Turkish bath).

Getting there is pretty simple. The Rhodes-Marmaris ferries run throughout the year and during the summer there are up to 4 crossings every day. The trip across usually takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the ferry and season.

Boats generally leave both in the morning and evening, so you can be flexible when planning your trip to explore and soak it all in.

Good to know: have a look at our Turkish Coast shopping guide to get a better idea of what to expect at the markets.

Rhodes - Marmaris from €45

Nothing to see here, just another slice of Turkish Riviera paradise

Day trip to Fethiye from Rhodes

If you want to slow things down, then Fethiye should be on your radar. This laid-back town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast is all about relaxed vibes, leafy hills, and ancient ruins tucked into the cliffs. Hop on the ferry and you will be wandering through the Old Town (Paspatur), grabbing street food, or hiking up to the Lycian Way trail for epic views in no time.

Ferries from Rhodes to Fethiye usually leave in the late afternoon, which is perfect if you want a chill morning or a quick swim before heading off. Most travelers go for a short overnight stay, since return trips are often the next day. But hey, more time to explore and check out the nightlife in Turkey, right?

The ferry ride usually takes around 1.5 hours, which is just enough time to relax and get excited.

Tip: if you are interested in a longer stay, check out our two-day trip from Rhodes to Fethiye for more ideas and inspiration.

Rhodes - Fethiye from €35

The ancient Lycian Tombs standing guard above Fethiye

Best time to visit Turkey from Rhodes

The best time to visit Turkey from Rhodes by ferry is from April to October, when the weather is generally sunny and warm. Keep in mind though, that during the summer high season (July and August), both Rhodes and Turkey can get quite busy. 

As such, if you are looking for a more relaxed experience, consider planning your visit during the shoulder months of May, September and October. During these months, the weather is milder and the crowds are thinner, so you can explore the outdoors in greater comfort and without feeling rushed.

Day trip travel tips from Rhodes to Turkey

Here are some useful trave tips to keep in mind when planning a day trip to Turkey from Rhodes:

• Turkey is not part of the EU or the Schengen zone, so make sure you bring the necessary travel documents, such as a valid passport, for the trip.
• While euros may be accepted in some shops, you will get the best deals when paying in the local currency, so bring some Turkish lira for cash purchases.
• It can get quite busy at the port in Rhodes Town, so make sure you arrive there at least 1 hour before your ferry is scheduled to depart.
• The ferry ride between the Greek and Turkish ports is generally short, but if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking motion sickness medication before the trip. As always, you can discuss your options with your doctor or pharmacist.
• If you intend to explore archeological sites or outdoor markets, try to schedule your departure early in the morning to avoid the intense heat during midday.
• Keep in mind that the ferries connecting Rhodes with Marmaris and Fethiye do not have car decks. One of the most convenient ways of traveling in Turkey is with a dolmuş shared taxis, which operate on fixed routes and with flat rates.
• Have a look at the Marmaris-Rhodes and Fethiye-Rhodes ferry routes to plan your return trip to Greece.

Few things compare to Turkish tea by the beach in Marmaris

Book your ferry tickets from Rhodes to Turkey

For more ideas on day tours from Greece to Turkey, have a look at our Map of ferries. Plan your island-hopping adventure from the Greek islands to the Turkish Riviera, get the best travel tips for island cruises or day trips, and book cheap ferry tickets without any hassle!