Turkish arrivals to Chios, Lesbos and Samos surpassed 260,000 between the beginning of 2026 and August 20, according to figures presented in Lesbos, underscoring the volume of travel from Turkey to Greece’s eastern Aegean islands this summer.
The three islands recorded a combined 261,766 arrivals during the period, with Chios attracting the largest number of Turkish visitors.
The figures come as more than one million Turkish travelers are estimated to choose Greek islands in the region each summer, supported in part by the short-stay entry scheme available to Turkish nationals visiting participating destinations.
Turkish arrivals push Chios above 100,000 visitors
Chios recorded 100,447 Turkish arrivals through August 20, the highest total among the three islands included in the figures. Around 29,000 Turkish visitors arrived on the island in July.
Lesbos received 89,957 visitors from Turkey between January and August 20. July was its strongest month, with 32,582 arrivals. Samos recorded 71,362 Turkish visitors over the same period, including approximately 29,000 arrivals in July.
Lesbos arrivals down 8 percent from last year
Despite receiving almost 90,000 Turkish visitors, Lesbos recorded an approximately eight percent decline compared with last year. The figures were presented by the president of the local association of tourism and travel agents, who said the decrease was causing concern among tourism professionals ahead of next season.
The issue is no longer a lack of transport connections, according to the information presented. Numerous services already operate between the Turkish coast and Lesbos, shifting attention instead to how many travelers ultimately choose the island.
Ferries run throughout the day at Mytilene
Passenger traffic between Turkey and Lesbos remains steady throughout the day at the port of Mytilene. Services operate from Ayvalik and other ports on the Turkish coast, with arrivals beginning in the morning and continuing until late in the evening.
Sailing vessels also enter the customs facilities at Mytilene, including private yachts carrying Turkish visitors. Other eastern Aegean islands are connected with Turkish ports, including Cesme, maintaining regular movement between the two sides of the Aegean during the summer season.
Lemnos added to short-stay island scheme
Lemnos is among the newer Greek destinations included in the short-stay entry arrangement for Turkish citizens.
The participating island network now extends from Lemnos in the northern Aegean to Kastellorizo in the southeastern Aegean.
Its expansion gives Turkish travelers access to a wider selection of Greek islands than in previous seasons.
Turkish arrivals rise on Samos and Patmos
Samos remained one of the strongest destinations for visitors from Turkey, with 71,362 arrivals recorded through August 20.
Patmos has also seen an increase in Turkish visitors during the 2026 tourism season.
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