A ferry from Cesme's Ulusoy Port can get you to the Greek island of Chios and back in a single day — but a few details need sorting out beforehand.
How Long Is the Crossing
The distance between Cesme and Chios is short: fast catamaran services take about 20 minutes, while standard car ferries take 40 to 50 minutes. Boats leave from Ulusoy Port, within walking distance of central Cesme, which makes getting there simple. Thanks to the short crossing, travelers can reach the island in the morning and be back in Cesme by evening, all without booking a hotel on either side.
Passport, Visa and Practical Notes
Even a same-day visit to Chios requires a passport — there is no passport-free crossing. Travelers with a regular (bordo) Turkish passport need a gate visa or Schengen visa, while holders of the green (yeşil) passport are exempt. Paperwork is handled at the port counters, so bring your passport and, if needed, your visa documents with you. Carry both cash and a card: some small businesses on the island only accept cash. In summer, port counters can get busy before the first morning sailing, so arriving early for paperwork and tickets leaves more of the day free on the island.
Transfer from the Airport to the Port
The safest way not to miss the Chios schedule is heading straight to the port after landing.
What to See on Chios
The island is known for its mastic-producing villages in the south; the stone streets and geometric black-and-white facades of Mesta and Pyrgi are worth half a day's walk. The old castle and narrow lanes of the port town fill out a short afternoon. Beach-seekers head to the bays on the island's southern coast, though a day-trip itinerary usually stays with the town and villages.
Who It Suits, and Who It Doesn't
This works well for couples and friend groups who don't mind walking and have their passports ready. Photographers tend to enjoy the texture of the stone streets. Families with young children may find the round-trip ferry wait and the walking tiring, and it's not a good fit for babies on a strict nap schedule. It's also not for last-minute planners — the visa paperwork needs to be arranged in advance.
Fitting It Into a Cesme Trip
Spending the evening before or the day after the crossing in Cesme rounds out the trip. Cesme's beaches and attractions make a good stop for a few hours either side of the island crossing. If you're curious about other island crossings along the Aegean coast, the Aegean to Greek islands ferry pier transfers guide covers which ports serve which islands. Put the two together and one trip covers both the Turkish coast and a Greek island.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you visit Chios without a passport?
No, a passport is required even for a same-day visit. Travelers with a regular (bordo) Turkish passport need a gate visa or Schengen visa, while green (yeşil) passport holders are exempt.
How much time should you set aside for a day trip to Chios?
Thanks to the short ferry crossing, you can reach the island in the morning and be back in Cesme by evening. The trip can be completed in a single day without booking a hotel in Izmir.
Is this trip suitable for families with young children?
The round-trip ferry wait and the walking involved can be tiring for families with young children. It's not recommended for babies on a strict nap schedule.
Can you pay with card only on the island?
No, it's best to carry both cash and a card. Some small businesses on the island only accept cash.
Do the port counters get crowded?
In summer, port counters can get busy before the first morning sailing. Arriving early for paperwork and tickets leaves more of the day free on the island.