Echoes of Greece Across the Aegean: Istanbul to Athens Full Route and Logistics

This independent Aegean itinerary follows a continuous route from Istanbul through the Marmara islands, across to Çanakkale and Troy, island hopping through Bozcaada and Gökçeada, crossing into Greece at Lesvos, and continuing south through Spetses, Ermioni and Nafplio before finishing in Athens.

This Istanbul to Athens itinerary was all done using ferries, buses, and the occasional taxi where needed. No car rental required.

Highlights include tracing Greek heritage in Istanbul and the islands of Buyukaada and Marmara Adasi, crossing the Dardanelles, visiting Ancient Troy, travelling to Tenedos (Bozcaada) and Imbros (Gökçeada) with its strong Greek heritage, crossing to Greece from Avyilak to Lesvos by sea. After 18 days on Lesvos, a flight to Athens and a ferry to Spetses which from there Ermioni and Nafplio before ending the trip in Athens. This trip was all done using public transport. This is a route built around real connections—not theoretical ones.

If you’re planning a trip like this and want to understand how Greek public transport actually works — ferries, buses, connections and all — my ebook How Greece Moves covers it in full. How Greece Moves

This is not a fast trip. It’s a practical, point-to-point journey across the Aegean, following the natural geography of the region and the transport networks that connect it.

What Makes This Itinerary Special

A Continuous Aegean Crossing
This route links Turkey and Greece in one flowing journey, moving westward across the Aegean using ferries and overland connections and one domestic flight.
Designed for Public Transport
Every leg works using ferries, KTEL buses, and local transport. Taxis are used only where necessary to bridge gaps between ports, bus stations, and accommodation.
Real Transport Connections
This itinerary follows routes that actually run. Ferry crossings, bus links, and onward connections are based on real-world travel rather than stitched-together theory.
Island and Mainland Balance
The journey combines smaller islands (Marmara Adası, Bozcaada, Gökçeada, Spetses) with mainland stops (Çanakkale, Nafplio, Athens), creating a varied and practical route.
Greek Connections Beyond Greece
From Istanbul through Imbros (Gökçeada) and into Lesvos, this route follows historical and cultural links across the Aegean that still exist today.
A Natural Route, Not a Loop
This is a linear journey from Istanbul to Athens, following geography rather than doubling back or relying on flights.

The Route at a Glance

Route: Manchester → Istanbul → Marmara Adası → Çanakkale → Bozcaada → Gökçeada → Lesvos → Spetses → Ermioni → Nafplio → Athens → Manchester
Duration: Approximately 5–6 weeks depending on pace and length of stays. I spent 18 days on Lesvos so this can be reduced if required.
Transport: Flights to Istanbul, ferries between islands and mainland, intercity buses, local buses, occasional taxis
Best Time: Spring and autumn for comfortable travel conditions and reliable ferry schedules
Who It’s For: Independent travellers, island hoppers, those interested in travelling between Turkey and Greece without flying, and anyone comfortable navigating public transport networks

Throughout this post, you’ll find links to excerpts from my travel diary. Feel free to click through and follow each stage of the journey in more detail.

The Destination-by-Destination Itinerary

Days 1–7: Istanbul

Getting There: Flight from Manchester to Istanbul. Airport transfer into the city by taxi or public transport depending on arrival time.
Getting Around: Extensive public transport network including trams, metro, ferries, and buses. Walking is often the easiest way to explore central districts.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Accommodation in the Sultanahmet area worked well for access to the main historical sites and transport connections. Important – Booking.com doesn’t operate in Turkey. Use Hotels.com instead, or book from outside of Turkey.
Don’t Miss: The Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Agia Irene, a Bosphorus cruise, Fener and Balat districts, and a visit across to the Asian side. A trip out to Büyükada Island offers a different perspective and strong Greek connections.
The Reality Check: Istanbul is intense. Busy, loud, and at times overwhelming. It’s easy to underestimate how tiring it can be over several days. Also worth being aware of common tourist scams.
Onward Travel Connection: Ferry from Istanbul (Yenikapı) to Marmara Adası.

→ A Journey to Greece Across the Aegean
→ Arrival in Istanbul – Sacred Spaces and Timeless Places
→ Further Explorations of Istanbul
→ Fener & Balat – Where Cultures and Colours Collide
→ Discovering Greek Connections on Büyükada
→ Exploring Istanbul’s Asian Side
→ Echoes of Byzantium – Part 1
→ Across the Golden Horn – Part 2

🏨 Hotels in Sultanahmet
🎟️ Top Istanbul Sightseeing and Tours
🚃 Istanbul Travel Kart
🚢 IDO Ferry Services

Days 8–11: Marmara Adası

Getting Around: Local minibuses (dolmuş) connect the main settlements. Walking works well within villages.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Stayed in the main port town of Marmara with access to nearby villages such as Asmalı and Çınarlı. For the most excellent hospitality, I highly recommend Adasu Otel. Around £80 per night in early September, including a most magnificent buffet breakfast. Booking.com doesn’t operate in Turkey. Use Hotels.com instead, or book from outside of Turkey.
Don’t Miss: Exploring the quieter villages, spotting remaining Greek houses, and experiencing a much slower pace of island life compared to Istanbul.
The Reality Check: Limited infrastructure and less English spoken. Transport between villages is simple but not always frequent. The Dolmus station is close to the port. This is a place to slow down rather than tick off sights.
Onward Travel Connection: If you are heading west towards Canakkale, you can take a ferry to Tekirdag, then a taxi to the Tekirdag bus station, and a bus to Canakkale. Note that the Omer Kaptan 3 boat from Avsa is irregular – we caught it by a lucky fluke — phone beforehand – details below. Alternatively, you can catch the ferry to Erdek, the dolmus to Bandirma and an onward bus from there. This is a far more reliable route.

→ Leaving Istanbul and Arriving on Marmara Adası
→ Visiting Asmalı – Hunting for Greek Houses
→ Visiting Çınarlı
→ Final Day on Marmara Adası
→ Trying to Leave Marmara Adası

🏨 Adasu Otel, Marmara Adasi
🚢 Contact details for the Omer Kaptan Ferry Avsa to Tekirdag
🚢 Gestas Ferry Service Marmara Adasi to Erdek
🚌 Obilet Bus Ticket Website

Days 12–15: Çanakkale & Troy

Getting Around: Walkable town centre. The Dolmus station is walkable from the port. Local buses connect to the main bus station outside the city and plenty of taxis. Ferries across the Dardanelles between Çanakkale, Kilitbahir and Eceabat are operated by Gestaş. Services are frequent throughout the day, and it’s usually just a case of turning up and taking the next available crossing.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Central Çanakkale accommodation works best for access to ferries, buses, and local attractions. Hotel Helen Park was very centrally located – a few minutes from the port. A standard city hotel with a great buffet breakfast. Around £70 per night in early September.
Don’t Miss: Ancient Troy archaeological site, the waterfront at Çanakkale, crossing to Kilitbahir, and the Gallipoli peninsula.
The Reality Check: Troy is more complex than expected—less about one single “site” and more about layers of history. Gallipoli requires some planning if visiting independently.
Onward Travel Connection: Bus or taxi to Canakkale Bus Station, which sits on the outskirts of the city. Local bus (timetable below) to Geyikli (bus will go all the way to the port) and ferry to Bozcaada (Tenedos).

→ Beyond the Trojan Horse – Troy Part 1
→ Beyond the Trojan Horse – Troy Part 2
→ Çanakkale, Kilitbahir and Gallipoli

🏨Hotel Helen Park, Canakkale
🎟️ Top Canakkale Sightseeing and Tours
🚌 Bus Timetable – Canakkale to Geyikli
🚢 Gestas Ferry to Bozcaada

Days 16–18: Bozcaada

Getting Around: Small island—walkable in the main town. There is a dolmus service starting from close to the port. It goes to the main beaches of Ayazma, Sulubahci, Habbele and Indi-Bindi.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Accommodation within Bozcaada town for easy access to restaurants, harbour, and transport. I highly recommend Alicante – beautifully decorated rooms, fantastic views from the roof terrace, exceptional breakfast and wonderful hosts.
Don’t Miss: The castle, old streets, windmills, Ayazma Beach, a visit to the Church and the relaxed island atmosphere.
The Reality Check: Ferry schedules are fairly regular throughout the day. The island is small but can get busy in peak periods – a popular weekend destination for the locals.
Onward Travel Connection: Return ferry to Geyikli, bus to Çanakkale bus station (local bus will be waiting at the port), bus or taxi to Canakkale Port. Ferry to Eceabat, dolmus to Kabatepe port (buses by the port as you exit the boat) and ferry to Gökçeada.

Note: This bit of the journey may sound a bit convoluted. Ideally, we would have visited Gokceada before Bozcaada whilst staying in Canakkale. This was based on my husband’s plan at the time to fly home from Istanbul, which, at this point, the plan made sense. It all worked out fine with easy connections.

→ Çanakkale to Bozcaada Ferry
→ Bozcaada – Ayazma Beach Day
→ Bozcaada Diary – Church, Castle and Windmills

🏨 Alicante Hotel, Bozcaada
🚌 Bus Timetable – Canakkale to Geyikli
🚢 Gestas Ferry to Bozcaada

Days 19–22: Gökçeada (Imbros)

Getting Around: Larger island—local buses that connect in the centre (Merkez), taxis, or walking, depending on location.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Stayed in Bademli for a quieter base with access to beaches and traditional villages.
Don’t Miss: Kaleköy, the salt lake, remote beaches, and exploring villages with visible Greek heritage.
The Reality Check: Transport on the island is more limited. Planning is needed if relying on buses. Distances are larger than expected.
Onward Travel Connection: Ferry back to Kabatepe, bus connections via Çanakkale and south to Ayvalık, then ferry to Lesvos.

→ Bozcaada to Gökçeada
→ Gökçeada – Castles, Beaches and Salt Lake
→ A Slow Day in Bademli

🏨 Hotel Fengari, Gokceada
🚌 Bus Timetable – Gokceada (Imbros)
🚢 Gestas Ferry to Bozcaada

Days 23–40: Lesvos

Getting Around: KTEL Intercity buses connect the island well, though some routes require changes at major intersections. Also local bus service Astiko KTEL Mytilene for in and around Mytilene.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Multiple bases worked well:

• Mytilini (arrival and departure) We loved the Secret Garden. Newly opened, stunning gardens and roof terrace. 72€ per night on a self catering basis. For my return stay in Mytilene, the Beehive right in the thick of the town was perfect. 65€ per night.
• Skala Eresos for a longer stay. Eleftheria’s Studios – fantastic host, self catering – pool with snackbar was a luxury I appreciated. From memory, this was 50€ per night. I booked locally when I arrived in Skala Eresos. Book through Sappho Travel (link below)
• Sigri for a quieter end to the island stay – Ioannides Studios. Well located, friendly host, clean room- tiny bathroom. 50€ per night.

Don’t Miss: Mytilini town, Plomari, Agiasos, Skala Eresos beaches and village life, and the remote landscapes around Sigri.
The Reality Check: Lesvos is a large island. Bus journeys are longer than expected, and services aren’t always frequent, particularly between regions where some services only run Mon – Fri. Check bus timetables first.
Onward Travel Connection: Flight or ferry from Lesvos to Athens/Piraeus, then onward to Spetses.

→ Imbros to Lesvos – Sunrise to Sunset
→ Lesvos Travelogue – Plomari & Agiasos
→ Mytilini to Skala Eresos by Bus
→ 6 Days in Skala Eresos
→ 4 Days in Sigri
→ Wandering Mytilini

🏨 Secret Garden, Mytilene
🏨 Eleftherias Studios, Skala Eresos
🏨 Ioannides Studios, Sigri
🏨 The Beehive, Mytilene
🚌 KTEL Lesvos Intercity
🚌 Urban Transport of Mytilene
🚢 Ferryhopper Ferry Schedules
🎟️ Lesvos Cruise with BBQ

Days 41–50: Spetses

Getting Around: Walkable town and coastal paths. Water taxis available over to Kosta and Porto Heli.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: A great budget option is Villa Christina – wonderful host. Around 50€ per night – simple breakfast, an additional 5€ per night. Within walking distance of Spetses Town for ease of access.
Don’t Miss: Coastal walks, old harbour and the amazing artworks of Natalia Mela. Bouboulina Museum is a must, and exploring both the northern and southern shores. A visit to the monastery and to the cave church at Ligoneri is worth the walk.
The Reality Check: Spetses has a more polished feel compared to previous stops. Prices can be higher, especially during events such as the Armata and A Weekend in Tweed.
Onward Travel Connection: Local boat Katerini Star to Kosta. Bus from Kosta to Kranidi. In season, possibly a bus to Ermioni – if not a taxi – only 8km.

→ Spetses – Southern Shore
→ Walking the North Shore
→ Museums and Weekend in Tweed
→ Spetses Reflection

🏨 Villa Christina, Spetses
🚢 Ferryhopper Ferry Schedules
🚌 KTEL Argolida Bus Service

Days 51–52: Ermioni

Getting Around: Small town—easily walkable.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Central Ermioni accommodation close to both harbours. I stayed at Tiny by Goutos Luxury Living. Yes small and compact but clean, comfortable and well located.
Don’t Miss: The Bisti peninsula, harbour walks, and the quieter pace compared to nearby destinations. Regular boat trips over to Hydra.
The Reality Check: Public transport connections are via Kranidi – check KTEL Argolida website
Onward Travel Connection: Bus from Ermioni (via Kranidi) to Nafplio.

→ Ermioni Travel Diary

🏨 Tiny by Goutos Luxury Living
🚌 KTEL Argolida Bus Service

Days 53–58: Nafplio

Getting Around: Walkable old town. Good local bus network that will take you to surrounding areas such as Epidavros, Ancient Tyrins, Tolo and Drepano.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Old town accommodation for atmosphere and access. I’ve stayed in several places in Nafplio and have never been disappointed. This trip I stayed at Residenza di Fedralia. Fantastic room – fair few stairs to climb. 52€ per night late October.
Don’t Miss: Nafplio old town, Palamidi Fortress, and a visit to Nea Kios and the Laskarideio Folklore Museum.
The Reality Check: Nafplio can get busy as there are many tours arriving daily. However, they are easy to escape.
Onward Travel Connection: Bus from Nafplio to Athens. Hint – instead of going to Kifissos Bus Station, get off the bus at Eleonas and get the metro into central Athens – fast and cheap.

→ Back in Nafplio
→ Laskarideio Folklore Museum, Nea Kios

🏨 Residenzia di Fedralia, Nafplio
🚌 KTEL Argolida Bus Service

Days 59–61: Athens & Eleusis

Getting Around: Athens metro, buses, and walking. Very easy city to traverse. Getting to Eleusis Archaeological site was a bit of a headscratcher at first but managed it in the end.
Where to Stay – My Personal Recommendation: Central Athens accommodation with easy metro access. The Attalos is always my favourite place to stay in Athens but I hadn’t booked it early enough to get a reservation. ABOV Athens was another good option located close to the Metropolitan Cathedral. 88€ per night on a room only basis.
Don’t Miss: Exploring beyond the main sights, including a visit to the Archaeological site of Eleusis. My favourite place to escape the city is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre – search the blog for various posts I’ve written about my visits.
The Reality Check: Athens can feel chaotic after smaller destinations—pace yourself. Guided tours of the city are usually of a very high quality – excellent for new visitors to Athens and repeat visitors like myself.
If you’re planning your own independent trip to Greece, the A Greek Oddity Travel Planning Toolkit has everything you need in one place, even how to navigate from central Athens to Eleusis by bus.
Onward Travel Connection: Flight from Athens to Manchester.

→ Nafplio to Athens
→ The Mysteries of Eleusis
→ Istanbul to Athens – Independent Travel

🏨 Attalos Hotel, Athens
🏨 ABOV Athens, Monastiraki
🚌 KTEL Attikis Bus Service
🚌 OASA Transport for Athens
🎟️ Athens Sightseeing and Tours

Cost and Practicalities

This wasn’t a trip where I tracked every penny, and with part of the journey travelled as a couple and part solo, a detailed budget wouldn’t be especially helpful. What I can share is how costs felt on the ground across the different stages of the route.

Istanbul
Accommodation and meals were noticeably more expensive than expected. Inflation and currency instability have had a significant impact, and prices—particularly in central areas—reflect that. Alcohol in particular was very expensive, largely due to high taxation. Eating out is still manageable if you avoid the most tourist-focused spots, but overall Istanbul was one of the pricier parts of the trip.

Marmara Adası, Bozcaada and Gökçeada
Costs here were more moderate than Istanbul, especially away from the main tourist areas. Accommodation options are more limited, which can push prices up slightly, but day-to-day spending on food and transport felt reasonable. Alcohol remains expensive across Turkey.

Çanakkale & Troy
Mid-range overall. Accommodation and food were fairly priced, and transport costs (buses and ferries) remained affordable. Entry fees to archaeological sites like Troy add to costs but are still reasonable.

Lesvos
The first things we noticed is the difference between a 200ml bottle of raki in Turkey compared to a same-sized bottle of ouzo – vast difference. Good value overall, particularly for longer stays. Accommodation in places like Skala Eresos and Sigri was very fairly priced, and eating out was affordable compared to many other Greek islands. Transport by bus is inexpensive, though longer journeys can add up over time.

Spetses
Slightly more expensive. Accommodation and dining costs were a bit higher here, reflecting its more upmarket feel. It’s still possible to manage costs, even as a budget destination.

Ermioni, Nafplio & Athens
More balanced. Nafplio in particular offers good value outside peak periods, with a range of accommodation options. Athens varies widely depending on area, but transport (especially the metro) is excellent value.

Practical Notes

💡 Booking accommodation in Turkey
Booking.com does not operate within Turkey. I booked accommodation in Istanbul and Marmara Adası using Hotels.com instead.

💡 Transport costs
Ferries and buses across both Turkey and Greece are generally affordable, but schedules dictate your route. Flexibility is key.

💡 Alcohol pricing in Turkey
Expect significantly higher prices than in Greece. This is due to government taxation, which makes alcohol a luxury purchase rather than an everyday expense.

💡 Cash vs card
Cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying cash, particularly on smaller islands and for local buses.

💡 Planning your transport across Greece The A Greek Oddity Travel Planning Toolkit includes an interactive transport map, destination finder, itinerary planner and the How Greece Moves ebook — everything I wish I’d had when I started travelling Greece independently.

The Bottom Line

This is not the cheapest route through the region, but it’s far from the most expensive either. Costs fluctuate depending on where you are—higher in Istanbul and Spetses, lower across much of Lesvos and parts of mainland Greece.

The real investment here isn’t money—it’s time. Slowing down, using public transport, and moving steadily across the Aegean makes this journey both manageable and deeply rewarding.

Is This Trip Right for You?

This itinerary is perfect if you:

• Want to travel between Turkey and Greece without flying
• Are comfortable navigating ferries, buses, and changing connections
  Not sure where to start? The How Greece Moves ebook walks you through Greece’s public transport networks in plain terms — ferries, KTEL buses, domestic flights and how they connect. How Greece Moves
• Prefer real places over polished tourist routes
• Enjoy slower travel and staying longer in fewer places
• Are interested in the links between regions across the Aegean

Think twice if you:

• Prefer tightly scheduled, fast-paced trips
• Want everything pre-booked and straightforward
• Are uncomfortable with transport changes and occasional uncertainty
• Are travelling only for beaches or warm-weather relaxation

Final Thoughts on this Istanbul to Athens Itinerary

This route isn’t about ticking off destinations. It’s about following a line across the Aegean and seeing how each place connects to the next.

From the scale of Istanbul to the quiet of Marmara Adası, from the layers of Troy to the island rhythm of Lesvos, and on through to the Peloponnese and Athens, this is a journey shaped by geography, history, and the practical realities of getting from one place to another.

It works. Not perfectly, not always smoothly—but it works. And that’s exactly the point.

Follow this journey as it unfolds by following the ‘next’ button below.