Important note: The planned ferry services from Enez to the islands of Samothraki and Thassos have not yet started. The travel times and ticket prices shared on this page are estimated values; an official schedule and fare tariff have not been announced. We update this page as official developments occur.
Two beautiful islands of Greece in the northern Aegean, Samothraki and Thassos, lie just across the sea from the Enez district of Edirne. Concrete steps are being taken for the long-discussed Enez–Greek islands ferry route: the customs port project established in the district has reached the completion stage. Once the route becomes operational, it will open the shortest sea route to the Greek islands, especially for those living in Istanbul, Edirne, and the Thrace region.
However, it must be emphasized again: the ferry services have not yet started. Below, we have compiled the known status of the route, estimated information based on open sources, and how you can travel to the islands until the services begin.
What is the Enez–Greek islands ferry route?
The project envisions reciprocal passenger and freight transport to the Greek islands of Samothraki and Thassos via a customs port (temporary customs clearance port) established in Enez. The port is planned as a maritime gateway where customs and passport procedures can be carried out at international standards. Thus, the goal is to create a direct sea crossing as an alternative to the land border crossings (such as Ipsala) that are currently mandatory to reach the Greek islands.
Which islands are included in the planned route?
In the first stage, two islands stand out:
- Samothraki: An unspoiled island known for its mountainous terrain and natural beauty (especially the Fonias waterfalls and thermal springs), located approximately 47 km from Enez by sea.
- Thassos: One of the greenest islands in the northern Aegean, renowned for its pine forests, white marble beaches, and tranquil coves.
It is stated that in the future, depending on demand, establishing sea connections to destinations such as Alexandroupoli, Thessaloniki, and Athens may also come to the agenda.
When will the ferry services start?
A clear starting date has not yet been announced. Here is what is known:
- The infrastructure of the Enez customs port is largely complete; final preparations for the opening of the customs gate are underway under the coordination of the Edirne Special Provincial Administration.
- Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer stated that the project is targeted to be implemented this year (2026) and that the works have reached the final stage.
- It is reported that the operation of the port is planned to be carried out by UMAT Umumi Mağazalar Türk A.Ş. using a professional model.
In other words, the project is in the "planning and preparation" phase; until the customs gate is officially opened and the first voyage is announced, the route is not actively operating.
How long will the journey take? (Estimated)
Official travel times have not yet been announced. Based on the sea distance of the islands from Enez, the estimated durations could be as follows:
- Enez → Samothraki: Since the distance is very short, approximately 45–75 minutes (depending on the type of vessel used).
- Enez → Thassos: Expected to be around 1.5–2 hours.
These durations are estimates; exact values will become clear once the vessel serving the route and the approved itinerary are determined.
How much will the ticket price be? (Estimated)
The official fare tariff has not yet been finalized. According to expectations mentioned in open sources, one-way tickets are rumored to be in the range of 25€ – 40€. This figure may vary depending on factors such as vehicle transport, season, and vessel type. We will update this page when the exact prices are announced.
How to travel to Samothraki and Thassos before the services start?
Until the Enez route opens, the current ways to reach these islands are as follows:
- Samothraki: Cross into Greece via the Ipsala Border Gate and travel by road to Alexandroupoli; regular ferry services operate year-round from the port of Alexandroupoli to Samothraki (the journey takes about 2–2.5 hours).
- Thassos: Ferries depart very frequently to the island from the ports of Keramoti and Kavala on the Greek mainland; the crossing from Keramoti takes about 35–40 minutes.
In both cases, a valid Schengen visa or a green passport is required to enter Greece. For visa and crossing rules, you can check our visa guide.
Why is this route important?
If the Enez–Greek islands route becomes operational:
- It will provide the shortest maritime access to the Greek islands for Istanbul, Edirne, and the Thrace region; making it possible to reach the islands without traveling south (to ports like Ayvalik, Cesme, or Bodrum).
- Some of the congestion at land border crossings (especially Ipsala) could shift to the sea.
- Two-way tourism mobility (both from Turkey to the islands and from Greece to Enez) is expected for Enez and its surroundings.
What is next?
For now, all eyes are on the official opening of the customs gate. Once the opening takes place and the first voyage dates, vessel information, and fare tariff are announced, we will update this guide with current schedule and price details. You can follow all Turkey–Greece ferry services on our schedule search page.
