Seferihisar to Samos Ferry

For the 2026 summer season, the ferry service between Seferihisar and Samos is operated by Turyol. Departures run daily, leaving the Sığacık port at 09:00 and arriving at Samos (Vathy) at 11:00. The return ferry departs Samos at 16:00, allowing for a comfortable day trip. The crossing takes approximately two hours under normal weather conditions.

Fares for the 2026 season are straightforward, with an adult round-trip ticket costing 30 EUR. Discounted fares are generally available for children and infants. Because sea conditions can occasionally impact schedules, we highly recommend verifying exact departure times with Turyol at +90 850 303 10 10 before your travel date.

If the Seferihisar timings do not fit your itinerary, consider the Kuşadası to Samos route as a nearby alternative. From Kuşadası, two distinct services operate: Meander Travel sails to Pythagorion in about 60 minutes, while Tilos Travel (Sea Star) runs a faster service to Vathy taking just 35 to 40 minutes.

Your journey begins at the Seferihisar Sığacık Marina, a well-organized and scenic harbor located about an hour's drive from central Izmir. Since this is an international maritime border crossing, you must arrive at the port at least 60 minutes prior to your 09:00 departure to allow ample time for ticketing, luggage checks, and Turkish passport control. During the peak summer months of July and August, we advise arriving 90 minutes early to avoid the queues.

After a scenic two-hour sail, you will arrive at the Samos (Vathy) Port. Vathy is the island's capital and main harbor, situated in a deep, sheltered bay on the northeastern coast. As soon as you clear Greek customs, you are immediately in the heart of the town. The waterfront promenade is lined with traditional tavernas, cafes, and car rental agencies, making it incredibly easy to start your island adventure or grab a quick frappe right off the boat.

Navigating the international border between Turkey and Greece requires the correct documentation. US, UK, and EU passport holders can enter Greece visa-free for short tourist stays. When returning to Turkey, many international tourists (including EU and UK citizens) enjoy visa-free entry, while others may require a Turkish e-visa. Always check your specific requirements at evisa.gov.tr before traveling.

For Turkish citizens, entry to Samos requires a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or the special Greek island "door visa". The door visa program, extended until April 2027, allows a maximum stay of 7 days strictly on the island of entry (Samos is one of the 12 eligible islands). It costs roughly 60-85 EUR and requires pre-application through an authorized agency well before departure. Note that the door visa does not allow travel to mainland Greece or non-participating islands like Tilos, which strictly require a standard Schengen visa.

With the ferry arriving in Vathy at 11:00 and departing at 16:00, day-trippers have roughly four to five hours to soak in the island's atmosphere. Given the limited time, it is best to stay in or near Vathy rather than attempting to cross the island to Pythagorion or the Heraion.

Start your day by wandering through the narrow, winding streets of Ano Vathy, the old town situated on the hillside above the port. Here, you will find beautifully preserved 19th-century mansions and historic churches. Afterward, head down to the Archaeological Museum of Vathy, home to an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, including a massive, 5.5-meter-tall Kouros statue.

For lunch, grab a seaside table at one of the tavernas along the Vathy promenade to enjoy fresh grilled octopus and a glass of local sweet Samian wine. If you prefer a quick swim before your ferry back to Seferihisar, Gangou Beach is just a 15-minute walk from the port and offers clear waters and sunbeds.