Turkish tourists drive surge in Greece’s eastern Aegean and Dodecanese islands
Turkish tourists have become an increasingly important part of the tourism economy on Greece’s eastern Aegean and Dodecanese islands, with visitor numbers rising sharply since the introduction of the express visa scheme.
The program, renewed through April 2027, allows Turkish citizens to obtain short-stay visas for up to seven days on 12 Greek islands without going through the standard Schengen visa process.
Visitor numbers rise sharply
The scheme covers Lesvos, Chios, Samos, Kos, Rhodes, Limnos, Leros, Kalymnos, Symi, Kastellorizo, Patmos and Samothraki.
Greece granted express visas to around 1.1 million Turkish visitors in 2025, generating an estimated €500 million in tourism revenue, according to the report. Turkish arrivals to Greece have increased fivefold compared with 2023.
Officials expect the number of Turkish visitors and their spending to rise by a further 25% to 30% by the end of 2026, based on increased ferry bookings.
Chios sees strong growth
Chios provides a clear example of the trend. The island welcomed around 5,000 Turkish visitors in 2010, rising to 85,000 by 2014.
In 2025, the number reached 131,324, accounting for a significant share of the island’s approximately 200,000 international arrivals.
Samos, Lesvos, Kos and Rhodes have also attracted large numbers of Turkish visitors, while smaller islands such as Symi, Kalymnos, Leros, Kastellorizo and Patmos have recorded notable increases.
Boost for local businesses
Turkish visitors are contributing to a wide range of local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, shops, car rental companies and ferry operators.
Their spending extends beyond accommodation, while many also travel outside the peak July and August season, helping distribute tourism revenue throughout the year.
A report by Turkish newspaper Nefes cited lower accommodation and food prices in Greece, the ease of the express visa and high inflation in Türkiye among the factors encouraging Turkish travelers to choose nearby Greek islands.
According to the report, more than 2.6 million Turkish citizens visited Greek islands in 2025, with many making multiple trips during the year.
Source: OT.gr
