"I think Samos was the perfect place to start," the 21-year-old university student said, wheeling her luggage alongside her mother as they waited for a ferry off the Greek island of Samos.They were heading back to Kusadasi, on Turkey's Aegean coast after a sun-drenched vacation -- Altumsek's first trip abroad.With its turquoise waters, quiet coves, traditional villages and waterfront restaurants, Samos -- situated just opposite the Turkish coast -- combines beaches and natural beauty with a rich cultural heritage, including ancient sites linked to Pythagoras, one of the most famous figures of the ancient Greek world.Turkish-flagged boats carrying tourists are a constant presence along the waterfront, arriving and departing throughout the day, highlighting the steady flow of Turkish visitors to the Greek island."Τhe food is delicious. I have a 17-year-old son, and he keeps asking me, 'Mum, when are we going to Greece to eat?'," said Nevin Cagliguney, 51.
Ferries going back and forth to Turkey bring the influx of visitors, boosting the islands' economies © Sakis Mitrolidis / AFP
The crowds arriving on Samos reflect the diversity of society in Turkey, which is not part of the European Union but has ambitions to one day join it.Among the visitors are young travellers discovering the island for the first time, as well as families including women wearing headscarves, accompanied by their spouses and children in strollers.Many restaurants display Turkish-language menus outside their entrances.'Door visa'Introduced in April 2024, the visa-on-arrival scheme, known in Turkey as the "door visa" (kapi vizesi), initially covered 10 Greek islands before being renewed and expanded to 12 last year. The list of islands -- all near the Turkish coast -- includes Rhodes, Chios and Kos.
