Rising Turkish tourism observed on the Greek island of Lesbos
In the heart of the Mediterranean, the Greek island of Lesbos is experiencing a significant rise in tourism from its neighbouring country, Turkey. With around 120,000 visitors arriving from Turkey in the previous year, and even more expected in 2025, Lesbos is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Turkish tourists [1][3].
This tourism surge is facilitated by frequent and affordable ferry connections from Turkish ports such as Dikili to Lesbos’s capital, Mytilene. The ease of travel has made Lesbos an easy and popular destination for Turkish tourists, who are drawn to the island’s beaches, taverns, and cultural offerings such as Greek ouzo [1].
Local businesses, such as fish restaurants, are bustling with Turkish customers, indicating a warm reception and growing economic interdependence. Many visitors come from cities like Izmir, Ayvalik, and Istanbul [1].
This growth in tourism is part of a broader trend, where over one million Turkish citizens have visited various Greek islands under the visa-on-arrival system in 2025 [5]. The charm, affordability, clean and well-run accommodations, public and freely accessible beaches, and distinct cuisine of the Greek islands offer a refreshing alternative to Turkish coastal fare. Hospitality standards and the possibility to communicate in Turkish also contribute to this tourism boom [5].
The increase in Turkish visitors has notably impacted the local atmosphere on Lesbos positively. Turkish tourists feel comfortable and welcomed on Lesbos, and local restaurateurs are happy with their guests from Turkey [1].
Despite ongoing political disputes between Greece and Turkey, including the demarcation of maritime borders, airspace, and territorial waters, the friendly interactions between Turkish tourists and locals on Lesbos suggest a softening or positive dimension in people-to-people contacts. However, the search results do not detail official diplomatic impacts or broader political relations specifically linked to this tourism trend [1][3][5].
In a symbolic gesture, the deputy mayor of Mytilene, Nikos Giannakas, welcomed the Turkish mayor of Balikesir, Ahmet Akin, along with 150 tourists on August 1 [6]. The new catamaran route between Mytilene and Ayvalik is expected to boost tourism and trade between Lesbos and Turkey [7].
As Lesbos aims to welcome even more visitors in 2025, the island's thriving tourism from Turkey represents a constructive aspect of bilateral relations despite historical complexities [1][3][5]. The growing cultural and economic connection extends beyond political tensions, offering hope for a brighter future in Greece-Turkey relations.
- The increase in Turkish tourists visiting Lesbos, as seen in the rising numbers from cities like Izmir, Ayvalik, and Istanbul, is facilitating an international cultural exchange, with Greek ouzo and other offerings attracting visitors.
- The thriving tourism between Lesbos and Turkey, indicated by the bustling local businesses and growing economic interdependence, is providing a unique lifestyle experience for both Turkish tourists and the Greek island's residents.
- Despite geopolitical disputes between Greece and Turkey, the friendly interactions between Turkish tourists and locals on Lesbos indicative of the new catamaran route between Mytilene and Ayvalik, suggest a seemingly positive development in people-to-people contacts, potentially leading to a more harmonious Greece-Turkey relationship.
