Tourism from Turkey continues to grow in the Eastern Aegean islands, with more than 260,000 Turkish visitors arriving in Lesvos, Chios and Samos between January and August 20, 2026, EPT News reports.
The flow has been supported by the short-stay visa scheme for Turkish citizens travelling to selected Greek islands, expanding a market that now brings more than 1 million Turkish visitors each summer to Eastern Aegean destinations.
Chios leads with more than 100,000 visitors
Chios recorded 100,447 Turkish arrivals through August 20, the highest figure among the three islands. July was the strongest month, with around 29,000 visitors. Lesvos received 89,957 Turkish visitors over the same period, including 32,582 in July, and Samos recorded 71,362 arrivals, with July also reaching around 29,000 visitors.
Lemnos and Patmos gain visibility
Lemnos has been added to the islands covered by the short-stay scheme, extending the network of eligible Greek destinations from the northern Aegean to Kastellorizo. Patmos also recorded stronger demand from Turkish visitors in 2026.
Turkish tourism becomes key market for Eastern Aegean
The Turkish market is becoming increasingly important for Greece’s Eastern Aegean islands. Chios, Lesvos and Samos alone have recorded more than a quarter of a million arrivals so far in 2026.
