The Greek island of Meis is colourful, calm and populated by locals with distinctive characters. I went there simply because I could — not out of obligation.
When I first moved to Turkey, short trips to nearby Greek islands were a routine necessity for many expats to reset visas. At first the crossings were novel, but over time they became tedious and I found myself squandering time on repetitive trips.
Eventually I obtained a residency visa and later Turkish citizenship, so visa runs were no longer required. That change made visiting the islands feel like a choice again rather than a chore.
It’s curious how something becomes more appealing once it’s optional.
My previous annoyance with compulsory crossings faded, and I started to want to visit every Greek island reachable by ferry from Turkey.
Arriving on the Greek Island of Meis
From my base in Kas, Meis was visible from the hotel rooftop — only about two miles away. I decided to take a morning ferry and booked a return ticket. The Meis Express departs the harbour around 10:00 and the crossing is short and straightforward.
Stepping off the ferry, the island’s colours hit you immediately. Houses, boats and streets are painted in vivid greens, blues and reds that give the harbour a classic Mediterranean postcard feel.
Boat owners favour bright shades, and the splash of colour makes the small harbour particularly photogenic.
To learn about the island I spoke with locals, and their candid responses make Meis far from a polished tourist destination.
“Meis is good if you like drinking, eating, sleeping and doing nothing else,” a bank teller told me, clearly resentful after being transferred from Rhodes. “After just a couple of days, you can become very bored.”
A boat captain I met was equally blunt: “Yes, there is a castle but it is not worth seeing,” he said as he prepared for his afternoon siesta.
About 350 people live on Meis year-round, and the population rises to roughly 1,000 in summer. That scale explains the island’s quiet, laid-back pace.
If you expect lively nightlife or constant activity, Meis may not meet your expectations. Consider a day visit rather than an overnight stay unless you’re seeking peaceful relaxation.
Recommendations
I spent my time wandering side streets, relaxing at cafés with waffles and frappes, and soaking up the slow rhythm of island life. The standout attraction for me was the Blue Cave. The cave’s entrance is narrow, but once inside the light reflecting on the water creates an extraordinary glow. If you want to visit the cave, ask for Kostos when you disembark — he is a local who knows the area well.
Note: boat trips to the cave can be informal; expect a relaxed approach to safety and a friendly local guide.
By the end of the day I was glad to leave — not because Meis was unpleasant, but because its pace felt too slow for me. The island is charming and the locals are friendly, if occasionally eccentric. For someone seeking peaceful days and scenic calm, Meis is ideal; for those craving buzz and nightlife, it may feel too tranquil.
Would I recommend an overnight stay? No.
Would I recommend a day trip? Yes, especially if you visit the Blue Cave.
P.S. — Order a plate of fresh calamari from one of the harbour restaurants; it’s worth it.
Readers’ question: Visa runs — love them or hate them? Have you visited Meis or any other Greek islands?