Escape to a world of tranquility and natural beauty as we take you on an unforgettable exploration of two captivating islands nestled in the Aegean Sea. Bozcaada and Gökçeada, located off the coast of Çanakkale, offer turquoise waters, picturesque landscapes, and warm hospitality. Join me as I unveil these captivating destinations’ hidden treasures, local flavors, and cultural heritage.
BOZCAADA
Bozcaada Island is the perfect place for a bit of R&R. Located in the Aegean Sea, Bozcaada sits at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait, just a 20-minute ferry ride from Çanakkale. Also known as Tenedos, the former Greek island is full of cobblestoned streets, old rustic homes with colorful windowpanes, deserted sandy beaches, excellent vineyards, and traditional tavernas under the grapevines.
Stroll the Cobblestone Streets
The town is divided into Greek and Turkish sections, referring to the groups who originally built the districts. You’ll see a mosque and Ottoman architecture on one side and an old church with a tall clock tower and white-washed houses like you find in Greece on the other side.
Walk to the city center, composed of a beautiful square that branches out to the taverna-lined streets, and see the old Greek houses in this elegant town built on a grid plan along a slight slope.
Beaches
Relax and soak in the sun at Bozcaada’s beaches. Ayazma Plaji is the island’s most popular beach because of its soft white sand. Other great beaches to check out are Çayır Plaji and Tuzburnu Plaji. If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxed, check out Akvaryum, which is also known for its energetic underwater life.
Wine Tasting
Bozcaada is known for its Turkish wines, so you can sample the likes of Talay, Corvus, Ataol, Amadeus, and Çamlıbağ in the city center. If you’re looking for more in-depth information (you can find more about Camlibag, Corvus, Gülerada, and Talay), contact the vineyards for a tour of the facilities. With a grape culture that goes back to ancient times, the island’s native varieties include Kuntra, Karalahana, Vasilaki, and Cavus.
Restaurants
If you wander around the harbor, more restaurants and cafes have their own story. They all had their fresh seafood on display, extensive wine lists, and gorgeous views of the fishing boats. In addition to seafood, you can find Turkish home-cooking restaurants and burgers and fries.
Shopping
As you meander the cobblestone streets, you will find boutique shops selling art, wine, honey & jam to souvenir items. If you forget to pick up a souvenir near the harbor, you will find locals selling various items to take home.
Bozcaada Castle
In 1455, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror rebuilt the castle on ruins that the Genovese and Venetians had used. In the following years, the castle considered the best-preserved castle in Turkey, was restored several times due to wars. A fee to enter.
Church of Virgin Mary
Located in the middle of the Greek quarters of Bozcaada is the Church of the Virgin Mary. On the outside of the church is 1869, but it is believed the church dates back to the Venetians. It is the only open Greek Orthodox church on the island.
Bozcaada Ayazma Monastery
The monastery can be found in the southern region of Bozcaada. It consists of a small chapel, a fountain, and a lush garden with tons of trees.
Rent a Bike
If you don’t want to rent a car or ride the bus, you can rent a bike and explore the island. Make sure to pick up a road guide because signage is limited. Visit Akyuz Rent-A-Bike or Bozcaada Rent a Car (offer bike rentals).
How to Get There
Catch the ferry at the GeyikliYukyeri Ferryboat Pier. You can take your car or walk onto the ferry. Click here to get additional information of where you can catch the ferry and timeline.
Gokceada
Gökçeada is the largest island near the coastline of Çanakkale, in the turquoise waters of the Aegean Sea. This laid-back fishing village was once inhabited primarily by Greeks. Gökçeada has beautiful beaches, historic stone houses, churches, and delicious seafood.
HISTORY
Until the 1980s, Gökçeada was predominantly inhabited by Greeks, following its inclusion within Turkish borders through the Lausanne Peace Treaty signed in 1924. Due to politics, many Greeks emigrated off the island. Today, the island’s population is Turkish, but many Greek background and buildings remain.
Greek Villages
Make sure to explore historic Greek villages such as Bademli, Tepeköy, Dereköy, and Zeytinliköy, which all happen to have fantastic views of the island as well as historic churches that hark back to the island’s former life.
Tepekoy, an ancient Greek village located 9 km from Gökçeada’s town center, is filled with stone houses, breathtaking natural beauty, and the unwavering warmth of the locals. The island’s highest mountains are here, making it an excellent spot to get a panoramic view. Visit the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, built in 1832 and restored in 1928.
Dereköy is situated in the far west of the island, 14 km from the center of Gökçeada. Dereköy was once home to approximately 2,000 households, making it the largest village in Turkey during the 1970s-80s. However, today, Dereköy stands as a ghost village. Although there isn’t much life in the village, it is worth checking out the Hagia Marina Church and Koimesis Tis Theotokos Church.
Sunday Bazaar
If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, visit the village bazaar in the city center, where you can find excellent local produce such as almond cookies, honey, and cicirya (a Greek dish).
Windsurfing & Diving
Gökçeada is one of the best places in Turkey to go windsurfing or kitesurfing because of the favorable wind conditions. One of the best beaches for wind-induced water sports is Aydıncık, where you’ll see many visitors in the summer, including beginners who can take lessons.
To experience diving in the Aegean Sea, visit Divepark Gökçeada. If you are not a certified diver, you can get a 1-star diving certificate and dive into the area.
Boat Tours
Take a relaxing boat tour if you want to capture stunning views of other island parts.
How to Get There
When planning your day trip, check the ferry schedules and plan accordingly. Additionally, confirming the availability of services and attractions on the islands before your visit is always a good idea. Services to the island vary throughout the year.
To reach Gökçeada, you can take a ferry from Çanakkale or Kabatepe, located on the mainland. The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. You can purchase your ferry tickets online. Online tickets are only available in season.
I hope our journey has inspired you to embark on your island adventure. From breathtaking sunsets over the Aegean Sea to the vibrant colors of charming villages, each step reveals a new layer of beauty and tranquility.
Enjoy your travels! Please read my blogs about other exciting places around the world at Traveling Lens Photography.
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Happy Travels!
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