Every trip is a new story, some are like going home. Some are sincere like home, peaceful like home, happy like home. One of them for me is Çanakkale’s Bozcaada; namely Tenedos in Greek mythology.. Since most of it is covered with vineyards, we are familiar with the vineyards; the third largest island of our country, famous for its shores that you don’t ‘get used to as you swim’ but you love even if you get cold, different and delicious places, streets that take you back to ancient times, unique sunsets and most of all the peace it brings to the hearts.
Bozcaada is probably the first route that comes to mind, together with Alaçatı, for short holidays, long weekend breaks, welcoming spring and opening the summer season.. In particular, the fact that Bozcaada still preserves this silhouette in general, like other towns and islands where Greeks and Turks used to live together, adds a special value to this place.. Of course, we cannot ignore the tourism impact of the films shot here in recent years, such as Oh, Alas> and A Little September Matter, but despite all this; It is possible to say that the island still maintains its warmth and does not allow corruption to. Taking aside the increasing crowd during the summer season or public holidays; Bozcaada is definitely at the top of the list of Reset’ Routes in 2 Days.
Where is Bozcaada
Leukophrys in Antiquity, Greek mythology Tenedos, in our opinion Bozcaada; It is one of the districts of Çanakkale and is located in the northeast of the Aegean Sea. You can come to Bozcaada, which is the only town of our country without a village, by ferryboats departing from Geyikli.
How to Get to Bozcaada
Bozcaada, Istanbul’ 400 km from, so it’s actually not that close. Going to Gallipoli via Tekirdağ, from here to Lapseki in 20 minutes by ferry, and from Lapseki to Geyikli and You need to take the second ferry from Geyikli, which you arrive by following the Bozcaada signs.. Geyikli-Bozcaada ferry takes approximately 30 minutes.. The ferry is 40 TL one way.
You can also look at Eceabat and Kilitbahir as an alternative to this route; however, we preferred the Gallipoli-Lapseki route.
The ones going to Bozcaada from Izmir are 300 km waiting for a path. Follow the Ezine and Geyikli signs over Ayvalık, Gömeç, Burhaniye, Güre and Ayvacık. Like us, you can reach the island by using the Geyikli ferry.
When and How Many Days to Go to Bozcaada
Bozcaada is not a small island and especially It is a place that hosts many alternatives for those who like to visit places.. Therefore, definitely do not consider going for the day.. Of course, you can visit in 1 day, but I don’t think you can grow all the beauties and digest what you see.. Our recommendation; you need to set aside at least 2 days here. If you expect it to be good for you as well as visiting some places, here is exactly such a route in Bozcaada.. Don’t limit yourself, don’t limit yourself to Bozcaada..
Those who do not like walking in crowds will probably go to Bozcaada off-season as we did.. We went during the week of May 19 and had the opportunity to travel comfortably among people without drowning.. spring is definitely our favourite, when flowers adorn the pattering landscapes and streets and the trees look green.
Summer months, of course, is the island’s most populated season. Both sea vacationers, those who like to travel in sunny weather, families who take advantage of schools to be a holiday, and white-collar workers who take annual leave. As you can see, Bozcaada is very popular in summer. September vintage month in Bozcaada. Because of this, the island was overcrowded in the first week of September. However, after the vintage has passed, autumn is a much preferred and loved season just like spring.. It is announced to those who want to travel calmly, without crowds of tourists.. I don’t know if you would consider going to Bozcaada in winter months; If you have such a request, prepare yourself in advance that many places will be closed and you will not be able to see the island as colorful as in spring.
Places To Visit In Bozcaada
#Bozcaada Castle:
Bozcaada, which has undertaken an important strategic task in history due to its location; It has always been in the close mark of both the Genoese, the Venetians and the Ottoman Empire.. Like every other shoreline of similar importance in the past, we also have a defensive fortress in Bozcaada.. In fact, the place where the castle is located is actually considered the entrance of the Dardanelles Strait.. Bozcaada Castle is the first to greet you on the island as the ferry you boarded from Geyikli approaches the island.. During the island tour, you can visit the interior by paying 5 TL, examine the ruins inside and enjoy the view.
#Bozcaada Streets: Turkish and Greek Neighborhoods:
Welcome to the laudatory headline, “Is every street of an island beautiful?” By Allah, Turkish and Greek Neighborhoods of Bozcaada, one of the rare places where we love every street of the places we see, is at the top of the list of places to visit here.. Perfect for those who are after colorful windows and doors, and those who love to take street photos!
The cobblestone, nostalgic married streets of the Greek Quarter and the wood textured houses of the Turkish quarter, the ‘old town’ in Europe Like the island version of the architecture. Spend a lot of time on these streets, make sure to take into account the photo breaks you will take in these streets while walking from one place to another on the island.. You won’t even realize how time will pass.
#Bozcaada Virgin Mary’s Church:
The Church of the Virgin Mary located in the Greek Quarter, Bozcaada’ The only church open for worship to the Greek-Orthodox people living in. While walking around the Greek quarter, you will immediately recognize the church from the bell and clock tower that stretches over it.
#Bozcaada Polente Lighthouse and Wind Roses:
Tuzburnu Bay’ Polente Lighthouse and Wind Roses, which are right next to , are one of the most popular spots in Bozcaada.. One of Bozcaada’s romantic classics is to come here and soak up the sun in Polente with a bottle of wine from Yunatçiler while you are wandering around the bazaar.. Unfortunately we weren’t that lucky.. Since our Bozcaada trip coincided with a rainy week, we gave up on going to Polente when we couldn’t see a single gram of that famous sunset.. Especially those who go during the summer period should definitely add this place to their travel list.. It actually gave us an excuse to go again, a great reason to reschedule!
#Bozcaada Wineries and Wine Production on the Island:
When Bozcaada is mentioned, the first thing that comes to mind is definitely the vineyards of the island.. As I mentioned in the introduction to the article, most of the island is covered with vineyards, which is an indication that wine production dates back to ancient times.. I must add that Bozcaada is one of the most important wine production locations of our country, along with Urla, the district of Izmir.
Visiting the wineries or tastings at the bars run by the wine production brands in Bozcaada It is a must for Bozcaada trips.. Yunatcılar, Corvus, Amadeus, Talay, Ataol and Gülerada; brands producing wine on the island. You, too, can participate in tours of these brands by making a reservation in advance, or stop by their own boutiques and bars and do your shopping accompanied by tastings.
We instead of taking a tour of the wine factory Corvus We chose to go to the Wine & Bite bar of and have a tasting, and this break we took in the afternoon was very good for us.. In the cool courtyard of Wine & Bite, we tasted the wines of Corvus and tried delicious appetizers from its kitchen.. Afterwards, we went to Yunatçılar in the bazaar and bought a lot of wine.. Having come this far, let me also state that Vasilaki and Karalahna varieties are our favorites in Bozcaada, in Çamlıbağ wines..
#Bozcaada Ayazma Monastery:
There are many monasteries of Bozcaada that we know. it has a mini-monastery that does not resemble it, but dates back to 300 years; Ayazma Monastery decorated with pine trees. This small monastery, built in the 1700s, was named ‘Ayazma’, which means ‘holy water’, due to the historical double-groove fountain inside.. The monastery is closed to worship; however, it was opened at the Ayazma Fair, celebrated on July 26.. By the way, the cafe opened in its garden by a Greek family is a good reason to come here.. It would be a peaceful choice to come to this cafe in the evening with a sea view and in the shade of pine trees and enjoy the coolness with the sunset.. You can reach the Ayazma Monastery by following the island’s famous Ayazma Beach.
Places to Swim in Bozcaada: The Most Beautiful Bozcaada Beaches
The most important reasons behind Bozcaada’s brilliant sea and pristine beaches attract so much touristic interest.. Of course, although some insidious projects are developed from time to time on this issue, which also attracts the attention of some communities that seek profit, the islanders manage to oppose all these negativities and Bozcaada still maintains its virginity in this way.. While all the bays and coasts are as before, let’s leave the list of bays and beaches where you can swim in Bozcaada.
Important note; We didn’t want to write about a beach we haven’t been to and haven’t seen.. Therefore, this is not a complete list of all beaches..
#Bozcaada Ayazma Beach:
After arriving on the island and leaving our belongings at our hotel, the first place we visited was Ayazma Beach, which would not be a surprise.. Ayazma Beach; It is famous for its cold water and fine yellow sands that you never get used to when you enter, so of course, we don’t know much about cooling while swimming.. While you’re here, we strongly recommend that you stop by the Korean Restaurant at the top of the beach.. There hasn’t been an afternoon that wouldn’t be perfected with cold beer to accompany the delicious Korean appetizers.
You can come to Ayazma Beach by minibus departing from the center of the island, since we went with our vehicle, we made our island tour with it.. Since Ayazma has already topped the list of Bozcaada’s most famous beaches, it is important to arrive early, especially in summer.. Here you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers or bring your own and hang out for free.. They don’t take money from umbrellas when you go around 5 pm, so at least that’s how it came to us..
#Bozcaada Sulubahçe Beach:
The Sulubahçe Beach, right next to Ayazma Beach, has no facilities and facilities, so Ayazma than calm. Although there are no facilities in Sulubahçe, which is generally preferred by those living on the island, you can rent umbrellas and sun loungers.. You can reach Sulubahçe by minibus going from Ayazma to Habbele Beach.. Its position is in the middle of the two.
#Bozcaada Aquarium Bay:
Aquarium Bay has become one of our favorite places in Bozcaada. First of all, the sight is very beautiful and we think it is a great photo spot. In addition to swimming, our main event is diving with glasses and snorkeling in the bay, which has the characteristics of an aquarium like its name.. Of course, as the weather was not very suitable for swimming at the time we went, we passed on this issue just like Polente.. Here is another great reason to go to Bozcaada again!
You can come to the bay with your own vehicle or you can reach the bay by public transport by looking at the minibus times departing from the center. As there is no facility in Aquarium, one of Bozcaada’s untouched bays, come with your swimsuit and bikini inside!
#Bozcaada Beylik Bay:
Bozcaada’s Beylik Bay has never been a place to swim, but to take pictures was actually a spot. Beylik Bay; In the last days of 2014, the ship Mercy God, which sat on its shore as a result of a storm, became very famous among tourists, which you will surely remember from the photos you see.. Although it created an interesting square for us, the islanders were not very happy with this situation.. When Mercy God first ran aground, it was discussed for a long time that the onions she was carrying and the smell of onions that surrounded them were talked about for a long time.. Dismantling of the ship started in April this year, it looks like a small part of it is left in the last photos I saw.. Let’s see what kind of scenery will welcome us this year in Beylik Bay, which is completely covered with sand.
#Bozcaada Habbele Beach:
With Ayazma, another popular beach on the island is Habbele. The beach is both stony and sandy, less crowded than Ayazma.. There is a restaurant where you can dine on Habbele Beach, where you can also go by minibus.
Bozcaada’ Where to Stay in
You can find many hotel and hostel alternatives in the center of Bozcaada; however, it is useful to determine the place where you will stay in advance, especially during public holidays.. Since we made last minute plans, there was not much room to choose from and we chose Harmani Holiday Farm.. good thing it did. I can say that this is one of the sweetest hotels we have stayed in.. Once an incredibly peaceful and friendly place. The rooms are very clean and the huge garden is a pleasure.. Especially Roxy and Alf, from the magnificent trio that are always hanging around, will never be forgotten..
When it comes to Bozcaada There is also the matter of eating and drinking of course. Therefore, we invite you to read this article:
Where to Eat in Bozcaada: Suggestions for Food and Drink in Bozcaada
You can reach our mini notes about Bozcaada from my Instagram profile ‘ and #journavelbozcaada hashtag. Stay tuned for all our trips, let’s travel together!