Bozcaada Island Travel Guide: Where to Stay & What to Eat

21.08.2025 - 16:22

Bozcaada, Turkey's third-largest island in the Aegean Sea, offers visitors an unforgettable experience with its natural beauty and historical sites. While wandering through the island's narrow streets, you can feel the atmosphere created by stone houses, boutique hotels and charming cafes, where history and modern life intertwine. Bozcaada has become one of the favourite destinations for both local and foreign tourists in Turkey, thanks to its tranquillity, clean sea, olive groves, and famous vineyards. So, what to do on Bozcaada Island? What are the best hotels on Bozcaada Island? Let's explore together!

Why Visit Bozcaada?

Bozcaada is an island located in the Aegean Sea, Turkey, and is part of the province of Çanakkale. As Turkey's third-largest island, Bozcaada stands out for its natural beauty and historical charm. The island's narrow stone streets, historic Greek houses, and windmills offer visitors a unique visual experience. Bozcaada is particularly famous for its vineyards and wine production; local wines are an important part of the island's tourism industry. With its clean sea, untouched coves, and peaceful atmosphere, it is an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil holiday as well as nature and history enthusiasts.

When to Visit Bozcaada?

Bozcaada has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The island becomes a lively tourist centre, especially in the summer months. However, spring and autumn are more suitable for those who want a peaceful holiday away from the crowds.

The most ideal times to visit are as follows:

May – June: The fresh spring air, vibrant shades of green, and flower-lined paths make the island peaceful and tranquil. During this period, the island is also quite relaxed in terms of tourist crowds.

July – August: The island is more crowded and lively throughout the summer season. The sea temperature is around 25–28°C, making it an ideal time for sunbathing and spending time on the beaches.

September – October: After the scorching heat of summer, the sea is still warm enough for swimming. At the same time, the island's atmosphere becomes more peaceful, making it ideal for a pleasant stroll and holiday.

November: The calmness of autumn and the tranquillity of the island make it a great choice for those seeking an experience in harmony with nature.

When choosing your visit date, it is recommended to book accommodation and ferry tickets in advance, especially during the summer months.

How to Get to Bozcaada?

Bozcaada can be reached by a combination of land and sea routes. The most common route is to cross over to the island from Çanakkale via the Geyikli Yükyeri Ferry Terminal.

Getting to Geyikli: Geyikli is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the city centre of Çanakkale. It is easily accessible by private vehicle or bus.
Ferry services: Ferry services become more frequent during the summer months. Round-trip tickets can be purchased online. Services decrease during the winter months, so it is important to plan your trip in advance.

The ferry journey takes approximately 30–45 minutes and is one of the most enjoyable ways to reach the island; this short journey across the deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea immediately puts you in the holiday spirit.

Where to Stay in Bozcaada?

Bozcaada is a holiday resort famous for its peaceful atmosphere, natural beauty and olive groves. There is a wide range of accommodation options on the island, from boutique hotels to vineyard houses. Here are some of the best hotels for those looking to stay in Bozcaada:

1. Pelagos Hotel Bozcaada

Located just a 10-minute walk from the centre of Bozcaada, Pelagos Hotel stands out with its location right on the sea. It offers comfortable accommodation with its modern design and outdoor swimming pool. In addition, the hotel's beach area is designed in the style of beach clubs in Çeşme and Bodrum.

2. Aspava Boutique Hotel

Located just 300 metres from the centre of Bozcaada, Aspava Boutique Hotel stands out with its stylish and modern rooms. It offers guests an unforgettable experience with its harbour-view rooms and high-quality service.

3. Arşipel Hotel

Located in the Tekirbahçe area, Arşipel Hotel offers a holiday surrounded by nature and the sea with its zero-distance location to the sea. Breakfasts are enriched with homemade jams and natural products in the hotel's garden gazebo.

4. Ersin Konak Boutique Hotel

Located in the Rum Mahallesi neighbourhood, Ersin Konak Boutique Hotel offers a historic atmosphere. Its modern rooms and friendly service provide guests with a comfortable stay.

5. Bertiz Hotel, Restaurant and Beach

Bertiz Hotel offers both accommodation and beach enjoyment with its location right on the sea. Its restaurant stands out with its menu enriched with fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Bozcaada offers a wide range of accommodation options and alternatives to suit every taste. When planning your holiday, consider these hotels to experience the unique experience the island has to offer.

What to Eat in Bozcaada?

Bozcaada cuisine is renowned for its fresh Aegean seafood, olive oil dishes and the island's famous wines. Eating on the island is not just a necessity, but also an experience.

The island's cuisine features:

Seafood: Fresh fish, squid, shrimp and octopus, classic seafood dishes of the Aegean cuisine, are frequently served in the island's restaurants.
Olive oil dishes: Dishes made with artichokes, broad beans and local herbs reflect Bozcaada's rich cuisine.
Wines: The island has its own vineyards and is famous for wine production. Tasting local wines is one of the must-do activities on the island.

Recommended restaurants:

Nevreste: Stands out for its cosy atmosphere and creative menu.
Vahit's Place: Preferred for its fresh seafood and sea view.
Asma6: Serves modern Aegean cuisine in a stylish ambience.
Sandal Restaurant: Offers both traditional and modern flavours.
Simyon Meyhane: Delights visitors with its meze and island-specific flavours.

Bozcaada's Most Beautiful Beaches

Bozcaada is famous for its unique beaches and crystal clear sea. Both quiet, peaceful beaches and social, beach club-style beaches are available to visitors.

Notable beaches:

Ayazma Beach: With its wide sandy beach and clear sea, it is ideal for families and those seeking to enjoy swimming.
Habbele Beach: Preferred for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Aquarium Bay (Marble Cape): Named for its crystal-clear waters and the sound of the waves, it is perfect for snorkelling.
Beylik Bay: A perfect spot for a quiet and peaceful seaside experience.
Çayır Bay: Ideally located for windsurfing and water sports.

Places You Must See in Bozcaada

Bozcaada has many places to explore with its historical structures, natural beauty and unique landscapes.

Important places to visit:

Bozcaada Castle: Located in the centre of the island, this historical structure attracts attention with both its sea view and historical texture.
Polente Lighthouse: A unique sunset spot for photographers.
Windmills: One of the symbols of the island, the windmills are ideal for both photography and nature walks.
Ayazma Monastery: An important historical and religious site to visit.
Göztepe: A high hill offering panoramic views of the island.

What to Do in Bozcaada?

Bozcaada offers more than just a beach and sun holiday; it also provides opportunities for cultural and activity-focused holidays.

Recommended activities:

Wine tasting: Visiting the island's vineyards and sampling local wines is an unforgettable experience.
Boat tours: Boat tours organised to explore the bays and beaches around the island are very popular.
Windsurfing: Çayır Bay, in particular, is an ideal location for windsurfing and water sports.
Bicycle tours: The island's small, bicycle-friendly roads are perfect for exploring the surroundings.