Bozcaada: Your Next Travel Destination for Relaxation and Adventure

Bozcaada, known as the 3rd largest island in Turkey, fascinates everyone who sees it with its unique architecture, lively streets and charming places. So much so that it is described as 'a place that prolongs one's life' by those who visit it. Bozcaada is a corner of paradise for everyone with its historical texture and unique nature. Bozcaada, where blue and green meet, where Russian architecture can be seen closely, where you can witness unique sunsets and sunrises, is also at the forefront with its boutique and local businesses. Thus, it is protected from being wasted for the sake of tourism. The fact that there are many places to visit here also necessitates a stay on the island. For a vacation to the fullest, you need to spend plenty of time in Bozcaada.

In this content, you can reach the list of places to visit in Bozcaada and plan your vacation.

Bozcada Castle

The historical castle of Bozcaada is located on the coast of the island's settlement center. This island has always been open to invasions in history. For this reason, it is unfortunately unknown by whom it was built. However, Phoenicians, Venetians and Genoese used this castle. It continued to exist during the reign of Mehmed II in Ottoman history. With the construction of the new structure on the existing ruins, it took its present appearance.

Bozcaada Castle, which underwent major repairs during the periods of Köprülü Mehmed Pasha and Mahmud II, also became an open-air museum with the support of the public in 1996. Bozcaada Castle, which has 2 parts, inner and outer, is among the places you should definitely see when you come to the island.

The Church Of Mother Mary

The Church Of Mother Mary is one of the first places on the list of places to visit in Bozcaada. With its historical texture, this church fascinates everyone who comes to the island. This church, which belongs to the Greek Orthodox community, is open for prayers. It is located right in the middle of the Greek Neighborhood. To see this church, you can choose the service time at 8 o'clock on Sunday mornings.

Alaybey Mosque

Alaybey Mosque is made of red cut stone. There is also a cemetery in front of this building, which is estimated to have been built in the 1700s. It is known that Halil Hamit Pasha, one of the Ottoman grand viziers, was also found in this cemetery.

Akvaryum Bay

Akvaryum Bay is one of the must-see places in Bozcaada with its deep blue sea. This bay, where you can swim in peace, can be crowded in some periods and calm in others. At the same time, this place is also very nice for taking photos.

Streets of Bozcaada

You should definitely visit and see the streets of the island with its cozy, shabby, calm and peacefulness. The streets of Bozcaada, decorated with small and shabby places, colorful walls, plants and trees, greet you from the moment you step off the ferry and step on land.

The streets of Bozcaada, which looks like a quaint Aegean town, have a different style as a result of the division of the island into Greek and Turkish neighborhoods. Although there is no such distinction today, you can tell which neighborhood you are in because of the architectural styles. It is possible to visit the streets of the island in about 1 hour. Let us remind you that 1 hour may not be enough for you, especially if you like taking photos.

Windmills

Bozcaada is also known for its windmills that can be seen from far away. Bozcaada Windmill, located at one end of the island, allows you to look at the island from a different angle. Here, as in every corner of the island, you can take extremely aesthetic photos.

Ayazma Monastery

Ayazma means holy water in Greek. This monastery, which belongs to the Greek Orthodox community, offers a picnic area on the island with its shaded area formed by plane trees and its constantly flowing fountain. Enjoying the view overlooking the sea, especially at sunset, is something else here.

Göztepe

Do you really want to feel like you are on an island? Then definitely visit Göztepe. This area allows you to see all four points of the island and realize that you are surrounded by the sea on 4 sides. You can watch all the elevations and plains of the island from Göztepe.

Wine Factories

The tradition of winemaking dates back to ancient times in Bozcaada. The factories of the three oldest wine producers are still located in the center of the island. During the summer season, tours of the factories are available for travelers. You can take advantage of these tours and visit the wineries. You can also taste in the many bars in the center of the island.

Bozcaada Local History Research Center Museum

Bozcaada Museum is one of the most suitable places for those who love historical excursions. Here you can get very detailed information about the history of the island. By coming here on your first day on the island, you can make your days on the island more meaningful.

Polente Lighthouse and Wind Roses

Due to its location, Bozcaada is a place that receives constant wind. This makes it a favorable area for wind roses. The location of the wind roses and the lighthouse is a very suitable place to watch the sunset. If you wish, you can bring a picnic basket and have a picnic here.

Bozcaada Marina

For those who say 'Is it all historical and cultural places?', we recommend visiting the harbor and the beach of the island. After getting off the ferry, you can take walks on Bozcaada Harbor and Beach and sit in the cafes and restaurants here. During your days on the island, you can spend the morning and evening on the beach while visiting the museums and hills.

Ayazma Beach

Ayazma Beach, which is very close to Ayazma Monastery, is one of the most ideal places to swim on the island. You can also camp in Ayazma, which is the most preferred beach of the island with its sea and sand.

Bozcaada Boat Tour

At the port where you get off the ferry in Bozcaada, you can choose tours to visit the whole island and bays. By starting the tours at this port, you can visit all four sides of the island and its bays from the sea; you can enjoy swimming in the most beautiful bays. There are also satisfying menus on the boat tour, so you can enjoy eating and drinking throughout the trip. Don't forget to make reservations for the tours in advance.

Turburnu Bay

Tuzburnu Bay is one of the bays in Bozcaada where you can swim, enjoy every hour of the day and camp if you wish. It is very pleasant to swim in Tuzburnu Bay, one of the most visited bays of the island.

Sulubahçe Bay and Beach

One of the places where you can swim and visit on the island is Sulubahçe. Here you can both benefit from the facilities of the beach and camp as you wish. By making your preparations in advance, you can spend your days on the island at Sulubahçe Bay and Beach.

Habbele Bay and Beach

Habbele is one of the most visited beaches on the island with its deep blue sea and lush green elevations behind it. You can choose this bay and beach to swim in the island with its fine sand and clean sea.

Greek Quarter

There is no sharp distinction between Greek and Turkish neighborhoods in Bozcaada today. However, due to the old times, there are buildings with different architecture. Accordingly, it is possible to understand which neighborhood you are in. The Greek architecture, which is common throughout the island, stands out clearly in the place known as the Greek Quarter. In this neighborhood, where The Church Of Mother Mary is also located, you can visit both the church and the streets. With its historical buildings and sympathetic places, the Greek Quarter is worth seeing.

Turkish Quarter

As you approach Bozcaada by ferry, you can see that one side of the island is different from the other. On the right side there is a church tower above the houses, while on the left side a minaret rises. The side where the minaret rises is the Turkish Quarter. The Turkish Quarter is a location where eating and drinking places are quite common. Its narrower streets, mosques, fountains and Turkish baths clearly show the Turkish culture to its visitors. The Turkish Quarter, which is quieter and has more accommodation compared to the Greek Quarter, is also known for its tiny shops in the side streets. When you come to Alaybey Mosque, you can visit the Turkish Quarter and its streets.

Salhane

Salhane is actually a bar in Bozcaada. This highly qualified place is so popular that it has actually become a must-see place on the island. Here you can eat your food from a quality menu and taste your drinks. You can also swim in the sea; you can sit right in the middle of the pier, almost in the sea.