Gökçeada

Things You Should Know Before Going to Gökçeada 🌿

Gökçeada is not just a holiday destination for many people; it’s almost like a home.
Every time you arrive on the island, the scent of thyme and lemon balm welcomes you as soon as you step off the ferry. At that moment, you feel like you are home.
What connects you to the island is not only its sea or its view. Gökçeada has a unique spirit of its own. Each season is beautiful in its own way...
Its sea is uniquely beautiful, its air is distinct, its villages are different... Most importantly, Gökçeada makes you feel the place you belong.
This summer, instead of the information you can find everywhere, we are sharing tips that we truly believe will be useful for you.

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What Makes Gökçeada Special?

Formerly known as Imbros, it is Turkey’s largest island. It is also the westernmost point of Turkey and the last place to see the sunset in the country.
The reason it is one of the most special routes in the Northern Aegean is not only its sea but also that it remains a rare place that has stayed peaceful and preserved its naturalness.
This is the main reason many people who come here once keep coming back again and again. Gökçeada is not just seen; it is felt.

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How to Get to Gökçeada?

You can reach Gökçeada by car ferries departing from Kabatepe Port. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.
Especially in summer months when it can get crowded, it is recommended to buy your ferry ticket online in advance. This way, you won’t have to wait in long vehicle queues.

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Is a Car Necessary on Gökçeada?

Definitely yes. The island is much larger than you might think. Since bays, villages, and points to explore are far from each other, you can enjoy the island much more comfortably by vehicle.
Sometimes on a road you didn’t plan to take, a view appears that makes you say, "I'm glad I came by car."

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How Many Days Should You Allocate?

Three days can be considered ideal to truly feel Gökçeada. One day you enjoy the sea, one day you explore the villages, and one evening you watch one of those famous sunsets.
However long you stay, the same sentence is always said on your way back: "I wish I had stayed a few more days."

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What Should You Bring?

Although the daytime is warm, the cool breeze of the Northern Aegean can be felt in the evenings. So even in summer, we recommend adding a light cardigan or shawl to your suitcase.
Also, make sure your camera or phone is fully charged because there will be many moments on the island when you want to stop and take photos.

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Did You Know?

Gökçeada, formerly Imbros, is one of the islands mentioned in Homer’s Iliad, written about 2,800 years ago. According to legend, it had an important strategic position during the Trojan War.
Perhaps the strong sense of history you feel while walking the island today comes from this ancient past.

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Why Gökçeada?

With its clear sea, beautiful bays, stone streets, and peaceful atmosphere, Gökçeada is a wonderful escape for those who want to get away from the crowds and truly rest.
You feel time flow a little slower. You want to put your phone aside, just listen to the sea, feel the wind, and enjoy the moment.
Maybe this is exactly what makes Gökçeada so special...
When you leave, you don’t just take beautiful photos with you. A bit of peace, longing, and the desire to come back also come along.
Because some places are just visited. Gökçeada is lived.

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❤️ And the last sentence…

Gökçeada is a place that says "Welcome Home" with the smell of thyme and lemon balm hitting your face as soon as you get off the ferry. We hope you feel the same when you come here.

Gökçeada’s Villages

Every Village Has Its Own Story ❤️
What makes Gökçeada beautiful is not only its bays. What truly makes the island special are its villages.
Each is different... Each has its own story, its own spirit. Some take you to the past, some entertain, some make you feel nostalgic.
Gökçeada’s villages are exactly like this...

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🌿 Zeytinli Village

Zeytinli is one of the quite loved villages. Although only a few minutes from the center, it has a completely different atmosphere.
With its narrow stone streets, Greek architecture, and the peace among olive trees, it captivates you at first step.
Did you know?
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomeos was born in Zeytinli. His family’s house is still in the village, and he visits his hometown many times a year. Therefore, Zeytinli holds a very special place for both the Greek community and the island’s people.
Our advice is not to just pass through the village.
While drinking delicious dibek coffee at Nostos, don’t forget to try their famous panna cotta dessert.
If you’re hungry, turn your route to Kapari. The wood-fired goat tandır pizza is one of the must-try flavors in Gökçeada.
One small tip… Have your camera ready because almost every street in Zeytinli is a unique photo frame.

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🌅 Tepeköy

When asked, "Which village holds the spirit of Gökçeada?" the answer is undoubtedly Tepeköy.
This village, built on the slope of an extinct volcano, enchants just with its view.

• In front of you, the island of Samothrace...
• Stone houses behind...
• Olive groves all around...
• In front, one of the most beautiful sunsets of Gökçeada...

But what makes Tepeköy special is not just its view. At night, the village takes on a completely different identity.
The sound of bouzouki rises from tavernas like Angeliki’s, Barba Yorgo, and Meraklis, spreading across the square.
The sirtaki dance begins... Plates break... You let yourself go to the rhythm of the music.
"Here, only plates break, hearts never do." ❤️
While in Tepeköy, be sure to stop by Pınarbaşı. Drinking an ice-cold mulberry juice facing Samothrace Island is one of the island’s most enjoyable breaks.
If you visit in August, you’re very lucky. Every year on August 15th, the Virgin Mary Festival is held. Large cauldrons are set up in the village square... Food is cooked... Music never stops...
Greeks and Turks gather in the same square, dance, and sing songs together.
This is the day that tells the village’s story best.
"Like two strangers on opposite shores; one drinks ouzo, the other rakı... Foggy heads, the same song on their lips, the same smile on their faces... Who would believe they are not friends..."

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🌳 Eski Bademli

Eski Bademli is one of the most peaceful corners of Gökçeada.
While walking its stone streets, you feel time slow down. The approximately 600-year-old plane tree in the village square has witnessed the island’s stories for centuries.
After exploring the streets, the most beloved resting spot is Stenada. Sitting with a view of the island and drinking a cold plum liqueur...
Happiness is really that simple.

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⚓ Kaleköy

The only Greek village intertwined with the sea.
Kaleköy offers a different beauty at every hour of the day. Breakfast in the morning, the sea at noon, the sunset in the evening, and the lights at night... Each offers a completely different atmosphere.
One of the first places that comes to mind when thinking of Kaleköy is of course Poseidon Restaurant. If you plan to go especially in summer, it is recommended to make your reservation months in advance. It can be hard to find a table, but it’s definitely worth it.
If you can’t get a table at Poseidon, don’t be disappointed. Yakamoz Restaurant is also a great alternative with its view and cuisine.
To start your day with a beautiful breakfast in Kaleköy, we have two recommendations: Salih’s Yeri for warm gözleme, and Mustafa’s Kayfesi for a rich and enjoyable breakfast.
While roaming the village, don’t forget to stop by the small soap workshops. You can take a beautiful souvenir from Gökçeada for yourself or your loved ones.

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❤️ Dereköy

Dereköy is perhaps the most melancholic yet most impressive village of Gökçeada. Once home to thousands, this village was silent for many years.
Empty houses... Quiet streets... And every stone tells a different story...
But in recent years, Dereköy has started to breathe again. Abandoned houses are being restored one by one and coming back to life with new owners.
It’s as if the village is learning to smile again after many years.
Dereköy may be a bit far from the center, but every step you take will be worth it. Because many of the island’s most beautiful bays are very close to this area.
Here’s a little flavor tip... If you find yourself in Dereköy, be sure to try the souvlaki at Falia Taverna. It’s one of the island’s unique and magnificent flavors.

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❤️ One Last Note

When you explore the villages of Gökçeada, you will notice one thing... None of them is alike.
Each village has its own unique spirit, story, and evokes completely different feelings.
You can get lost in the stone streets of Zeytinli, accompany the bouzouki sounds in Tepeköy, feel time slow down in Eski Bademli, and take a small journey back in time in the silence of Dereköy.
When you leave Gökçeada, you will not only take photos but also a small memory from each village.

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Gökçeada Center

The Heartbeat of the Island ❤️
As much as we love the villages, the heart of Gökçeada beats in the center. This is not just a place to shop and pass by. While wandering through its narrow streets, on one side you see traces of the Greek heritage, and on the other, the daily life of the island.
One of the first places we recommend you to see in the center is the Virgin Mary Church and the Metropolitan Building right next to it. To truly feel Gökçeada’s multicultural past, we highly recommend visiting.
If you happen to be here on a Sunday, you are very lucky. Because on Sundays, the island’s market is set up. Filled with herbs collected by island women, fragrant thymes, homemade jams, cheeses, olives, and various natural products, just walking through this market is a wonderful experience.
We never leave empty-handed from here.

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🍽️ Must-Try Flavors in the Center

The center of Gökçeada is also quite generous when it comes to flavors.
Our first stop is always Agno, the island’s only organic ice cream shop. Their basil, mint, and orange ice creams are favorites. If you get the chance, definitely try the ashure-flavored ice cream. It might sound unusual at first, but once you taste it, you will understand why it is so loved.
For an "irresistible flavor," people say İspiloti! It’s not just a bakery; we never leave Gökçeada without stopping by.
Whether you choose Galaktoboureko or Thessaloniki Triangle, you won’t regret it.
You might think we exaggerate, but we could say that just for these desserts alone, it’s worth coming to Gökçeada.

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🍴 What to Eat?

You can’t leave Gökçeada without trying goat meat. Our first recommendations are Arnaki and Çınaraltı. Both are among the island’s most beloved addresses for goat dishes and home cooking.
If you had to pick only one restaurant in the center, we’d say Avli without hesitation. Katina Hanım’s kitchen is truly unique.
Island calamari, mustard lemon shrimp, crispy fried zucchini, Greek salad... There are dozens of flavors we could list.
Our advice: don’t just go to Avli to eat. Sit at your table long, chat, and savor every bite. This is not just a place to fill your stomach but one where you can feel the spirit of Gökçeada.

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☕ Coffee Break

If you want to rest a bit in the center, our favorite is Galia.
You can sit under the shade of the trees and order an ice-cold frappe. Sometimes the best moments are those spent without rushing anywhere.

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🍔 A Few More Small Tips

If you’re looking for a quality hamburger or a different dessert, be sure to stop by Dan Bakery. Their caramelized rice pudding is especially a favorite.
If you like mantı (Turkish dumplings), there’s only one address: Ecem Mantı. Their handmade mantı is really successful. If you find yourself in the center, definitely add it to your list.

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❤️ Before Leaving the Center...

The center of Gökçeada always gives the same feeling. No one is in a hurry here. Time slows as you sip your coffee, you chat with the shopkeepers, and strangers smile at you.
The center is not just a place with shops and restaurants. It’s where you blend into the daily life of the island and feel like a local, not just a visitor.
If you want to truly know Gökçeada, we recommend exploring not only its bays and villages but also its center by living it.

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🌊 Gökçeada’s Bays

Places Where You Can See Every Shade of Blue ❤️
One of the frequently asked questions in Gökçeada is: "Which is the most beautiful bay?"
There is no single answer to this. Each bay’s water has a different shade of blue, a different breeze, and a different peaceful view.
Our advice is not to stick to just one bay. Spend each day in a different bay. We assure you, you will have a special memory from each when you leave.

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🌿 Kapıkaya Beach

If you were to recommend just one bay in Gökçeada, it would be Kapıkaya Beach. It is not one of the island’s most well-known bays. Perhaps that’s why it is so beautiful.
Its sea is like an aquarium. The water is so clear that you want to dive in even before entering.
Its tranquility is its most loved feature. Away from crowds, quiet, peaceful... Truly a place to relax.
There is only one facility here, and this helps preserve the bay’s naturalness. It is one of Gökçeada’s hidden treasures.

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🌅 Gizli Liman (Hidden Harbor)

As its name suggests... It is truly one of the places meant to stay hidden. Gizli Liman is one of the favorite bays. Its sea is crystal clear, and its nature captivates you.
Here, you can either choose the public beach with your own umbrella or enjoy your time at the facility.
This is not just a place to swim. We recommend staying until sunset. Watching the sun set into the sea at Turkey’s westernmost point is one of the most beautiful moments you can experience in Gökçeada.

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🌠 Yıldız Bay

It’s really hard to describe Yıldız Bay. Because it is not only a beautiful bay but also Turkey’s first and only underwater national park. Since it is protected, the underwater life is as enchanting as above.
When you put on your snorkel and enter the water, seeing colorful fish sharing the same sea gives a completely different feeling.
We recommend allocating time not only for swimming but also for exploring underwater.

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🏖️ Aydıncık (Kefalos)

Our first recommendation for families with children is Aydıncık Beach. Thanks to its fine sand and shallow sea, it is especially comfortable for small children.
On windy days, the sky is decorated with colorful kites. Even watching the kite surfers is a pleasure on its own.
Nearby Tuz Lake is one of Gökçeada’s most interesting natural beauties. In summer, many people apply the natural mud from the lake to their skin.

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💙 Laz Bay

With its turquoise water and clarity, it is one of the island’s most impressive bays. The view you see as you descend the stairs already makes you forget all your fatigue.
It’s a great spot for snorkeling enthusiasts.

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🌲 Marmaros

You need to walk a bit to reach Marmaros. However, every step you take will be worth it.
Along the way, you proceed through pine trees and maquis. At the end, a deep blue, calm bay welcomes you.
The nearby historic Greek laundry and small waterfall make this place even more special.

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❤️ A Small Tip

In Gökçeada, the sea is not only about swimming. Sometimes you open your book in a bay and sit for hours without doing anything. Sometimes you listen to the sound of the water. Sometimes you come out of the sea and wait for the sun to dry your skin.
Gökçeada’s bays are loved not only because of their beauty but because of the feelings they evoke. When you come here, don’t just swim... Take some time for yourself. The best thing about Gökçeada is that it reminds you to slow down. ❤️

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Three Common Misconceptions and Frequent Comments:

1. "Gökçeada’s sea is very cold." ❌ This is often confused with Bozcaada. The sea temperature in Gökçeada varies from bay to bay. The sea can be quite enjoyable. The perception of cold water on the northern coasts of Bozcaada is often mistakenly attributed to Gökçeada as well.
2. "The sea in Gökçeada is always choppy." ❌ The island is not just one beach. Depending on the wind direction, if you choose a calm bay, the sea can be like an aquarium.
3. "The only thing to do in Gökçeada is swimming." ❌ Gökçeada is more than just beaches. With its Greek villages, organic flavors, sunset spots, nature walks, historical texture, and unique bays, it’s an island that is hard to explore even in a few days.

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Tips from a Local | Gökçeada Guide

• ☀️ Favorite breakfast: Salih’s Yeri
• ☕ Best coffee: Galia (especially their frappe)
• 🍦 Best ice cream: Agno
• 🌅 For sunset: Poseidon
• 🐟 If I’m going to eat fish: Avli
• 💰 Best value for money: Arnaki
• 🌿 Quiet morning coffee: Nostos
• 🍹 For a drink after sunset: Pin Bar
• 🛒 Organic shopping: Elta Ada

🏖️ Favorite bays:

• Kapıkaya
• Mavi Koy
• Yeşil Koy
• Gizli Liman