Tenedos or Bozcaada: the "Mykonos of Turkey", the little Aegean island that became a favorite tourist destination and the paradise of the Turkish elite…

Turkey » Tenedos

Tenedos (Greek: Τένεδος) or Bozcaada in Turkish, is a small island in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. Administratively, the island constitutes the Bozcaada district of Çanakkale province. With an area of 39 km2 (15 sq mi) it is the third largest Turkish island, after Imbros (Gökçeada) and Marmara, famous for its windmills and vineyards, lovely houses, impressive historic monuments from different periods and attractive beaches with crystal clear waters. In 2011, the district had a population of 2,472 and only a few of them (about 20-25) are Greeks. The main industries are tourism, wine production and fishing. The rocky cliffs along its coast make Bozcaada high and rocky island, but still there are many small coves with sand covered beaches such as the wonderful beach Agiasma (Αyazma, in Turkish) with fine sand and unique green waters. The island is a perfect resort for those looking for quiet coves, old Greek houses, and calm and peaceful holiday in setting full up with historical ruins. Surrounded by grape vines, plenty of colorful flowers, enchanting bougainvilleas, restored, whitewashed houses and Mediterranean-influenced food…these are just some of the reasons you should visit this island. The dreamy island of Bozcaada, regardless of its small size, has always played an important role in history due to its strategic location at the entrance of the Dardanelles. Bozcaada is called Tenedos from ancient times and mentioned in Iliad of Homer. Today, it is a favorite tourist destination for Turkish elite and is often called "Mykonos of Turkey"!

Among the historical places from the Ottoman period are Yali Mosque, Alaybey Mosque, Namazgah which is used as a park today and its historical fountain. Must See Places: Vineyards of Bozcaada, wineries, wind energy facility, Alaybey Mosque, Kimisi Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, Göztepe, Habbele, Çamlık picnic area, Namazgah Fountain, lovely houses of the islands, Bozcaada Native History Research Institute, Tuz Cape, Koprulu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Αyazma Marina, Mermer Cape and Polente Lighthouse are essential places that must be seen certainly.

Ferryboat transportation to Bozcaada Island is available throughout the day. The only mainland location with a ferry connection which can accommodate cars to Bozcaada is Geyikli Yukyeri Port and the trip lasts about 35 minutes. Also passenger only fast ferry service is available direct from Çanakkale to Bozcaada. 

There are many reasons this small island can capture your heart:

  • The irresistibly delicious octopus (“ahtapot”) that you can eat grilled with lots of olive oil and spices!  
  • The wine tasting! You can drink wine of super quality by the harbor!
  • The beautiful beaches where you can take a dip in the crystalline waters such as Αyazma Plajı, Çayır Plajı and Tuzburnu Plajı!
  • The easy way to communicate and make friends with the locals at the bars near the harbor!
  • The cobblestone streets of the island’s town center you can stroll…where 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.
  • The climbing on the Bozcaada Castle which is considered the best preserved castle in Turkey rebuilt in 1455 by the Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror and restored several times, due to wars, in the following years.
  • The shopping at the local artisan’s market! Near the harbor, you will find locals selling spices, jewelry, thyme-scented honey and unique jams made from rose petals and tomatoes.
  • The watching of the sunset (from the Polente Feneri/Lighthouse on the western side of the island), one of the best sunsets you’ve ever seen in Turkey!

If you get a chance, it is highly recommended to visit Bozcaada!