Turkey’s Best Islands: Breathtaking Beaches, Nature, and Ancient History
Turkey is a paradise in every detail, no matter how much damage time or people may have caused! As a little cultural note, there are more than 500 islands and islets scattered across 11 provinces within Turkey’s borders. In this guide, we have carefully selected and listed the most beautiful, popular, and unique islands that stand out with their natural beauty, historical significance, and crystal-clear seas.
If you’re planning an unforgettable escape, let’s dive into Turkey’s most beautiful and most preferred islands you absolutely must explore!
Bozcaada
Bozcaada, where endless pine and cedar forests and the scents of the deep blue sea mix with each other, is a small paradise in the middle of the sea, independent from the mainland, away from the crowds and those who want to spend quality time. Bozcaada is also the third largest island in Turkey with its colorful flowered stone buildings, churches and architectural structures that smell of history, as well as local dishes that will remain in your taste buds. If you are already in Bozcaada, do not forget to visit historical places such as Ayazma Monastery, Bozcaada Castle, Polente Lighthouse, Virgin Mary Church, Koprulu Mehmet Pasha Mosque, Bozcaada Alaybey Mosque and Bozcaada Koprulu Bath.
Bogsak Island
It would be appropriate to say that Bogsak Island is one of the calmest and most pristine bays along the Mediterranean coastline in Mersin's Silifke district, but it is located directly opposite Bogsak Bay, which is no longer as calm as it used to be... The fact that the island, which dazzles with its historical ruins such as houses, churches and tombs from the Roman period, also has a blue flag beach makes it even more valuable.
Source: Nomatto
Knight Island
Located very close to the coast in the Fethiye district of Mugla, Knight Island attracts attention with its historical ruins and peaceful, quiet and quiet environment. The island got its name from the Knights of Rhodes living in the region in the 15th century. The island, where you can examine the castle ruins, old cisterns and mosaics built by the Knights of Rhodes, was last declared a 3rd degree natural protected area in 1994 and was taken under protection. You can go to the island by boat departing from Calis Beach in Foca Neighborhood.
Gokceada
Located in the middle of the beautiful, deep blue sea of the Aegean, Gokceada floats among its fascinating geography and lush green trees. Referred to as “Poseidon's Island” in Homer's Iliad, Imbros, now known as Gokceada, is one of the quiet cities in Turkey... Gokceada, where you can see the magnificent harmony of green and blue with your own eyes, is ideal for a vacation getaway in touch with nature.
Burgazada
Burgazada is one of the most enjoyable escape routes of the Prince Islands, which are in Istanbul but far away from the city density... The third largest island of the Prince Islands, which is distinguished from the other islands by its round shape, promises a very pleasant holiday with its lush pine forests, fresh air, clear sea and wooden mansions. Wouldn't it be nice to get away from the crowds of the city and enjoy the tranquility of the island, take the ferry to the islands on the weekend and enjoy a bagel and tea, or go to Sait Faik Abasıyanık's favorite island with the seagulls accompanying your journey? Sait Faik Museum, Promenade Street, Burgazada Mosque, Volunteer Street and Aya Yani Church, as well as all the beauties of Burgazada await you on foot or by bicycle.
Alibey Island (Cunda)
With its cobblestone streets, stone houses bearing the traces of Greek-Turkish culture, boutiques, restaurants that dazzle with their flavors and virgin bays, Cunda is very enjoyable in every season. Alibey Island, also known as Cunda Island, where settled life took root after the Ottoman sultan Fatih Sultan Mehmet took Lesbos and ensured the maritime security of the region, can make you feel like you are in a nostalgic movie with its houses, wonderful sea view, cafes and restaurants lined up against the sea view, and motorcycles going back and forth between Ayvalık all day long.
Kekova Island
With the cleanest sea in the entire Mediterranean, Kekova Island, which has the cleanest sea in the whole Mediterranean, makes its visitors experience a completely different world with its eye-catching beauty where history and nature are blended... On the island, which you can reach by boats departing from Ucagiz bay, silence, peace, history and blue together, which are the most desired things. Kekova Island fascinates diving enthusiasts with its ruins flooded by an earthquake in ancient times, and welcomes diving lovers every year.
Kalem Island
Kalem Island, which is called the Maldives of the Aegean Sea with its transparent and turquoise sea like glass, is located in Dikili district of Izmir, one of the most beautiful places gifted to us by Mother Nature. With its 40 km coastline, beautiful underwater caves and undeformed bays, Kalem Island has a unique ambiance where you will see and admire every shade of blue and green.
Avsa Island
Avsa Island is one of the most lively places in the summer months with its natural beaches, colorful nightlife, accommodation, restaurants and venues. There are 25 large and small beaches and bays around the island. On the island, Karadut Bay, Altınkum beach, Cınar bay, Kumtur bay, Beyazsaray bay, Tavsanli bay and Yigitler beach are among the most famous beaches of the island. Famous for its food culture, the wine that goes well with the fresh seafood of the island is also quite famous. You can easily reach the island by sea from Istanbul, Balikesir and Tekirdag.
Buyukada
Buyukada, the largest of the Prince Islands, attracts attention with its natural beauties, pine forests, colorful redbuds scattered all over the island, historical mansions and being away from traffic chaos. While visiting Istanbul's largest island, don't forget to visit the historic Hagia Yorgi Church, take a bicycle tour and see the house of Resat Nuri Guntekin.
Akdamar Island
Van, the “Paris of the East”, with its lake, castle, churches, mosques and inscriptions, is definitely a must-see for every person living in Turkey. Located in Lake Van, Akdamar Island, which is 1 and a half kilometers long and, in my opinion, a world heritage site in itself, is almost an open-air museum... Akdamar Church on the island is one of the best examples of Armenian architecture from the Middle Ages. Akdamar, which is frequented by photographers and nature lovers in all seasons with its colorful blooming flowers among the blue waters of the lake and the majestic view of Artos Mountain, is waiting for everyone.
Can Island
Up next, we have another beautiful island with a different history. There is a very beautiful island in Egirdir, where the beauties of nature and traces of history meet. Can Island was gifted to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in 1933, but after his death, the island was donated to Egirdir Municipality by his heirs. Turkey's 4th largest freshwater lake, the island in Egirdir is today a favorite of tent and caravan camping lovers.
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