The Turkish coast has a varied and dramatic coastline, and its waters are beautifully blessed with islands. From large islands home to thriving towns and tourist resorts to little water-lapped gems steeped in legend and ideal for swim stops, here’s the 360° Yachting run down on some of the most fascinating historic islands in Türkiye.

HISTORIC ISLANDS IN TURKEY

Bozcaada

Often referred to by its old Greek name Tenedos, the Aegean island of Bozcaada is a relaxed island favoured as a getaway by the Turkish elite. The island is the countries third largest and officially became part of Türkiye in 1923, but its Ottoman Greek heritage still lives on. Today, we still see many remnants of its past, and a lot of its old Greek buildings are now fine restaurants, high-end homes, and charming boutique hotels in places like Bozcaada town.

Bozcaada is a great island in Türkiye to discover by yacht. Sandy beaches rim its southern shores, its interior is filled with vineyards if anyone fancies an afternoon wine tasting, and its windy northern shores are great for windsurfing and water sports making it an island that appeals to the majority. If you want to know more about Bozcaada, take a look at our article: Island Escapes: Bozcaada.

Cunda (Alibey) Island

Widely considered one of the most charming islands in Türkiye, Cunda Island, also known as Alibey Island, is the place to head for some laidback Aegean-style relaxation. Found just off the coast of Ayvalik and linked by a causeway, it is another former Greek island that became Turkish in the 1920s after a population exchange.

If you are entertaining history-buffs or those that like cafe culture, Cunda is a great destination. Its Old Town is perfect for strolling around and packed with unique little bistros, cafes, and coffee shops, plus there’s the Church of the Archangels to visit, which is now a museum. Cunda is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to the mainland, yet it’s still an island worth visiting. The majority of the beaches are found to the west of the island, and there’s many little coves ideal for lunch onboard and swim stops, ASK US for an itinerary.

Gokceada

Another wonderful Aegean island just west of Gallipoli is Gokceada or Imbros in Greek. Here life slows down to a leisurely pace, and the majority of those that visit go to enjoy the quiet beaches, excellent watersports, and downtime surrounded by nature.

Gokceada is Türkiye’s largest island and another with a Greek past that can be seen in the old stone buildings and cobblestone lanes. Enjoy a few hours mountain biking through the traditional villages in the island’s center, spot pink flamingos in spring at its saltwater lake, or get the adrenalin pumping with some windsurfing and kiteboarding, as the conditions are perfect. This is an island yet to be discovered by most, and it has thus far escaped mainstream tourism, so the restaurants tend to serve friendly local dishes and be family-run rather than fine dining affairs. Gokceada is best suited to low-key guests looking for great views and escape.

Pigeon Island (Guvercin)

It’s hard not to notice Pigeon Island if you’re cruising in Kusadasi as it’s a prominent landmark linked by a causeway just of the shore, and its also home to Kusadasi Castle.

Pigeon Island is a popular excursion with local tourists, although most superyacht guests simply ask the crew about its origins rather than visit the site as it does get busy. The castle was built to protect the port during the Byzantine era, and it was restored and extended during Ottoman times. A visit can be arranged if wished, and its grounds are now a park, so it is a good place to take in the views and ramble around the ramparts if anyone is interested.

St. Nicholas Island (Gemiler)

Gemiler Island, located 20 km northeast of Fethiye near Oludeniz, is one of the most historic islands in Türkiye as it’s here that many historians believe that the tomb of St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) was originally found.

St. Nicholas Island is small, hilly, and uninhabited, yet well worth a look if anyone onboard fancies a couple of hours exploring its ruins. Pay a small fee and ramble through the Byzantine remains of 5 Greek churches built between the 4th and 6th centuries A.D. Walk along the processional walkway, and peek into the remains of tombs and dwellings. Take the tender to shore and walk around yourself if you wish; alternatively, a private guide can easily be arranged to point out the highlights. Tip: several sheltered anchorages can be found at the rear of the island, and these are popular with daily boats and blue-cruisers so visit early or late afternoon to beat the crowds.

Kekova Island

If you are familiar with the Mediterranean coast of Türkiye near Kas, you will probably know of Kekova, but in this case, it is not so much the island that’s impressive, but what lies in the depths below it.

Kekova is a fascinating place and one that will appeal to guests, especially those that like snorkeling or taking to the kayak. It’s here that an earthquake destroyed ancient Dolchiste in the 2nd century, leaving many of its remains submerged in the waters of its coastline. Kekova is referred to by many as the “sunken city” as the remnants of tombs poke out of the clear turquoise waters just off the coast of Kalekoy, where the ancient ruins of Simena and a fortress can be found.

Kekova is understandably a popular tourist destination, and many from the local resorts of Kas and Kalkan do visit during the day, so visit early or late to avoid the crowds. This area is protected and on the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List due to its cultural and historical importance. This does mean that swimming around the ruins is now forbidden, as tourists took keepsakes and ancient relics were removed. It is, however, possible to snorkel around the sunken ruins of a Byzantine church in nearby Tersane Bay – ASK US FOR DETAILS.

If you would like more information on any of the islands in Türkiye mentioned or fancy adding a visit to your itinerary, please CONTACT US