Türkiye’s vast coastline is home to far more than the buzzing resorts of Bodrum, Kusadasi, Antalya and Marmaris. Tucked away from the crowds are secluded bays with empty beaches, quaint fishing villages with just a handful of people, and off-the-beaten-track haunts and islands ideal for a getaway. Let us introduce you to Bozcaada…

ABOUT BOZCAADA

Bozcaada is an island in the North Aegean, 52 km south of Çanakkale, just off the Turkish coast. It’s a hip and trendy destination that’s been popular with the yachties and Turkish elite for many years. Anne Able from Forbes found it so alluring that she described it as, “a secret Aegean Island Paradise” in her travel report last October.

A visit to Bozcaada serves-up an enticing mix of Greek and Turkish influences. The main town is a warren of white-washed Greek buildings converted into seafood restaurants and boutique hotels. The narrow cobblestone streets are full of arty cafes, fairy-light-draped courtyards and al-fresco eateries, and there’s no mass-tourism here; no sprawling all-inclusive resorts or high-rise hotels.

HISTORY OF BOZCAADA

History and literary buffs will love Bozcaada (known today by its Turkish name). The island, referred to as Leukophrys in ancient times and as Tenedos in Greek Mythology, is mentioned several times in Homer’s, The Iliad.

Homers famous epic is believed to have been written during the 9th century B.C. It is an account of The Trojan War, a fierce battle between the Achaeans from Greece and the Trojans from Anatolia. According to The Iliad, the Achaean fleet, led by Agamemnon, stopped at Tenedos for supplies and to prepare for the battle of Troy. At this point, the Trojans believed Agamemnon was going to retreat after leaving the gift of a huge wooden horse dedicated to the Gods. The Achaeans instead played a trick. They hid their fleet behind Bozcaada and filled the horse with soldiers who were instructed to stay silent until the evening. The gift was accepted by the Trojans who spent the hours that followed celebrating the Achaean defeat. Later that evening, when the Trojans were sleeping with heavy heads full of wine, Agamemnon’s hidden troops broke free from the horse, conquered the castle, and took over the city.

Aside from mentions in The Iliad, historians have traced the history of Bozcaada back to 3000 B.C. Due to its strategic location, it was fought over many times, and the Pelasgians, Phoenicians, Athenians, Greeks, Persians, Alexander the Great, Byzantines and Ottomans all inhabited Bozcaada at one point. More recently, during the 19th century, Greece tried to claim the island from the Ottomans during the Balkans War in 1912, and British and French forces invaded and used it as a logistical command centre during the first world war and the battle of Dardanelles. It was not until 1920 that Bozcaada became an official part of Türkiye, under The Treaty of Lausanne.

If you plan to visit the island and want to explore, there’s a museum, castle, monastery, mosque, and Greek Orthodox church all worth a visit – let us know if you want us to arrange a private tour of the island.

BOZCAADA WINE

If you’re a wine lover or sommelier, do visit one of Bozcaadas vineyards and stock up on a few bottles. Viniculture is an integral part of the island’s culture and lifestyle, and vineyards cover over a third of the interior of the island. There are many popular varieties of red and white grape grown on Bozcaada, and several wineries worth a visit. If you or your guests fancy a relaxed afternoon wine tasting, Senem at 360° Yachting can organise a trip to the likes of Corvus, Talay or Çamlibag Wineries where they produce some excellent vintages, CONTACT SENEM for details.

Tip: Bozcaada Wine Festival. If you are cruising the area during June, you may like to stop off and attend the Bozcaada Wine Festival. The festival is an annual 2 or 3-day event celebrating local wines and is organised by the wineries on the island. It’s a lovely time to visit as it’s filled with tradition, music and wine. During the day wine tasting events are run, there are visits and tours of vineyards, speeches and talks by industry experts, and of an evening there’s music and dance – let us know if you fancy attending.

BOZCAADA CAVUS GRAPE

Bozcaada cavus grapes are beautifully sweet, large and oval, and they make the ideal table grape or a tasty addition to a cheeseboard. In Turkish, the word “cavus” means sergeant or corporal, and these grapes were named after the army sergeant who brought them from Mecca to the sultan. Although cavus grapes grow throughout Türkiye, the best are believed to come from Bozcaada. The grapes are at their best during September and early October. Ask Senem to add some to your late summer/autumn provisions.

THE BEACHES, COVES AND BAYS AROUND BOZCAADA

Bozcaada is blessed with many beautiful beaches and hidden coves ideal for swimming, paddle boarding and snorkelling. Due to it’s North Aegean location, the waters are cooler than many areas further up the mainland coast. Mid-May to October is the best time to swim and cruise, with the warmest sea temperatures experienced in July and August. A regular northern wind sweeps the island allowing for a cool and refreshing breeze, yet this can pose problems with some yachts and sailboats, but luckily there are many sheltered bays to take refuge until conditions improve.

Bozcaada Beaches:

Ayazma is the most popular beach on the island and can get busy during the high season (especially at weekends). It’s a long sandy stretch with restaurants and facilities.

Sulubahçe is a beautiful quiet beach tucked in an untouched bay with no real facilities. It’s located between Ayazma and Habbele. Few people visit, those that do tend to be locals or the occasional camper that makes their way down from a site at the top of the bay.

Habbele lies between Ayazma and beside Sulubahçe bay and attracts in-the-know tourists and locals that want to escape the crowds at Ayazma beach. There are some basic facilities, food and drink service, plus a few sunbeds.

Mermer Burnu (Aquarium) Bay. You will find beaches and coves nicknamed “Aquarium Bay” in quite a few locations along the Turkish coast, they tend to be so-called due to their clear waters and sea life within them. Bozcaada’s is a beautiful bay and a good place for divers where they can view a wide variety of fish as well as the remains of Greek amphoras.

Tuzburnu is the place to head when the wind from the South (Lodos) blows on the island. The beach is sheltered and sandy and the waters clean and clear.

If you’re planning to cruise to Bozcaada or want to know more about the area, please CONTACT US.