Gokceada Guide

Gökçeada, located in Çanakkale and home to Turkey's westernmost point, İncirburnu, is the largest island in the country. Situated on the northern side of the Aegean Sea, at the entrance of the Gulf of Saros, Gökçeada is an island full of surprises, constantly surprising you as you move from the coast to its center.

Gökçeada is the last place where the sun sets in Turkey, and until 1970, it was known as İmroz. It is said that the name İmroz comes from the ancient city of Imbros, which was established here during the Classical Age. The famous historian Homer also mentions Gökçeada in his works, referring to it as Pepaloessa (wavy) due to its natural features. Gökçeada's name appears frequently in epics and legends. In the Epic of Troy, Homer often describes the island as a rocky place.

The island's history of settlement dates back to ancient times. Although an exact date is not specified, the artifacts found and the sources mentioning the island indicate its ancient history. Due to its strategic location as a bridge between Asia and Europe, Gökçeada has hosted many significant civilizations, leaving a mark on its culture. After the Pelasgians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, the island became part of Turkish territory on September 22, 1923.

Excavations conducted between 1996 and 1997 revealed remains dating back to 3000 BC. These artifacts are currently exhibited at the Çanakkale Archaeological Museum.

Today, approximately 5,000 people live on Gökçeada. With its old Greek houses, natural beauty, sea, vineyards, wines, and historical sites, it is genuinely a place worth seeing.

Gökçeada is one of the areas with the highest levels of oxygen in the world. It has rich vegetation and diverse wildlife. The island also has a natural salt lake and is home to Turkey's first and only underwater national park. Additionally, Gökçeada has been designated as a pilot region for organic farming, and its marine and terrestrial life is under protection.

The locals make a living through olive cultivation, viticulture, beekeeping, and wine production. With the progress of organic farming, the island's olives and olive oil have become even more delicious in recent years.

Gökçeada's sea is exceptionally clean and clear, with plenty of wind and waves, making it ideal for diving and windsurfing enthusiasts. There are many underwater beauties waiting to be discovered by divers. However, if you go to the parts of the island where the wind blows in the opposite direction, the sea becomes calm and tranquil perfect for swimming. The island has numerous such serene coves.

Since the island is far from the hustle and bustle of city life, there are still many untouched areas. Its natural beauty, history, and culture remain unspoiled. On Gökçeada, you can even see olive trees that are over 400 years old.

The holiday season in Gökçeada generally lasts from May to the end of September, and these months are when the sea is at its best.

There are no large, luxury hotels on Gökçeada, which has allowed the island to maintain its natural charm. Instead, most accommodations are family-run guesthouses. The locals not only live on the island but also manage the accommodations, making you feel like a friend rather than a guest.

Most hotels are concentrated in the island's center, Kaleköy, and Zeytinliköy. Although they are not directly on the coast, they are still close to the sea. Many hotels also have private swimming pools. They generally operate from the beginning of May to the end of October, mostly offering a bed and breakfast service.

You will find peace as you enjoy your breakfast in the fresh, oxygen-rich nature of the island, accompanied by organic olives and olive oil, cheese garnished with olive oil, and a variety of organic spices. Throughout the day, you can try various delicious meals at the hotel restaurants.

The architecture of Gökçeada's hotels will also impress you. Some of the hotels have been restored from old Greek houses, while others are newly built but harmonize perfectly with the island's stone architecture.

The hotels usually have a limited number of rooms, so if you plan to visit Gökçeada, especially in the summer, make sure to book your room in advance.

Gökçeada hotel prices are quite reasonable. Considering the organic delights, peaceful atmosphere, and the quality of service offered, the rates are very budget-friendly.

For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Gökçeada Hotels page.