Top Turkey’s Islands to Visit

If you are thinking to go to enjoy the summer’s sun idyll at a wonderful shoreline with magnificent views, so we suggest you that Turkey is one of the best countries to visit for this purpose. Turkey’s Mediterranean and Aegean Sea provides amazing views through his wonderful islands. Some of Turkey’s islands are among the best destinations for tourists. In addition, Turkish locals also visit these islands for fun. Below, we will discuss the Turkey’s islands, which you should visit at least once in your life.

1.  Bozcaada

People who love to live in cities and are always looking for luxuries and high class, this island in the Aegean Sea is the perfect place for them to enjoy their holidays. According to people, this island’s name was once Tenedos, which is a Greek name. After Turkish independence in 1923, the island became a part of Turkey. Between the 1960s and 1970s, there was a lot of inter-communal violence in this place and because of that the Greeks who lived there emigrated.

There is some ancient Ottoman and Greek heritage that can still be seen in the architecture of the buildings. Bozcaada has many sandy beaches. The island has a population of 3,000 people, and this island’s peak tourist season is from June to September. During summer’s local Turkish people come to its beautiful beaches, especially to play and enjoy their water sport games like windsurfing and many more.

2.  Gökçeada

There is no better place to spend the relaxing holidays on the island than Gokceada Island. This Island is located near the west coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula, which is in the Aegean Sea. This place is better to visit during summer season as you can enjoy more of their quiet beaches. It is also the best place for those who are interested in seeing the natural environment. Same as Bozcaada Island, this island was once also the home of Ottoman, and Greek people, as well; its first name was Imbros, which is a Greek name.

On this island, summer vacationers spend the majority of their time on the beaches of Kapikaya and Aydincik on the southern coast. In addition to this, the beauty of Aydincik Beach also attracts windsurfers. In winters, tourists come to see the pink flamingos and to see the island’s Salt Lake, whereas the more interesting thing to do at this island is you can take a mountain bike ride into the island’s interior.

3.  Cunda Island

Cunda is one of the best Turkey’s islands and a great place to visit. In addition, it is also well-known by the name of Alibe Island. Cunda Island is near the Turkish town of Ayvalik; it is located in the northern part of the Aegean Sea. This island is also connects to Ayvalik town’s main land through a road. Also, many people don’t know that the local Ottoman Greek population of Cunda Island became part of the Turkish Greek population in 1920 and this was the peace treaty between them. And after that, they were moved to the country of Greece by forcibly, and Muslims started moving through to this island to live there.

There are many ancient buildings of the Ottoman Greeks on this island, which makes this island the best place for trekking with its ancient architectural scenery. There is a church, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Archangel; it was built in 1936, but now it is a museum. There are lots of restaurants and cafes, which specialize in Aegean-style eating. A lot of people go to this island, especially on weekends, mostly from the town of Ayvalik, to get a great scene and eat delicious food there.

4.  Heybeliada Princes’ Islands

Heybeliada Princes’ Island is a beautiful island in Turkey. It is close to the city of Istanbul, located in the Sea of Marmara. Also, it is the second largest island from its nearest located islands. During the months of May between to October, many people’s visits this island. As well, this island’s amazing beaches attract huge amounts of tourists.

5.  Gemiler Island

Gemiler Island is a small island in Turkey, which is close to the city of Fethiye. The remains of many churches dating from the 4th and 6th centuries AD, as well as various connected structures, can be seen on the island. Archaeologists think it was the site of Saint Nicholas’ first tomb. There people can also enjoy the boat trip and the surrounded green forest beauty of it. Many people go to this island to enjoy the beauty of the island and to see the historical churches of it.

6.  Büyükada (Princes’ Islands)

The wonderful Buyukada Island is the largest of its surrounding islands. It is a very famous island that is close to the city of Istanbul. Its beauty attracts many tourists, especially during summers because of their peaceful beaches and environment. A huge number of tourists visit this island every year between the months of May to September. There are many charming beaches, which provide stunning views. When you are planning to go there, you should visit the Museum of the Princes’ Islands there to learn about the history of this island. As well, there are some hotels as well for staying.

7.  Akdamar Island

Akdamar Island is the second largest island in Lake Van. Also, it is also well-known by the name Agtamar or Akhtamar. This island is located on the eastern side of Turkey. The island is about 3 kilometers away from the sea and covers an area of about 0.7 square kilometers. On this island, there is an also a gray limestone rise, 80 meters above the lake’s surface. There is an Church of the Holy Cross on Akdamar Island is Lake Van’s most famous site. This island was once a main religious center for Christians. It was built in the 10th century by King Gagik Artsruni during his reign.

On this island, tourist boats offer round trips from Akdamar Port, close to Ahlat, on the lake’s southern coast, which is the 45 kilometers west of Van. Since the boat will not sail until it is completely filled with passengers, it is recommended to start the tour from the main site of Van Lake to ensure a large number of people and shorter wait times.