Bozcaada:

God created Bozcaada for those who visited there, to have a long life."
Heredot

Bozcaada is a small island in the north Aegean, a district of Çanakkale province. The third biggest island in Turkey.The settlements are clustered around the town centre, in the north east of the island. This is the only village on the island.The whole of Bozcaada is a natural and historical preservation and conservation site.The means of livelihood on the Bozcaada  is viticulture, viniculture, fishing and tourism. Viticulture and viniculture are old traditions on the island. There is virtually no inhabitant who does not own a vineyard, or who does not know how to make wine.

It is one of two islands belonging to our country in the Aegean Sea. Bozcaada which is called Tenedos in archaic ages is mentioned in Iliad of Homer. Heredotos writes that Pelasgions settled to Bozcaada as first. In 334 BC Alexander the Great dominates the Aegean Islands. After 1 BC the Roman Empire, then in 1455 - 1456 the island was taken from Venetians and it was the first island the Turks taking possession in Aegean. In the cemetery ceramic sculptures and pots have been found which is used from 6 BC to the Roman Empire, Yeni Kale which was built by venetians and the Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque are other productions of the town.

Among the historical places from Ottomans; Yalı Mosque, Alaybey Mosque, Namazgah which is used as a park today and its historical fountain, Meryem Ana Church with three naves which was built in 1870 will have an effect on visitors. The place which is defined as Aya Paraskeyi Ayazması is important for Orthodox faith. Today Vintage festivals replaced of Paraskevi Festivals which was arranged here in the past.

The wine distilleries, wind energy facility, wineyards of Bozcaada, Alaybey Mosque, Kimisis Teadoku Rum Orthodox Church, Göztepe, Habbale, Çamlık picnic area, Namazgah Fountain, the houses of the islands, Bozcaada Native History Research Institue, the Tuz Cape(Salt Cape), Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque, the Ayazma marina, the Mermer Cape, Polente lighthouse are essential places must be seen certainly.

The main of Bozcaada economy is a viniculture because of its climate characteristic. Fishery and tourism are important source of income in the town. Besides 4 wine distilleries, wine is made in the houses in the island where Vintage Festivals are arranged. The transportation is gotten by ferryboats departed from Geyikli Yükyeri Port.

History of Bozcaada:
Tenedos in Greek mythology, has been invaded many a time all though its history and its rulers have changed hands many times. The excavations at the necropolis suggest that the island’s history goes back to 3000 BC. The first inhabitants known are Pelazzis. Then, came the Phoenicians, Athenians, the Greek, Persians, Alexander the Great, Byzantinians, Genoese, Venetians, and Ottomans to rule the island.After a long period of Ottoman rule, Bozcaada was invaded by the Greeks during the 1912 Balkan Wars, and became part of Turkey together with Gökçeada with the 1923 Lausanne Treaty.

Climate:

Bozcaada has its own special climate, different than that of the region of which it is a part. Even though the Mediterranean climate is felt here, since it is situated right at the mouth of the strait, it is prone to north winds.

The high humidity level prevents significant drops in temperature. Which creates the right environment for viticulture.

It is as if the wind gives direction to the course of time in the island. The wind which blows almost all year round cools in the roasting summer while it can be so strong as to cut off transportation between the island and the mainland.

Distance to Canakkale City Center:
The distance to Canakkale is arround  60 kms.

Geography of Bozcaada:
Bozcaada is situated close to the entrance of the Dardanelles Bozcaada is locating at the south part of the Eagan See whıch ıs province of Çanakkale.Bozcaada has 38 km long coast.Except for a few small hills towards the centre, Bozcaada is made up of vast empty plains. Its highest peak Göztepe is 192 meters.

Populations:
Recent offical census, population of  Bozcaada is 2276.

Getting to Bozcaada:

Transportation:
When you come to Bozcaada from Istanbul, you have several alternatives for crossing the Dardanelles:
• Gelibolu - Lapseki / Ferry (TDİ*)
• Çandarli-Lapseki / Ferry(Private Boats)
• Eceabat - Canakkale / Ferry (TDİ)
• Kilitbahir - Canakkale / Ferry(Private Boats)

By Bus:
Coaches leave for Bozcaada from big cities every day. The bus journey from Istanbul takes approximately 7,5 hours. While some coach companies take you up to the ferry boat terminal, others take you only as far as Ezine. There is a beach and a cafe at the docks where you can spend time as you wait for the ferry.

By Plane:
There are scheduled flights between Çanakkale - Istanbul and Ankara by THY Airlines every day.

the Distances:

Bozcaada - İstanbul / 400 km.
Bozcaada- İzmir/ 280 km.
Bozcaada- Ankara/ 710 km.
Bozcaada- Bursa/ 375 km.

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Distances to Canakkale City Center:
After Çanakkale, if you follow the signs for Geyikli and Bozcaada, you will reach Yükyeri Ferryboat Pier in about an hour.

Things to see:

Bozcaada Castle As you approach the island by boat, the first site to attract your attention will be the imposing, majestic castle of the island.Bozcaada Castle is one of the best preserved castles of Turkey. However, formerly known as Tenedos who has built it for the first time and when, nobody knows. The form of the existing castle dates back to Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror’s time, when it was rebuilt on the ruins of that castle used by the Phoenicians, Genovese, and the Venetians (1455).

Bozcaada Wineries:
There are four wineries on the island. The older three are located in the town center, while the newest one is located at the Tuzburnu. Tours are available for those who are interested. These tours allow one to see what stages the grape goes through as it is turned into wine and to find a wine suitable to one’s palate. There are also shops next to the wineries where you may shop and enjoy tasting wine samples.

Bozcaada Ayazma Monastery:
A monastery found in the south of Bozcaada belonging to the Christian congregation. It consists of a small chapel under 8 plane-trees, two small-structures and a fountain with two pipes. The Ayazma Festival takes place here between 25-27 July each July.

Bozcaada Goztepe:
Goztepe, which is the highest point (192 m.) on the island, has an impressive bird’s-eye-view of the surroundings in all four directions. A paved road leads to the top, where there is only a radio link facility. If you would like to take a walk/hike, you may reach the top in 45 minutes.This is a place where you really feel like you’re on an island. You absolutely must spend time here, particularly as the sun is setting...

Bozcaada Museum:
Bozcaada Museum is a unique place for tourists who want to learn more about the place they visit.
For the ones who want to know more about the museum, the website  is bozcaadamuzesi.com and the phone number is 0 532 215 60 33.

Bozcaada Wind Roses:
Perhaps the sunset that is waiting for you at the west end of the island is going to be the most fascinating sunset you’ll ever see in your life. In front of you lies the boundless Aegean, beside you are the wind turbines standing with grandeur, and a deserted lighthouse. It smells of wild thyme and the island wind caresses ones face…

The Church of Mother Mary:
This is the only church currently open for worship services to Bozcaada’s Orthodox congregation. It is situated in the heart of the Greek neighborhood.

Accommodation Alternativies:

For detailled information about Bozcaada Accomodation options, please click.

You are following a lot of alternative for accommodation. The hotels and boarding-houses of Bozcaada accept reservations for a few nights in the summertime. If you only want to stay one night, make sure you make your reservation far in advance. On weekends, especially, all the places to stay are packed.

Eating Alternativies:

For detailled information about Bozcaada Food & Drink options, please click.

The restaurants are all side by side on the island. Price-wise, too, they’re more or less the same. It would be helpful to reserve your fish by phone before you go or you can pick up some fish in Çanakkale and have it cooked for you at one of the restaurants. There are a few wineries that sell very good table wine that are open until noon on weekends and holidays. The grapes on the island are all excellent.