Gokceada:

Imbros, called as Gokceada in Turkey (old name in Turkish: Imroz ), is the largest island of Turkey, part of Çanakkale Province. It is located at the beginning of Saros Bay in the northern edge of Aegean Sea, also the western edge point of Turkey (Avlaka peninsula). The area of Gokceada is about 279 km² (108 square miles), Imbros contains some wooded areas. Gokceada is 2 kms away from Canakkale city centre.

A pleasant boat ride from Kabatepe or Çanakkale of around an hour and a half brings you to Kuzu Harbour on Gökçeada, the largest of the Turkish islands. Situated on Turkey’s furthest westerly point, Gökçeada is a popular tourist destination with a host of cultural assets and striking natural beauty.

From archaeological finds discovered in and around the village of Yeni Bademli Höyük, it seems that the history of the island stretches back as far as 300 BC. Like many villages on the island, Yeni Bademli is a conservation site and well worth a visit. The Roman Rock Tomb located in Kokina with its two burial places is another site of interest.

Just along from Kuzu Harbour and only visible from the sea is Kaşkaval Cliff, also known as Peynir Kayalıkları(Cheese rocks). Considered to be a natural wonder, the formation of the cliff bizarrely resembles stacked pieces of cheese on top of one another. The area between Yıldızköy and Yelkenkaya, which is full of amazing rock formations, boasts the first ever Underwater National Park in Turkey.

With its abundance of natural beauty including lakes, waterfalls, such a the splendid example at Marmaros, pristine beaches and a host of tourist activities, Gökçeada offers visitors an unforgettable holiday experience. The 2 km long Aydıncık Plajı and İnceburun Plajı in the far west of the  region are both excellent beaches, popular with windsurfers. The surrounding area is fascinating too with its rock tombs and the curative mud baths of lake Tuz, which are situated a short distance away.

For generations, fishing has been one of the main means of earning a living in Gökçeada. It is possible to find a plentiful supply to fresh fish all year round and the choice on offer varies according to the season. The wonders of Turkish and Greek cuisine can often be seen on the same menu.

History:

Gokceada was dominated by many civilizations throughout history. Because of being an important location of  the entrence of the Dardanelles, it has always been so busy. Because the island was so often captured, very few  development was established; besides, the population who lives at island  was harmed.

It is proved  that the first tribe which has lived on the island is the Pelagians(Akalar). The excavators underlined that the history of the island date back to 5000 years before.  After the Pelagians(Akalar); following civilizations dominated on the island; Persians, Athens, Spartians, Romans, Byzantines, Genoses Venetians and Turkish Republic dominated Gokceada respectively..

There hasn't been too much information related to its Archaic Age of the island which its old name was Imroz. The fact that is known the Pelasgians were the oldest dwellers of the island. The island was occupied with Athens by Miltiades in 500BC and it remained under the domination of Athens until the dominstion of Romans. The island was annexed to Ottoman lands by Fatih Sultan Mehmet in 1455 and it remained between the years of 1922-1923 under the occupation of the Greeks. According to the Treaty of Lausanne in 1923, the Republic of Turkish took possesion the island on 22 September 1923. The Merkez Mosque and Fatih Mosque are located in Yenimahalle. The old Bademli Village is under the protection. In the village, historical laundry, the centurial plane in front of it and the buildings of primary schools are worth seeing. The Roman Stone Burial Place which is gone on archeological excavations in the New Bademli Höyük and Kokina regions is also worth seeing ruins. Most of the restaurants and hotels are in the Aşağı Kaleköy, Yukarı Kaleköy was established above foothill of the ruins old fortress.

The only underwater national park of Turkey has interesting stone formation which is located the region between Yıldızköy and Yelkenkaya.It has been assigned to TUDAV (Turkish Marine Scienses Foundation) and it has been declared as the Underwater National Park. Zeytinli village is also under the protection.

The meal which is called "cullama" is made with island wines, local herbs such as raziyane and nettle in the region. The island is famous for with sakızlı muhallebi and dibek cofee. Tepeköy which is located as the prodection, too. Dereköy is one of the oldest villagers which are under the protection. The village which it was too big with 600 houses in 1950s and 1960s left widely today. The Marmaros Waterfall (38 m) is here. The Aydınlı Beach is located in the Eşelek Village, and it is good for windsurfing. The Salt Lake is found here where people take mud-bath. After the Kuzulimanı, Kaşkaval Cape (Peynir Kayalıkları - The Cheese Rock) comes. The Uğurlu village, Gizli Liman, Inceburun and Şirinköy are worth seeing.

Gökçeada is 32 miles away from Çanakkale and 14 miles from the Kapatepe Port in Gelibolu Peninsula. The ferryboat excursions are launched from the Kapatepe Port to the island every day.

Population:

According to the 2000 Census, the islands population is  8,875. At the city centre of the island has 7,254 people  and  and  remaining 1,621 people lives in the villages.  The main incomes of Imbros island are fishing and tourism. The population is predominantly Turkish but there are stil Greek population in Imbros which is about 300.

Transportation:

Transportation to the Gokceada  is performing  from Canakkale Ferry Port and from Kabatepe Port. It takes around  2 and half hours from Canakkale to Gokceada by ferry.

The detailed Schedule of the ferry from Canakkale to Gokceada and Gokceada to Canakkale can be seen on gestasdenizulasim.com.tr.

Winter Period:

Schedule from Canakkale;

From Gokceada to Canakkale 08:00 a.m.

From Canakkale to Gokceada 17:00

Schedule from Kabatepe;

From Gokceada to Kabatepe: 07:00 a.m.,11:00 a.m.

From Kabatepe to Gokceada: 16:00 p.m., 18:00 p.m.

Summer Period:

Schedule from Kabatepe;

From Gokceada to Kabatepe 07:00, 11:00, 16:00, 20:00

From Gokceada to Kabatepe 07:00, 11:00, 16:00, 20:00

Places to Visit:

Tepekoy, Salt lake, Underwater museum, Cheese rocks, Rock tombs, 5 thousand years old Hoyuk at Cınarlı Valley , sarcophagus .

Castle of Kaleköy, Castle ruins from Genoa time, At Kapıkaya devil rocks, At  Güzelcekoy British headquarters ruins.

Ancient ruins at Tepeköy,  Kefaloz, Tepeköy Balidosta, Zeytinliköy Arasia and Krioneroda, Dereköy Pirğosta.

Places to Stay:

Mostly , accomodation type of Gokceada hotels and pansions is bed and breakfast. The high season in Gokceada is summer season (Especially July and August). Very few  hotels and pansions are open during the winter season.

For detailled information about Gokceada Accommodation options, please click.

Gokceada City Center:

Masi Otel: 0286 887 46 19

Taylan Otel: 286 887 38 51

Zeytinli  Village:

Zeytindali Otel: 0286 887 37 07

Yukari Kalekoy Village:

Yakomoz Motel: 0286 887 20 57

Kalekoy Village:

Gokçe Mini Tatil Köyü: 0286 887 27 26

Sahil Motel: 0286 887 33 63

Kale Motel: 0286 887 44 04

Ugurlu Village:

Gul Motel: 0286 897 61 44

Uysal Motel: 0286 897 61 56

Places to Eat and Drink:

For detailled information about Gokceada Eat & Drink options, please click.

Sahil Motel & Restaurant: 0 286 887 33 63

Cakir'in Yeri: 0286 887 23 93

Taylan Restaurant: 0286 887 24 51

Ecem Manti: 0286 887 23 06

Kale Motel & Restaurant: 0 286 887 44 04

Asiyan Ev Yemekleri: 0 286 887 27 22

Camlık Aile Piknik Yeri: 0537 211 81 79

Gökceada Merkez Lokantası: 0286 887 41 70

Cafe Imroz: 0286 887 33 90