Surrounded by sandy beaches and strewn with vineyards, Bozcaada is an alluring island off the coast of Turkey. Spend your time beach hopping around the island, devouring freshly-caught seafood and cooling off in the sparkling Aegean Sea.

Things to do

Bozcaada is fringed by golden beaches, hidden bays and aquamarine coves. Ayazma is one of the most popular stretches of sand, famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water. There are plenty of umbrellas and sun lounges to rent, as well as snorkels, paddleboards and kayaks. The beach is lined with restaurants serving fresh mezze and seafood.

Bozcaada is famous for its boutique wineries, where you can sign up for a wine-tasting tour. Corvus Vineyard is the island's best-known estate, pairing gourmet cheese and fine wines in an elegant tasting room.

It's easy to spend hours getting lost in Merkez, also known as “Bozcaada Town”. It's anchored by a cobbled Old Town filled with historic houses painted in a rainbow of colours. Browse the area’s cafes, bars, wine taverns and restaurants. Cicek Pastanesi is a local favourite, serving home-cooked savoury pastries since the 50s.

Bozcaada Castle offers a glimpse at the island's Byzantine roots. It's encircled by a dry moat and has been watching over the main harbour for centuries. Stroll around the barracks, peer into the old ammunition stores and climb up onto the ramparts for sweeping views over the Aegean Sea.

Getting around

It's easy to explore Bozcaada on foot, though you'll also find plenty of taxis cruising the streets. The island is also serviced by a network of local "dolmuses" that run to popular beaches. Daily ferries run from Yukyeri Iskelesi to Bozcaada in around 30 minutes.