Photo: Filanca (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 10 places to visit in the Bozcaada district of Çanakkale: Bozcaada Castle, Ayazma Beach and Habbele Beach. Plan your trip to Bozcaada with local food, practical tips and transport information.
The district covers an area of 37 km² and lies 6 km from the mainland; according to 2025 data, its population is 3,384.
Bozcaada is mentioned in both the Iliad and the Aeneid; in the Aeneid, it is named as the place where the Greek fleet hid towards the end of the Trojan War. Despite its small size, the island was important throughout classical antiquity because of its strategic position at the entrance to the Dardanelles.
The island was conquered together with Gökçeada in 1455 during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror, and it became the first island in the Aegean to be governed by the Ottoman Empire. During Ottoman rule the island was resettled with tax exemptions, and in his Kitab-i-Bahriye, completed in 1521, Piri Reis showed Bozcaada under its present name. In the battle known as the Battle of Bozcaada, Mezomorto Hüseyin Paşa, commander of the Ottoman navy, won an important victory against the Venetian fleet under Molino.
The island’s main industries are tourism, wine production and fishing; for centuries it has been famous for its grapes, its wine and its red poppies.
During the Ottoman period the island was resettled with tax exemptions. It was conquered in 1455 during the reign of Mehmed the Conqueror and became the first island under Ottoman rule in the Aegean. Piri Reis showed Bozcaada under its current name in the Kitab-i-Bahriye he completed in 1521. In 1807 the island was occupied by Russia, set on fire, and its castle was completely destroyed. Konstantinos Kanaris led an attack off Bozcaada against the Ottoman Navy and sank an Ottoman ship. Mezomorto Hüseyin Paşa won an important victory against the Venetian fleet in the Battle of Bozcaada.
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Photo: Filanca (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Bozcaada Castle, the island's most important historic structure, was built and repaired in the Venetian, Genoese and Ottoman periods. From the castle walls there is a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea, and there is a small museum inside.
View on mapThe island's historic Greek quarter offers some of the finest examples of Aegean architecture, with whitewashed stone houses, narrow streets and geraniums in pots. The cafés and boutique shops among the lanes create a nostalgic atmosphere.
View on mapPolente Lighthouse at the island's western tip was built by the French in 1861. It is one of the most popular spots for watching the sunset.
View on mapAyazma Beach on the island's south coast, with its clear turquoise water and fine sand, is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye. The shore, surrounded by pine trees, offers natural shade.
View on mapHabbele Beach on the island's west coast is a favourite of windsurfers thanks to its windy conditions. The sunset views here are especially impressive.
View on mapThe roads winding between the vineyards in the island's interior are ideal for cycling and walking. Grape-picking events are held during the harvest season.
View on mapPolente Sea Lighthouse is among the places on the island that should not be missed.
View on mapThe Vintage Festivals are held on the island in August, and there are 4 wineries on the island.
View on mapWhile you are in Bozcaada, you can also see the highlights of Çanakkale province. These places are in other districts; Bozcaada is about 40 km from the provincial centre.
Mussels from the island's clear waters are prepared fried or stuffed. Bozcaada mussels are famous for their large size and flavour.
Fresh octopus is cooked in a clay pot with tomatoes, peppers and potatoes. It is one of the best-loved seafood dishes of Aegean cuisine.
Jam made from Bozcaada's famous tomatoes, with a sweet and slightly sour flavour, is an essential part of breakfast tables.
The Vintage Festival, held every year in September, celebrates the grape harvest. During the festival there are wine tastings, music events and traditional grape-treading ceremonies.
Throughout history, Bozcaada has been an island where Greek, Turkish and Levantine cultures lived side by side. This multicultural heritage can still be felt in its architecture, cuisine and traditions.
The economy of Bozcaada is based on tourism, viticulture and fishing. Tourists who visit the island in the summer months are the main source of income. Wine production and viticulture are traditional economic activities, and the island has many boutique wine houses. Fishing is also one of the island's livelihoods.
Bozcaada is reached by ferry from Geyikli Ferry Port in Çanakkale; the crossing takes about 35 minutes. It is 40 km from Çanakkale city centre. Ferry services become more frequent in the summer months.
The top 10 places in Bozcaada are: Bozcaada Castle, Ayazma Beach, Habbele Beach, Bozcaada Greek Quarter, Polente Lighthouse, Bozcaada Vineyard Roads, Meryem Ana Church, Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Mosque, Vintage Festivals and Polente Sea Lighthouse.
Bozcaada Mussels, Ahtapot Güveç (octopus casserole) and Domates Reçeli (tomato jam) are the standout dishes on Bozcaada's tables.
Bozcaada is known for Bozcaada Çavuş Grape and the Vintage Festival. It is a protected designation of origin product registered with TÜRKPATENT.
Bozcaada is reached by ferry from Geyikli Ferry Port in Çanakkale; the crossing takes about 35 minutes. It is 40 km from Çanakkale city centre. Ferry services become more frequent in the summer months.
Suggested length of visit: 2-3 days. Best time to visit: summer and early autumn.