Making the most of Bozcaada
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Bozcaada is an Aegean island near the western exit of the Dardanelles in Turkey. In ancient times, it was called Tenedos.
This tender port has a very small town, which can be walked from edge to edge in about ten minutes.
Vineyard-striped Bozcaada is best known for wine, with grapes that make a fantastic red. It remains off the beaten track, without hordes of holidaymakers: instead there are half-empty beaches, beautiful countryside and a quaint waterside town with cobbled streets and family-run fish restaurants.
Getting around
Explore the honey-coloured fortress, perched on a cliff edge and used by everyone from Byzantines to Venetians. Admission costs 5 TL.
Frequent minibusses leave the square beside the castle entrance for Ayazma and Habbele beaches. A one-way journey costs 3 TL per person, takes about 15 minutes, and two deckchairs plus a beach umbrella for half a day at Ayazma beach cost 5 TL.
Nearby places
A short ferry trip takes visitors to the ancient city of Troy, where the UNESCO-rated acropolis is known as the setting of the legendary Trojan War.
Food and shopping
Tomato jam is a delicious specialty found only on this island in Turkey.
Money
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira. Shops and restaurants in coastal resorts and big cities often accept euros and US dollars, but take Turkish Lira when travelling to other parts of the country.
Staying connected
The island has limited 4G connection; the pier is the best place to try.