Gokceada, formerly known as Imbros, is situated in the heart of the Aegean Sea and is arguably Turkey’s most beautiful island, as well as its largest. Gokceada remains an undiscovered paradise for those who adore the island life. With its rich history, tranquil charm, and breathtaking landscapes, you’ll feel like you struck gold as soon as you step onto its shores.
This island provides a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, all far from the frustrating tourist pitfalls. Gokceada invites travellers to seek out its most unknown gems all while enjoying the intoxicating Aegean breeze, unspoilt beaches, picturesque villages, and ancient traditions that have survived for centuries.
Tips for Visiting Gokceada
If you’re not flying into Gokceada, and are opting to leave the mainland via ferry, keep reading. Before you book your accommodation in Gokceada, be sure to book a ferry pass well in advance. Both for departure and return. Because Gokceada is so incredibly sought-after, the ferry can fill up quickly. You don’t want to be left behind and stranded, do you? No, not for the vacation of your life!
Where to Stay in Gokceada
Book a hotel in Gokceada here on Booking.com
Salkım Otel Gokceada
The Salkim Otel Gokceada is so full of character that you’ll be amazed at its charming beauty the moment you arrive on the premises. It boasts magnificent views of the mountains in the distance and looks rather Italian in its aesthetic, with a slight Turkish twist.
This hotel in Gokceada is located in Gokceada Town, a mere 700 metres from Yildiz Bay Beach. The rooms are air-conditioned and full of character, and if you want, you could book a room with a patio and stunning sea views. Treat yourself to their breakfasts featuring Italian, Asian, and vegetarian cuisine.
Book with Salkim Otel here on Booking.com
Mesken Otel
The Mesken Otel is a 4-star luxury hotel that really pulls out all the stops. The rooms are intriguing and modern, with all the creature comforts at the forefront of the interior design. Mesken Otel is situated in Gokceada Town, 1.2 kilometres from Yildiz Bay Beach.
There is a lovely garden to peruse through, a patio for your ultimate relaxation, and a restaurant serving delicious dishes. Rooms have air-conditioning, balconies with sea views, and flat-screen televisions! Note also that Kalekoy Harbour is less than a metre from the hotel, and Canakkale Airport is 58 km from Mesken Otel.
Book with Mesken Otel here on Booking.com
Cinarli Kasri
Located in Gokceada Town, 1.2 kilometres from Aydincik Beach, Cinarli Kasri is a true testament of Turkish luxury. With its seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden, and a sprawling patio.
The hotel is a mere 16 km from Kalekoy Harbour, with a bar and a private beach area to keep you entertained. Your time here will be splendid as nighttime entertainment is a standard, and complimentary WiFi throughout the resort will keep you in touch with the rest of the work.
Book here with Cinarli Kasri on Booking.com
Kuzey Park Hotel
The Kuzey Park Hotel truly is cosy! Located at Cumhuriyet, just 5.1 kilometres from Kalekoy Harbour, your stay at this hotel in Gokceada will be amazing. The rooms are spacious, modern, and decorated in a minimalistic style. It’s perfect for the family.
There is also a seasonal outdoor pool for you to soak up the sun and float into a perfect state of relaxation. You could also take a stroll in the manicured garden and lounge on the sprawling patio, admiring the view. Free WiFi ensures that you can keep yourself in the loop of what’s going on. After a restful night, be sure to indulge in a continental or halal breakfast.
Book with Kuzey Park Hotel here on Booking.com
What to Do in Gokceada
A place you simply must visit when travelling to Gokceada is the bazaar, situated in the centre of Gokceada. It’s laced with cobble-stone streets reminiscent of Rome and Paris, decorated with lively botanical displays like sprawling trees and climbing bougainvillaeas, which is very characteristic of Tuscany. Gokceada is, in a sense, Italy 2.0, with many quirky settings reminding you that you are, in fact, on a Turkish island. This bazaar is so vibrant and atmospheric that you might even wonder why it’s not on everybody’s next travel destination must-go list! If you’re here, be sure to grab yourself an ice cream, as the island is famous for it since there are so many goats, which provide inhabitants with their main source of dairy.
When you’re at the town’s bazaar centre, be sure to visit a little, unassuming shop called Hasan Abi, where you can buy high-quality soap. By using only the island’s herbs, Hasan Abi creates the most naturally fragrant and organic soap under this sun. But this shop also sells premium Gokceada honey, which is unlike any other honey in the world, as well as traditional, cold-pressed olive oil. This olive oil is particularly healthy as the trees have never been sprayed with any chemicals. The extraction of the oil also gives it its premium qualities. So, be on the lookout for the best olive oil in the world. P.S., they’re in black tins. Here, you could also buy medicinal aromatic oils that are certified organic.
The beaches in Gokceada are simply incredible! It’s almost like desert sands and rocky meet deep, blue Mediterranean shores. It’s the unsung Maldives of Turkey if you will. Still very rugged, you are highly advised to bring swim shoes with you to the beach. Also, there are no beach facilities. This means you need to pack a cooler, your beach umbrella, as well as your beach chairs and entertainment. Note that no glass bottles are allowed on the beach.
Book a hotel in Gokceada here on Booking.com
If you enjoy this article, be sure to read about the Cappadocia Cave Hotels in Turkey calling your name!
The Timeless Allure of Gokceada
It’s simply impossible not to feel moved by Gokceada’s serenity, landscapes, and history. From the locals embracing every tourist to the timeless villages that provide a sense of wonder, your time spent in Gokceada will leave lasting impressions of wonder and amazement.
Memories created here will be memories you’ll carry until your passing. This is an island where time truly slows down, and because of that, your sense of relaxation will heighten. So, if you’re in need of an island holiday but not in the mood for tourist avalanches, then Gokceada is perfect for you!
