Gökçeada

Türkiye's largest island, with Greek stone villages, organic farms and kitesurfing bays; slow-paced and a crowd-free hidden gem of the northern Aegean.

Gökçeada (formerly Imbros) is Türkiye's largest island, lying in the northern Aegean just west of the mouth of the Dardanelles, in Çanakkale Province. The island was once mainly home to ethnic Greeks, many of whom left from the mid-20th century, leaving behind several stone-built Greek villages that now sit alongside villages of settlers from the Turkish mainland, giving the island a distinctive dual culture. Türkiye has also designated it a Cittaslow ('slow city') and actively promotes organic farming, and the island's olive oil, honey, goat's cheese and wine are well regarded. Highlights: the old Greek villages of Zeytinliköy and Tepeköy in the central hills (coffee, tavernas and stone houses) and the large abandoned village of Dereköy in the west; the fishing harbour and castle at Kaleköy on the north coast, along with Türkiye's first underwater national park; Aydıncık beach in the southeast, one of Türkiye's top kitesurfing spots, with flamingos on the neighbouring salt lake; and Laz Bay on the south coast and Gizli Liman at the western tip, both good for swimming. The best time to visit is Jun–Sep, when the sea is warm and it's windsurfing season; the Feast of the Dormition in mid-August is the liveliest time. In the off-season ferries are infrequent and most hotels and restaurants close. Getting there: take the ferry from Kabatepe on the Gallipoli Peninsula (about 1.5 hours, several daily in peak season, cars accepted); Istanbul to Kabatepe is about 5 hours by road. Public transport on the island is scarce, so renting a car or motorbike is strongly recommended. Plan 3–4 days. Note: some areas are military zones where photography is prohibited; it's very windy in summer, so take care when driving and swimming.

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