Welcome to Bozcaada, a gem of the Aegean Sea and one of Turkey's most charming and authentic island destinations. This tranquil port offers a peaceful alternative to the bustling cities, attracting smaller, luxury cruise lines like Azamara and Windstar Cruises. Passengers are drawn to its well-preserved historic town, world-class local wines, and pristine beaches. A day in Bozcaada is an opportunity to experience genuine island life, explore ancient history, and relax in a stunning Mediterranean setting.
Dominating the harbor, the impressive Bozcaada Castle is an unmissable first stop. This well-preserved fortress, with Venetian and Ottoman influences, offers stunning views of the town and the Aegean Sea and is just a short walk from the tender dock.
For a taste of the island's famous viticulture, a wine tasting tour is essential. Visitors can take a short taxi ride to renowned wineries like Corvus Vineyard to sample unique local varietals. Another key sight is the Bozcaada Windmills on the western cape, offering a picturesque spot for photos, especially at sunset. Finally, the historic Greek quarter with its beautiful architecture and the serene Ayazma Monastery provide a deep dive into the island's cultural heritage.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
While Bozcaada itself offers plenty to do, a popular excursion for those with enough time is to the mainland. The most significant nearby destination is the Ancient City of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Reaching it requires taking a 30-minute ferry to the Geyikli port, followed by a 25-minute taxi or bus ride to the archaeological site, making it a feasible but full-day trip.
Another mainland option is the city of Çanakkale, which serves as a gateway to the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. However, due to the multiple transport legs involved, visiting Gallipoli is often too ambitious for a standard cruise port call from Bozcaada and is better suited for visits from the Canakkale port itself.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Cruise ships visiting Bozcaada do not dock at a pier; instead, they anchor in the sheltered bay just off the main town. Passengers are brought ashore via tender boats.
The tenders drop passengers directly into the heart of Bozcaada's vibrant harbor. This location is ideal, as you step off the boat and are immediately in the town center, surrounded by waterfront restaurants, cafes, and shops. All the main attractions within the town are easily accessible on foot, so no further transportation or shuttles are required to begin your exploration.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The official currency in Bozcaada is the Turkish Lira (TRY). While some larger, tourist-focused establishments might accept Euros, it is highly recommended to use Lira for most transactions to get the best value.
ATMs are readily available in the main town center for withdrawing local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is wise to carry some cash for smaller purchases at local cafes, markets, or for minibus fares.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Bozcaada is widely regarded as a very safe and welcoming destination for tourists. The island has a low crime rate, and the small, close-knit community contributes to a secure environment. Visitors can feel comfortable exploring the main town and popular beaches independently, both during the day and in the evening.
Standard travel precautions should be observed, such as being aware of your surroundings and keeping an eye on your personal belongings in crowded areas. The main physical hazard might be the uneven cobblestone streets, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is highly recommended. There are no specific areas that tourists need to avoid.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Bozcaada enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate, making it an ideal cruise destination during the late spring, summer, and early autumn months. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), tempered by a consistent sea breeze known as the 'meltemi'.
The shoulder seasons of spring (May) and autumn (September-October) are very pleasant, with milder temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (65°F and 77°F) and plenty of sunshine. Rainfall is minimal during the cruise season. Visitors should pack light clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes. A light jacket is advisable for cooler evenings, especially in the spring or fall.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
The main town of Bozcaada is compact and best explored on foot. The charming cobblestone streets are pedestrian-friendly, and most in-town sights are within easy walking distance from where the tenders dock.
To reach the island's famous beaches, windmills, or vineyards, several options are available. Local minibuses (dolmuş) operate from a central station, providing regular and affordable service to popular spots like Ayazma Beach. Taxis are also available for more direct travel. For those wishing to explore independently, renting a bicycle or scooter is a popular and enjoyable island exploration.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
Shopping in Bozcaada is a delightful experience centered around local products and artisanal goods. The best shopping is found along the narrow, winding streets of the main town, which are filled with charming boutiques and small shops.
The island's most famous product is its wine, and many shops, as well as the wineries themselves, sell bottles to take home. Other local specialties to look for include homemade tomato jam (domates reçeli), poppy seed syrup (gelincik şurubu), and handcrafted ceramics. Prices in boutiques are typically fixed, but polite bargaining may be possible at local market stalls.
Last updated on June 29, 2025
From Bozcaada, you can take a ferry to the Gallipoli peninsula, a historic WWI site of immense global importance. Here you will explore the poignant landscapes and memorials where the famed Gallipoli Campaign took place.
The tour provides powerful views of the Dardanelles Straits, the strategic waterway that was the primary objective of the Allied campaign. Its commanding presence helps you understand the geography and military importance of the entire battle.
While exploring Bozcaada town, you can admire the unique and colorful private doors of the traditional Greek houses. These charming architectural details in the old town offer a wonderful photo opportunity and a glimpse into the island's past.
A key focus of the mainland tour is the ANZAC battlefields, where Australian and New Zealand forces fought. You will visit key sites like Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair to pay respect and learn about the soldiers' experiences.
Just south of the landing site is Brighton Beach, a serene coastline that was part of the original battle plan. It is a place for quiet reflection, contrasting the peaceful scenery of today with its turbulent history.
On this half-day tour, explore Gallipoli's ANZAC battlefields, a place of sacrifice where history and legend combine. Visit key sites including Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, and Beach Cemetery, the resting place of John Simpson Kirkpatrick. You will also see the Lone Pine and New Zealand Memorials, explore original trenches at Johnston's Jolly, and gain the Turkish perspective at the 57th Regiment Memorial.
Escape Istanbul for a two-day trip to explore the historic sites of Gallipoli and Troy. On day one, you will tour the Gallipoli battlefields, including Lone Pine and original trenches, before an overnight stay in the seaside town of Canakkale. Day two is dedicated to Troy, where you'll visit the museum, learn its myths and legends, and explore the nine ancient cities. The tour concludes with a return drive and drop-off at your Istanbul hotel.
Discover the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of pilgrimage where over 100,000 soldiers perished during the disastrous Gallipoli Campaign. This professionally guided tour honors the 2,721 Kiwis and 8,790 Aussies who were lost. The tour begins after lunch at a seaside restaurant, following pickup from your Eceabat hotel.
Join a local expert guide to study the historic Gallipoli Campaign on this immersive tour. You will visit both the proposed and actual landing beaches to better understand the strategic challenges. This excursion offers a unique opportunity to get a real feeling for the landscape where these momentous events unfolded.
Take a private tour focusing on the battlefields of the southern Gallipoli Peninsula, including Cape Helles where British and French troops landed. Visit the significant landing beaches of Morto Bay, V Beach, and W Beach. With specific casualty details, it is also possible to locate a particular war grave on this personalized tour.
Departing from Canakkale, this tour explores the Helles and Suvla battlefields. Learn about the crucial landing at Cape Helles, the naval attack on the Dardanelles, and the role of the Ottoman minelayer, Nusret. You will also discover the story of the Suvla Bay landing, the final attempt to break the deadlock of the Gallipoli Campaign.
Visit ancient Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage site immortalized in Homer's epic tales of Helen, Hector, and King Priam. Explore archaeological excavations that have unearthed city walls, temples, and a theatre, revealing a glorious past dating back to 3000 BC. This tour also includes a visit to the Archeological Museum to see groundbreaking finds from this legendary city.
Explore the ANZAC sector of the Gallipoli peninsula and walk in the footsteps of the soldiers who fought there. Learn about the pivotal events of 1915 that left a lasting mark on many nations. This unique tour offers a journey back in time, connecting the past where history was made with the present.
Delve into the mythology of Troy, from the Trojan Horse to Helen of Troy, while also learning the history of its discovery by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s. This tour explains the ongoing archaeological discoveries at the site. Explore the nine ancient cities that were discovered built one on top of the other, with history dating back to 3500 B.C.
Explore the legendary sites of Troy and Gallipoli, places long associated with sacrifice, heroism, and the combination of history and legend. Walk in the footsteps of ancient heroes like Achilles and Hector, as well as the “Johnnies and Mehmets” of the 1915 Gallipoli Campaign. Learn how the events of 1915 left an indelible mark on many nations.
Join a small-group tour of the Gallipoli ANZAC battlefields, departing from Canakkale with a professional English-speaking guide. Learn about the "ANZAC Spirit" and the nine-month campaign from the Australian, New Zealand, and Turkish perspectives. Your experience also includes a ferry ride across the narrowest part of the Dardanelles.
See the best of Troy and the Gallipoli ANZAC Battlefields in a single day, an ideal tour for those with limited time. With pickup from your Canakkale hotel, you will spend the morning exploring the ancient city of Troy. In the afternoon, visit poignant battlefields including ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, and the Chunuk-Bair New Zealand Memorial before returning to Canakkale.
Perfect for those with limited time, this full-day tour lets you experience both ancient Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields. Beginning with pickup from your Canakkale hotel, you'll spend the morning at Troy before enjoying lunch by the Dardanelles. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring key Gallipoli sites like ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk-Bair before the tour continues on to Istanbul.
Go beyond the famous ANZAC sector on this full-day tour exploring both the southern and northern battlefields of Gallipoli. Discover the Helles sector, which saw the heaviest fighting and greatest losses of the campaign. This comprehensive tour provides a greater understanding of the events and puts the involvement of all Turkish and Allied forces into perspective.
This comprehensive tour covers both legendary Troy and the historic battlefields of Gallipoli. Your guide will unravel the myths and history of Troy as you explore its nine layered cities and ancient sacrificial altars. Afterward, journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula to learn about the ill-fated ANZAC campaign by visiting memorials like Lone Pine and original trenches.
Enjoy a stress-free and convenient private transfer upon your arrival at Canakkale Airport. A professional driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your centrally located Canakkale hotel. Available 24/7, this door-to-door service uses comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with ample luggage space for individuals or groups.
This tour begins with a stop in the picturesque mountain village of Vatoussa before visiting the Moni Ipsilou monastery atop Mt Ordymnos. In the village of Sigri, you'll visit the Geological Museum of the Petrified Forest, which showcases Aegean flora from 20 million years ago. The tour concludes with free time in Sigri to swim at the sandy beach or enjoy a meal at a local tavern.
Enjoy a stress-free and convenient private transfer upon your arrival at Canakkale Airport. A professional driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your centrally located Gelibolu hotel. Available 24/7, this door-to-door service uses comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with ample luggage space for individuals or groups.
Enjoy a stress-free and convenient private transfer upon your arrival at Canakkale Airport. A professional driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your centrally located Canakkale hotel. Available 24/7, this door-to-door service uses comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with ample luggage space for individuals or groups.
Enjoy a stress-free and convenient private transfer upon your arrival at Canakkale Airport. A professional driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to your centrally located Gelibolu hotel. Available 24/7, this door-to-door service uses comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles with ample luggage space for individuals or groups.
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Overall Bozcaada is extremely affordable as a port of call. Look at the chart below for the average cost per day by month. Prices are around the same throughout the year.
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