Gökçeada

The only way to reach the island is by sea. Gestaş ferries departing from Kabatepe Pier arrive at Kuzulimanı in 60-75 minutes. In the summer season, there are 6 round trips on weekdays and 8 on weekends. Those coming from Istanbul follow the TEM highway route via Tekirdağ-Keşan-Gelibolu-Eceabat to reach Kabatepe; this distance is approximately 300 km and takes 3.5 hours. For those who want to go by bus, companies like Çanakkale Truva and Metro Turizm offer direct services between Istanbul and Gökçeada, with the journey taking around 4-6 hours. Those coming from İzmir, Ankara, Bursa can take a bus to Çanakkale and then transfer to Kabatepe minibuses. Flying to Çanakkale Airport is also an option; from there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Kabatepe.

Between May and October, sea enjoyment and thus island life are at their liveliest. In July-August, windsurfing coves are bustling, and beaches experience their busiest period. In late September and October, crowds decrease while the sea water remains warm, which is advantageous for those preferring the late season. In winter, ferry services become less frequent, and some guesthouses and restaurants close. If you are planning a winter visit, it is advisable to call ahead to confirm which places are open.

Places to see in Gökçeada are not concentrated in a single center; beaches, villages, and natural areas are scattered all over the island. Unlike Bozcaada, exploring on foot or by bicycle is not practical here. Bringing your own vehicle or renting a car on the island is almost essential. Public transportation options are limited, with dolmuş services operating at specific times and on specific routes.

Considering the size of the island and the scattered nature of its attractions, 2-3 days is a realistic period. One day can be allocated for Kaleköy and its surroundings, including the historic castle and fishing port. On other days, it is possible to take beach breaks in different coves and wander through the olive grove villages. For single-day visits, only one or two spots can be seen, depending on ferry schedules. Avoiding a rushed schedule offers a more relaxed experience.

On the first day, after arriving at Kuzulimanı, settling in the center and getting to know the surrounding villages is a good start. On the second day, heading to Kaleköy to visit the Byzantine castle and fishing port, then spending time around the Underwater National Park, makes sense. The third day can be planned as the last day before returning, heading to the windsurfing coves for a beach break. Since you are traveling by car, the order of the route may need to be changed according to weather conditions and wind direction.

According to the 2026 tariff, a pedestrian round-trip ticket is 215 TL, and a one-way fee for a car is around 1,400 TL. Adakart holders receive significant discounts on vehicle crossings. For those traveling from Istanbul by bus, ticket prices vary between 900-1,200 TL, depending on the company and time. If you are buying tickets at the ticket office, be prepared with cash; some ticket offices may not accept credit cards. The healthiest way to confirm current prices is via gdu.com.tr.

Since the places to visit on the island are far from each other, going without a car can complicate your plans. Ferry services can be canceled due to weather conditions, especially in winter, this risk increases. In the summer season, waiting times for vehicle crossings can be long, so being at the pier early makes things easier. Having cash for ticket office payments is also a practical precaution.