Hoynat Island

The island can be seen for free all year round and at any hour, but the best time for the view is spring and summer. For birdwatchers, it is especially preferred during these months as it coincides with the nesting period of European shags. A point frequently emphasized by visitors is the nature of the Black Sea: in wavy and cloudy weather, the sea looks rough, while on sunny and calm days, both the water and the view are much more inviting. Hours close to sunset are another preferred time for photography.

From Ordu city center, follow the coastal road towards Perşembe, along the Yason Burnu route. If you're driving your own car, the road is signposted and asphalt, with parking areas near the island. For those preferring public transport, OrduBirlik buses run frequently along the coastal road; you can get off at the nearest stop and reach it with a short walk. Those coming from Samsun can take the Perşembe coastal road after the Fatsa exit. The old coastal road is also used as an alternative route.

Hoynat Island is located within the borders of Perşembe's Ramazan Village, right next to the Hoynat Tunnel. The district is known as a "Cittaslow" (Slow City) and features several other natural stops along its coastal road. Yason Burnu is one of them, a spot where you can stop for a short break when coming to or returning from the island. The distance between Perşembe center and the island is not long, making it easy to plan as part of a day trip.

Since access to the island is prohibited, it is a short stop. 30 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient for taking photos at the viewpoint, watching birds with binoculars, and enjoying the scenery. It is possible to make a half-day trip by including the Perşembe coastal road and Yason Burnu in your itinerary.

Access to the island is prohibited; visits can only be made from the coast. Some comments mention a litter problem in the area, with plastic waste being left behind, so it's important to take what you bring back with you. For those wishing to swim, calm and sunny days should be preferred due to the wave structure of the Black Sea. Parking is generally not an issue.

The viewing areas arranged along the coast offer angles that clearly show the island and the sea. Hours close to sunset stand out as a time when the light changes color and the scenery takes on a different character. Some visitors state that the island appears more impressive in photos than what they actually see, so it's good to adjust expectations accordingly. The binoculars placed in the area provide an additional opportunity for those who want to see the island and its birds up close.

On the island, there are ancient wall fragments and a cistern. These indicate that there was a settlement or refuge here in ancient times; it is believed that sailors used it for storage. The reason it gained archaeological site status in 2004 is due to these ruins. On the natural side, the gull and cormorant population stands out, especially since it is the only known breeding ground for European shags in Turkey, making the island special for birdwatching.