TURKEY
GOKCEADA BEACH - TURKEY
TURKEY BEACHES
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The most western point in Turkey and its biggest island is Gokceada, at the entrance of Saros Bay in the north of the Aegean Sea.
It is one of the least visited beaches in Turkey though it is famous for its fascinating natural beauty: 290 km2 of volcanic landscape covered with pine trees, olive trees and vineyards; mountains with dense vegetation and white houses, and an amazing coastline shaped by strange rock formations and white sand beaches that plunge into the blue Aegean waters.
There is a historical reason why it does not receive many tourists at present : it was established as a colony about 450 BC and retained by Athens for the next six centuries. With the decline of the Athenian empire, it remained at the mercy of pirates and retained successively by the Ottoman, Greek and Turkish empires.
The conflicts between Greece and Turkey made the Greek neglect the island, so tourism did not develop though it is one of the most beautiful places in Turkey.
WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO DO - HOTELS AND ACTIVITIES
Tourists are advised to go on a day trip to Gokceada and stay in mainland Turkey, which offers better and cheaper accommodation.
If you are fond of windsurfing, you must visit Kefalos beach where you will also have the opportunity to relax in an ideal saltwater spa.
Another interesting point is the ancient castle of Kalekoy Kastro with striking views, or Zeytinli and Tepekoy villages. You can also visit the beautiful Valley in Sahinkaya, with a crater holding a natural swimming pool. There is also the historic town of Derekoyu which has been long-abandoned but was once the wealthiest village all over Turkey.
If you are a diving lover, you must visit the Submarine National Park, which offers abundant sea life as well as ancient artifacts and some old cities remains.
WHEN AND HOW TO GO - WEATHER AND TRANSPORTATION
You can take a ferry from Cannakale and travel along the striking coast of Callipoli to finally arrive in Gokceada.
The best months to go are between April and October.
