Turkey is a country that’s blessed with all kinds of things and places an adventurer at heart requires ones that range from ancient heritage points and amazing architecture to spectacular coastlines and islands. It is a destination in which wherever you go, you’re bound to come up with something stunning and wonderful, whether it’s any culture heritage site or its famous natural beauty. One of the best ways to truly see and experience its stunning and renowned beauty is by exploring and going on a trip to Turkey’s islands.
One thing you’ll find in Turkey is that it has some of the world’s best coastlines and a lot of islands. Turkey’s islands are, in particular, some of the best destinations in the world for any kind of tourist. Filled with tons of attractions, spectacular natural beauty and ancient remains, a trip to Turkey’s islands is necessary if you truly wish to fully explore the country’s beauty.
This fact and blessing of Turkey having lots of islands is in fact due to the country being located between three seas, the Black Sea, the Aegean Sea, and the famous Mediterranean Sea. With each sea having its own weather patterns and climates, a trip to Turkey’s islands feels different and unique wherever you go and explore, whether it’s the southern islands, north islands, or the western islands on the sea border with Greece.
In today’s blog we’ve made a helpful travel guide on exploring the Top 5 Turkey islands to help travelers know what to visit and see on a trip.
Exploring Turkey’s Islands: The Top 5 Turkey Islands to Visit
The islands of Turkey each are home to their own unique natural beauty and a share of ancient history. From before the times of the ancient Greeks to today’s modern Turkey these islands have retained their unique charm and allure all the while boasting of being the best destinations in which one can have an unforgettable vacation. To start off, here are the Top 5 islands in Turkey to visit on a trip:
1. Prince’s Islands – Istanbul
The Prince’s Islands in Istanbul are one of the top destinations to visit in Turkey and are home to a unique share of history. They are located close to Istanbul in the Marmara Sea and are one of the prettiest spots in the country. The picturesque islands consist of nine separate land masses, of which only four are accessible to tourists to this date.
Its history is unique in the regard that many Byzantine royal family members and people belonging to its aristocracy or the elite class were sent to exile to these islands, just far away from the empire’s heated politics in Constantinople. These islands also have an Ottoman history as they were also a vacation spot for many Ottoman elite class members.
However, as time has passed by it has now become a popular tourist spot for its spectacular natural beauty and its history which can be seen in its Ottoman-era mansions and other remnants from some centuries ago.
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2. Bozcaada Island – Canakkale Province
The ancient Bozcaada island is another place where one can go on an unforgettable trip to Turkey’s islands. It is located in the Canakkale Province of Turkey, right at the start of the Dardanelles Strait. It is quite famous for its picturesque beaches, amazing history, and a fascinating mixture of cultural heritage.
Stepping into Bozcaada feels as though you’ve been transported back in time as the scenic island has a history that goes back to Antiquity in the Bronze Age, way before the times of Alexander the Great and others, who controlled this scenic stretch of land. The island hosts the best beaches in the Aegean and is also famous for its water sports.
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3. Cunda Island – Balikesir Province
On No.3 in our list of the top 5 Turkey islands, is the famous Cunda or Alibey Island, a place where you can just relax and revel amidst the stunning beauty of nature. It sits in Balikesir province in the Aegean Sea and is a part of the picturesque and stunning islands that adorn the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece.
The island is famous for its gastronomy scene and its Turkish/Greek heritage. Which is why you will find some of the best Turkish/Greek sea cuisine on the island. Apart from this food scene the island is the perfect spot to take a vacation, with spectacular beaches, amazing cuisines, and a chance to take a history lesson all present there to make a perfect and memorable trip to Turkey’s islands.
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4. Gokceada Island – Canakkale Province
The serene and peaceful Gokceada island is on No.4 of our list and is also a must-visit site for nature lovers in Turkey. It is a fascinating and amazing destination to explore and has its own unique striking beauty combined with a rich cultural heritage.
It’s an island where you can get a blast to the past with several quaint and beautiful villages adorned all over the picturesque spot.
5. Kalekoy Island – Antalya Province
Although sparsely populated, Kalekoy Island is a hidden and serene spot in the Mediterranean Sea. Located close to Antalya, it’s not the most popular spot for tourists but has everything you would require to have a memorable and private vacation. It houses ruins from the Lycian era and has an old Byzantine castle, some must-visit spots on the island as a part of its cultural heritage. For those who wish to have a trip in solitude and connect with nature, this island is the best spot one could think of.
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When To Visit And Make A Trip To Turkey’s Islands
Summer and spring are the best times to visit any of Turkey’s islands (as you would have guessed it). The weather during those times is perfect for a vacation or a trip as the islands transform into a haven for nature lovers and vacationers. Exploring these islands has its spectacular feel during summer and spring.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Trip to Turkey’s Islands
Q. What is the best island to visit near Istanbul?
A. The Princes Islands are the best islands to visit near Istanbul. They are home to a lot of unique history, stunning destinations and is one of the best places to visit.
Q. What is the best island to visit in Turkey?
A. You can’t just pick one as there are a lot of contenders for the best island to visit in Turkey such as Kalekoy Islands, Princes Islands, Alibey Island and others.
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Know How and When To Make A Trip To Turkey’s Islands Memorable With iLinkTurkey’s Guide
Diving deep into a place is how you get the best places to explore and in the case of finding natural beauty and serene spots in Turkey, you can find that in Turkey’s islands. Being some of the best places to explore in Turkey, a trip to Turkey can easily be made more memorable and fun with a trip to Turkey’s islands.
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