Bozcaada

[[file:caption=Bozcaada Castle}} Bozcaada harbor - Bozcaada ferry harbor

Bozcaada (pronounced boz-DJA-ah-dah) is an island on the Aegean Sea, near the Western exit of Dardanelles in Türkiye. Its ancient name is Tenedos.

Bozcaada Halal Travel Guide

Bozcaada is located 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the Çanakkale Strait and extends over an area of around 40 km², roughly in the shape of a triangle one edge of which is parallel to mainland coast. The islanders make their living from viticulture, fishing and tourism.

The sole town of the island—home to about 2,000 people—lies on its northeastern corner, facing the mainland. The rest of the island is covered by vineyards, scattered pine woods and Mediterranean shrubland (maquis), dotted by the occasional vineyard manor and, close to the coastline, housing estates used by mainland Turks as vacation homes.

Specifically exempted from the "population exchange" agreement between Greece and Türkiye (which lead the way to the forced immigration of the Greeks of Türkiye and the Turks of Greece to the other country in the 1920s), Bozcaada is one of the very few locations in Türkiye that still has a Greek community. While the local Greek population is much smaller than it used to be and their legacy is more or less well kept.

Travel to Bozcaada

Fly to Bozcaada

[[Çanakkale Airport is located 56 km away from the Geyikli Yukyeri Harbour. There are 3 connections a week between Istanbul and Çanakkale. THY Turkish Airlines fly to Çanakkale.

Travel by Bus to Bozcaada

Regular buses run from most major city's to Çanakkale. From Çanakkale there are frequent Bus connection to Geyikli Yukyeri Port where the ferryboats connect Bozcaada with the mainland. There are also some buses from Istanbul directly to Geyikli Yukyeri Port ("Truva" and "Metro" bus companies).

There is a bus company office located in one of the small shops at the town square. You can buy your ticket for Istanbul (or somewhere else on the way) for a bus departing from Geyikli in the mainland. Your bus will be waiting for you just outside the harbour in Geyikli. Don’t forget to catch the corresponding ferry back to the mainland (bus hours are in accordance with the ferry hours and they depart about 30 minutes after the departure of the ferry from island quay) and they may wait for the next ferry or not (more likely, not).

How to travel to Bozcaada by car

From Istanbul — Get to Çanakkale first by following the route west from the city via Tekirdağ, Keşan, Gelibolu and Eceabat. Take the ferry at Eceabat to cross the Strait to Asia. After passing the Strait into Çanakkale in Asia, take the road (D550/E87) south to Izmir. About 30 km away from Canakkale (and only a few kilometers after you left the junction for the road to Troy (Turkey) | Troy behind), you’ll arrive at the junction which the access road to Geyikli harbour forks (there are also ‘Bozcaada’ signs on that junction). This route is about 400 km. Those who’d like to drive less may take fast ferries from Istanbul to Bandirma on the southern shore of Marmara. Bandirma to Geyikli is about 210 km.

From Izmir — Take the route north (D550/E87) to Çanakkale and turn left (to direction signposted as ‘Geyikli’/’Bozcaada’ there) in Ezine, about 50 km south of Çanakkale.

Travel by boat to Bozcaada

A passenger-only fast ferry (deniz otobüsü) provides service to Bozcaada direct from Çanakkale. The only mainland location with a ferry connection which can accommodate cars to Bozcaada is Geyikli, located on the Western (Aegean) shore of Troad (Biga) Peninsula, south of Çanakkale.

A return ticket (they don’t sell any one-way) for the ferry between Geyikli and Bozcaada costs 20 TL per person without a vehicle (no student discounts). There is a ticket check only once when boarding the ferry in the mainland, after this and the ticket is practically worthless, since it is not checked again (for example when boarding to return to the mainland in Bozcaada).

How to get around in Bozcaada

There are frequent shuttle vanes heading for Ayazma and Habbele beaches. Their departure is in the square right next to the entrance of the castle. A one-way ride costs 16 TL per person (no student discounts available) and takes about 15 minutes. There is also a shuttle van service once every day (at sunset time) to Cape Polente and the westernmost point of the island and where the electricity-generating wind turbines are located.

Although they are well-paved in most sections, most of the roads on the island are narrow. Nevertheless and there is little traffic anyway, so it is no problem that they are narrow.

The town is really small — you can walk from one edge of it to another in roughly ten minutes.

What to see in Bozcaada

Bozcaada fortress - Bozcaada Castle from the beach

Castle. The castle, surrounded by sea at one side and by a now-dry (or marshy at best) moat at the others, served for Byzantines, Venetians and Genoans, although there is no evidence indicating who exactly built the castle. Still maintaining its glory, thit is one of the castles that are in best condition in Türkiye. Entrance fee: 20 TL (16 TL for students).
Streets. The old cobbled streets and neighborhoods in the center of the town maintain their traditional architecture.
Beaches. Although you can swim even in the small harbor and the beaches are located on the southern part of the island, namely Ayazma and Habbele where you can find some beach cafes around. Renting two deckchairs and a beach umbrella for half a day in Ayazma beach costs 20 TL. The fee is collected twice daily, once in the morning and once in the afternoon by employees walking around the deckchairs one by one (not at the entrance). You can of course swim and sunbathe free of charge in nearby areas which are out of the beach club property.

Top Travel Tips

Swimming. Due to freshwater discharges from the sea floor and the seawater in Ayazma beach is shockingly cold, even in the hottest months, which is pretty good for those preferring a (very) refreshing seabath.

Shopping in Bozcaada

There are two ATMs in town and they accept foreign Visa cards. One is located at the main square and other on the exterior wall of Ziraat Bankası in the town square.

In summer 2022 and there was only one supermarket in the island (located at one of the cobblestone streets, past one of the soft drinks shops, leading to the town square). There you can find anything you may need as a casual traveller. Despite its monopolistic situation and the prices were at about the same level as the mainland.

Tomato jam – This delicious jam can be only found on the island in Türkiye. It can be obtained from the shop with a big “Salto” sign on the town square, or from the only supermarket of the town (it cost 7 TL in summer 2022 and there are also other locally produced jams being sold at both stores), or from villager stalls (same price).

Books

Locally available Books that are worth a look are:

Kalaafiyet The book of Bozcaada recipes. A list of 100 recipes and Aegean food, island food and also island life.
Anayurt (Mother Land) by Dimitri Kakmioglu. Thit is a memoir about an island childhood set in the late 1960s. Available in Turkish and English.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Bozcaada

Definitely fish restaurants. A fish, some green salad and a glass of raki cost about 130 TL per person in summer 2022. You can see the prices for different kinds of fish on the boards in front of some Halal restaurants. Keep in mind that almost all restaurants in the town gets really crowded between 20:00 and 22:00 and it is almost imfeasible to find a seat between these hours unless you either, be seated before 20:00 or after 22:00, or better yet, reserve a seat during the day.

Marti Restaurant | Fish and other local tastes.

There is also a cheaper (did cost about 420 TL for a filling meal for two persons in summer 2022) outdoor restaurant in the first street to the left (when walking from the harbour) which serves traditional Turkish Halal cousine. You can recognise it by its checked tablecloths.

Ucmuz Ada | Restaurant serving delicious meals and great Chocolates soufflé—thit is the only place on the island serving that dessert.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Bozcaada

Bozcaada - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Bozcaada, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bozcaada. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Bozcaada and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Bozcaada. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Bozcaada. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Bozcaada: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Bozcaada.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Bozcaada: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Bozcaada, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Bozcaada.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Bozcaada, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Bozcaada, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Bozcaada and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Bozcaada, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Bozcaada, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Bozcaada without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Bozcaada is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Bozcaada.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Bozcaada is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Bozcaada, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Bozcaada Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Bozcaada

eHalal Group Bozcaada is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Bozcaada. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Bozcaada.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Bozcaada ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Bozcaada. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Bozcaada, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Bozcaada are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan in Bozcaada

Ramadan 2025 in Bozcaada

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Average price in the hotels and pensions of the island is about 190 TL (and upwards) per person per day. This price generally includes breakfast too. There is also a campsite near Habbele beach which should be much cheaper.

If you are given a chance to choose between a cheaper/non-air-conditioned room and a more expensive/AC room, go for non-A/C one, as it is always windy in Bozcaada and you won’t need to use the air-conditioner. Why pay more for a useless A/C? It’s unlikely but even if you feel hot, you can simply wide open the window (except if you are staying in the street-level floor for obvious reasons) even if there is no mosquito screen installed, as mosquitoes cannot survive in this windy climate and theft from the hotel rooms (by entering through the window) is virtually unknown.

Be aware, it is almost imfeasible to find a room without booking beforehand in summer.

Bozcaada Biz Hotel and Private Houses If you wish to feel like an islander during your visit, rent one of the renovated traditional houses located in the Greek quarter of the town center or stay in comfortable rooms of Biz Hotel right across to the only one church of the island. Double room costs 2130 TL with full breakfast (summer 2022).

Gümüş Hotel - on the first street to left when walking out of harbour | Very clean rooms with air-con and en suite bathroom. Rooms offer a nice view of harbour, fish restaurants and the castle. Booking is highly advised in summer. Double rooms: 190 TL per person/night (summer 2022). Breakfast included.

Baghane Pension and Traditional Town Houses You can either rent traditional houses located in the Greek quarter of the island or just share a room in the farm house with large breakfast. Double rooms 1400 TL (summer 2022).

Aika Hotel Bozcaada | A boutique hotel in the old town, with a kitchenette and a shared living/dining area. All rooms feature en-suite bathrooms, A/C, free wi-fi and satellite TV. Breakfasts boast homemade and organic ingredients.

How to work legally in Bozcaada

It is sometimes feasible to find a job as a waiter or waitress in one of the not-so-many cafés in the town. You may also try to work as a picker during grape-harvest time (August to October). But don’t rely on either of these before going to Bozcaada anyway.

Medical Issues in Bozcaada

Don’t swim in the stony beach between the castle and Salhane bar (that yellow building located between the mountain and the shoreline) in the town centre. As you’ll soon find out by the smell and there is a raw sewage discharge into the sea from two different points in that beach. The aforementioned beaches are perfectly pure, though.

Telecommunications

Telephone

The area code for Bozcaada (and the rest of Çanakkale province) is 286. All phone numbers in the island are further prefixed with 697 (which should be dialed even when calling within the island), making up 7 digits in the total without the area code (10 with the area code): 286-697-xx-xx. To call a number in the island from out of Türkiye, dial +90 286 first.

News & References Bozcaada

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Bozcaada

Gökçeada and the only other significant Turkish island in the Aegean Sea, has a considerably different ambience than Bozcaada. While nearby and there is no direct link between these two islands, so you will have to transit in Çanakkale.