This Island Is The Mediterranean’s Best Kept Secret For A Paradise Vacation

Do you know there is a spitting picture of the island of Greece, but it surely’s actually not Greece in any respect?

At the very least not any longer…

With hundreds of islands speckled throughout the huge Aegean, Greece has no scarcity of map-dot paradises.

However there’s one island a stone’s throw from lesser-known Greek islands and mainland Turkiye’s shoreline.

As soon as ethnically-Greek till the twentieth century, when it had a completely totally different (and far simpler to spell) identify, the Greek vibes began manner again when it was Tenedos.

These days, even with plain traits matching that of Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos (with out the buzzing nightlife), the virtually unknown Turkish island of Bozcaada is the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret for a paradise trip.

Regardless of should you’re a historical past buff, foodie, wine lover, tradition seeker, or simply merely looking for a brand new journey within the Med, Bozcaada will go away a long-lasting impression, making the far-flung journey worthwhile.

Greek Vibes However No Crowds!

Santorini is an iconic identify in the identical breath as Athens, although for totally several types of holidays.

In a traditional 12 months, Santorini could be overflowing with vacationers, however as a result of earthquakes, this ordinary trip hotspot discovered itself in a shaky decline, but that hasn’t stopped vacationers from far and extensive flocking to different Greek islands.

Turkiye’s Bozcaada provides the identical expertise with Turkish aptitude and throughout the similar neighborhood of Greece because it shares otherworldly blue-water shores, unimaginable views, and sensational delicacies — all with out crowds any time of 12 months.

Bozcaada is a textbook hidden gem. In reality, it is largely native Turks and Greeks who go to to flip the script and escape the Brits, Aussies, and sure, People.

I as soon as requested a neighborhood cafe proprietor how they compete with Starbucks, they usually informed me their objective is to serve 3000 clients per week. To that I mentioned, “good luck”.

To place in perspective the dearth of crowds, that is how many individuals dwell on Bozcaada Island.

However as they are saying, good issues are available small packages (except for honeymoons).

This blip on the map is stuffed with surprises. With a balanced mix of Greek and Turkish affect, you may expertise slivers of Istanbul and Athens in pint-sized type, such because the island’s largest shock you probably by no means knew existed, the staggering Bozcaada Citadel.

It is no Acropolis or grand mosque, but it surely’s a sight to behold. Better of all, there is not any line to go to and expertise its magic along with the charming maze of cobbled streets on the town.

Fairly Seashores & Cozy Stays: Depart The Overpriced Villas To Santorini

I am not one to go up a ritzy all-inclusive after I get the possibility, however I additionally get pleasure from an genuine keep with out the pizazz simply as a lot generally.

Since Bozcaada is a year-round vacation spot boasting an enviable Mediterranean local weather, listed below are just a few seashores to bear in mind with feedback from current beachgoers (although some say Bozcaada’s waters may be chilly):

• Sulubahçe Seaside: “Nearly excellent. Beloved it. Among the best seashores I’ve ever visited.”
• Ayazma Seaside: “It is a good looking, sandy seaside. It isn’t too crowded on weekdays.”
• Tuzburnu Seaside: “In the event you do not like seaweed, it is a good looking sandy seaside”

Some seashores cost for loungers and umbrellas, but it surely will not break the financial institution. It is clever to convey money (Turkish lira).

As you may think, a little-known island of three,000 residents does not have many locations to remain.

Pelagos Resort provides one of the best location at premium pricing, however Bozcaada Denizyildizi Otel goes for below $100 per night time in October.

Wine & Dine In Paradise

In the event you do not comply with international information, you could have missed how up and down Turkiye’s financial system may be.

As such, it is exhausting to foretell pricing throughout the board, but it surely’s cheap to recommend $10 will get you an unforgettable meal, particularly should you’re into recent seafood.

Although Bozcaada’s declare to fame for these within the know is the rising wine scene.

Extremely-regarded Corvus Vineyard has change into a go-to spot for these with explicit palates searching for hard-to-find grapes and a way of serenity in a tranquil inland setting.

Not that Bozcaada actually will get crowded, if you wish to go to true off-path vineyards, even among the few thousand locals probably have not ventured to Previous Stone Effectively Winery.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Author & Journalist based mostly in San Diego has visited 36 nations and written over 1000 articles with a deal with sharing his personal journey experiences and shining a light-weight on lesser-known gems.