The Most Beautiful Islands in Turkey
Looking for an alternative to the Greek Islands? Explore Turkey’s Aegean coastline and its collection of beautiful, less-discovered islands.
Located across the Aegean Sea from Greece, Turkey’s islands offer distinctive scenery, cuisine, and cultural traditions, with many sharing the character of their Greek neighbors while retaining their own identity. From Gökçeada to the Princes’ Islands, they provide an exceptional setting for a Private Yacht Charter through the Mediterranean.
Discover five of Turkey’s most beautiful islands and add them to your Turkey Yacht Charter itinerary.
Bozcaada Island
Bozcaada reflects Turkey’s distinctive Greek and Ottoman heritage, with whitewashed villas and Greek tavernas alongside mosques and Ottoman-style houses. Explore hillside wineries, sandy beaches, local food markets, ancient ruins, historic windmills, and monuments.
Why It’s Great: Bozcaada offers the character of the Aegean without the crowds associated with some neighboring Greek islands.
Where to Go: Ayazma Beach is the island’s popular crescent-shaped beach, known for clear water, nearby resorts, spas, and seafood restaurants.
Gokceada Island
Mountainous Gökçeada combines historic Greek villages, protected natural landscapes, olive groves, and panoramic coastal views. Its proximity to the Greek islands of Limnos and Samothraki also makes it an appealing stop on an Aegean yacht charter, with Greek influences evident in the local cuisine.
Why It’s Great: Gökçeada offers an appealing combination of nature, hiking, local cuisine, wineries, and olive oil production.
Where to Go: Explore the historic Greek villages of Tepeköy and Dereköy, with cobbled streets and elevated views across the island.
Cunda Island
Located near Lesbos and just off Ayvalık, Cunda Island combines Greek heritage, cobbled streets, pine forests, beaches, and distinctive local cuisine. Its coastline offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, and exploring nearby islands and coves.
Why It’s Great: Cunda provides an accessible introduction to Turkey’s Aegean culture, history, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Where to Go: Explore Ayvalık Islands Nature Park, home to 22 islands, or take a tender to discover secluded coves and nearby islets. Mola Beach, Ayazma Plajı, and Kesebir Beach are also worth visiting.
Buyukada Island
The largest of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, Büyükada has long offered an escape from the capital’s pace. Historic Ottoman architecture, markets, seafood restaurants, and elegant Turkish villas define the island, while its ban on motor vehicles creates a remarkably tranquil atmosphere.
Why It’s Great: Büyükada combines history, architecture, and a slower pace within easy reach of Istanbul.
Where to Go: Visit Dock Square, the island’s commercial center, and continue to St. George Monastery in the hills for panoramic views.
Chios Island
Although part of Greece, Chios lies close to Turkey’s Çeşme coast and can complement an Aegean yacht charter itinerary. Discover Mavra Volia, a striking black-pebble beach, and Nea Moni Monastery, an 11th-century Byzantine landmark celebrated for its mosaics.
Why It’s Great: Chios offers a natural extension to a Turkey yacht charter, combining dramatic coastline, history, and Greek island culture.
Where to Go: Vroulidia Beach, framed by limestone cliffs and turquoise waters, is a standout coastal destination.
Find a Yacht
For Your Turkey Yacht Charter
Browse our selection of Turkey boat rentals and connect with us to find the perfect yacht for your charter vacation.
Let Us Craft the Charter of Your Dreams!
We craft memorable yacht charters in Turkey.
Let’s start planning your next vacation on the water!
