Turkey is one of the countries that is famous for its beautiful beaches and history. From the Aegean coast to historical buildings, it can be an interesting tourist spot for tourists.
If you want a vacation to enjoy the beauty of the beach and culture, here are some choices of islands in Turkey that you can choose.
Location: Marmara, Turkey
Features: Famous for its wine production
Bozcaada or popularly known as Tenodos is a small island located off the coast of Turkey. This island has stunning natural beauty and is very historical. Bozcaada is one of the islands mentioned in various Greek myths. This is clearly seen in its architecture which is still influenced by the Venetian to Ottoman civilizations.
If you want to witness Turkish history, visiting this place is the right place. Its natural beauty and history have very high cultural value.
Find the best villas and hotels in Bozcaada on Traveloka.
Location: Balikesir, Turkey
Feature: Taxiarchist Church
Cunda Island or Alibey Island is one of the islands in the Aegean Sea, Turkey. This island not only offers beautiful scenery, but also has a strong history.
This is an island that presents ancient Greek and Roman culture. One of its attractions is being an important religious center during the Byzantine period.
Following the 1923 population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the island's Greek population was replaced by Turks from Crete and Lesbos. Cunda is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant local culture, and a variety of accommodations, making it a popular destination for relaxation and exploration, especially in spring, summer, and autumn.
Visit Cunda Panorama Hotel for Vacations in Turkey.
Location: Lake van, Turjey
Feature: The second largest of the four main islands in Lake Van, in eastern Turkey
Akdamar Island, also the second largest of the four main islands in Lake Van, in eastern Turkey Called Aghtamar or Akhtamar, is the second largest of the four main islands in Lake Van, located in eastern Turkey. The island covers an area of about 0.7 km² and lies around 3 km from the shore.
A striking feature of the island is a grey limestone cliff on its western end, which rises 80 meters above the lake's level, with the island gently sloping down to the east where a spring provides fresh water.
The island is most famous for the 10th-century Armenian Holy Cross Cathedral, which served as the seat of the Armenian Apostolic Catholicosate of Aghtamar from 1116 to 1895. King Gagik I Artsruni of the Armenian Kingdom of Vaspurakan once made this island one of his residences. While the exact origin of the island’s name is unclear, there is a folk legend tied to it.
Visitors can reach Akdamar Island on a day trip from Van, and the Church of the Holy Cross stands out as a major tourist attraction.
Location: Mediterranean Sea, Turkey
Feature: Popular destination for large Turkish gulets
Gemiler Island or Gemile Adasi is a historical island located in Fethiye, Turkey. This island is famous among tourists because it has ruins of ancient buildings such as churches and other buildings that appear to be from the 4th to 6th centuries AD.
Another interesting thing about Gemiler Island is that it has a 350-meter long footpath that stretches from the top of the island to the sea.
At the island’s highest point, there’s a church carved directly into the rock, a prime example of rock-cut architecture, which was typical in the Byzantine era for regions with rocky landscapes.
Gemiler Island is a popular stop for large Turkish gulets, attracting many tourists and smaller private boats. The Byzantine ruins are visible from the sea, and during the summer, a small makeshift restaurant operates in the bay, catering to sailors.
Location: Aegean Sea
Feature: Beautiful forest view
Gokceada, also known as Imroz or Imbros, is the largest island of Turkey, located in Canakkale Province. Gokceada is located in the Aegean Sea where the Gulf of Saros and the Dardanelles Strait meet. It is also the westernmost point of Turkey.
Historically, the island was primarily inhabited by ethnic Greeks since the Iron Age until approximately the 1960s. The island was Greek until 1923, when along with Tenedos / Bozcaada it was assigned to Turkey.
Gökçeada is a popular tourist destination with attractions like Aydıncık Beach, Gizli Liman Beach, Kalekoy, Laz Bay, and Gokhanin Bal Ciftligi. The island is known for its untouched architecture and vast greenery.
Location: Turjey
Feature: castle on the island, which is situated across the bay of Kusadasi
Pigeon Island, Saint Lucia: This 44-acre islet was once an island but was connected to the mainland in 1972 by a man-made causeway. It's famous for its historical significance and scenic beauty.
The island has two beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One beach is ideal for families with young children due to its calm waters. Hike up Signal Hill, the island's highest point, for breathtaking panoramic views of Saint Lucia and neighboring Martinique.
Pigeon Island is the venue for the annual Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, a popular tourist attraction. This island is famous for its beautiful coral reefs and pristine beaches. Because of its beauty, the local government made this island a wildlife sanctuary in 1963 and a national park in 2003.
This park consists of two islands, the large Pigeon Island and the small Pigeon Island. Both are home to various types of plants and animals.
If you visit here, you can not only enjoy the natural beauty, but you can also do other interesting activities. For example, swimming, snorkeling, and diving in the coral reefs. This island also has several small beaches for sunbathing.
Location: Istanbul Turkey
Feature: Stories about the tower
Kız Kulesi, also known as the Maiden's Tower, is an iconic structure located on a small islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Turkey. It is steeped in history and legend, making it one of Istanbul's most captivating landmarks.
The structure has been used variously as a watchtower, a lighthouse, and a defense tower. The current tower, which was built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror, has undergone several restorations.
The current structure, built in the 18th century, features Ottoman architectural elements. It stands on a stone base and includes a cylindrical tower topped with a conical roof. Over the centuries, the tower has undergone numerous restorations, the most recent being in the late 20th century, which has helped preserve its historic character.
Kız Kulesi is one of Istanbul’s most recognized landmarks and is featured prominently in Turkish literature, films, and artworks. Due to its picturesque location and the legends surrounding it, the tower is a popular spot for romantic outings, including proposals and weddings.
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Feature: The largest of the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul
Buyukada Island is one of the largest islands located in the Princes' Islands, Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul. This island was once used as a place of lighting for members of the royal family and high-ranking officials.
The island later became a favored retreat for Byzantine emperors, who constructed grand palaces and monasteries along its coastline. In the 19th century, Büyükada underwent another transformation when affluent Greek and Armenian families built magnificent mansions on the island.
Buyukada is a popular holiday destination primarily with local Turkish visitors, though it also attracts tourists from many other international countries. The island is accessible by Sehir Hatları ferries from Eminonu and Kabataa on the European side of Istanbul and from Kadikoy and Bostanci on the Asian side of the city.
Location: Mugla
Feature: The Castle of St. Peter,
Bodrum is a resort town on the southern Aegean coast of Turkey . It's known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and lively nightlife. Bodrum was founded by the ancient Greeks and was known as Halicarnassus. It was once home to the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Bodrum has many beautiful beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. Some of the most popular beaches include Bitez Beach, Gumbet Beach, and Bodrum Beach. This island is also known for its lively nightlife scene. There are many bars, clubs, and restaurants in Bodrum town center and the surrounding resorts.
Bodrum has a wide variety of hotels, resorts, and apartments to choose from. If you're looking for a lively atmosphere, you may want to stay in Bodrum town center. If you're looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, you may want to stay in one of the smaller resorts outside of Bodrum town center.
Kinaliada, also known as Kinali Ada or Kinalikoy, is the smallest and closest of the nine Prince Islands (Adalar) to Istanbul, Turkey, lying about 12 kilometers (7.5 mi) south of the city center in the Sea of Marmara . Kinaliada's name comes from the Turkish word "Kinali," which means "having henna," referring to the reddish color of the soil on the island, which is caused by iron oxide deposits.
Kınalıada is a car-free island, making it a peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. It's a popular destination for day trips and weekend escapes, especially during the summer months. The island has several small coves with beaches, offering opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing by the sea.
The island has three main hills: Teşvikiye Hill, Çınar Hill, and Monastery Hill. Each hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Sea of Marmara. You can hike up for scenic vistas or enjoy a leisurely climb.
Kinaliada is also famous for its delicious seafood restaurants, offering fresh catches from the Marmara Sea. Overall, This island is a charming island escape ideal for relaxation, exploration, and savoring fresh seafood.
Kekova Island, also known as Caravola or Dolichiste, is a small, uninhabited island off the Turkish Mediterranean coast near the Demre district of Antalya Province . It faces the villages of Kalekoy (ancient Simena) and Ucagiz (ancient Teimioussa), and is known for its proximity to the sunken city of Kekova.
The island itself is just 4.5 square kilometers and offers no permanent dwellings. However, the surrounding Kekova region, encompassing the island, the villages, and the ancient cities, is a popular tourist destination.
Overall, Kekova Island and the surrounding region offer a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and relaxation. It's a perfect destination for those interested in exploring underwater ruins, ancient villages, and stunning coastlines.
Find other interesting activities in Kekova. Here are some recommendations for the best Turkish islands in Turkey. If you want to visit, book your flights and hotels through Traveloka. You can easily make reservations for accommodations, including restaurant bookings, event tickets, and other exciting activities. Download the Traveloka app now and enjoy the convenience of planning your holiday!