Türkiye’s appeal lies in so many places, from Istanbul’s iconic attractions to the sun-soaked beaches and bazaars of Izmir and the otherworldly Cappadocia, with its cave hotels and hot air balloon rides. With such diverse choices, deciding where to start your Turkish adventure can be tricky. However, if you’re seeking to experience a more laid-back Türkiye through the eyes of the locals, there are numerous destinations worth exploring.
While most tourists gravitate towards the Mediterranean coast’s glamorous resorts, heading north along the picturesque Aegean coast bordering Greece unveils hidden gems cherished by Turkish holidaymakers. Here, you’ll stumble upon bougainvillea-draped villages, wineries, historical treasures, and stunning coastlines.
An Aegean island idyll: Bozcaada
Jennifer Hattam is a journalist who calls Istanbul home.
Caressed by the cooling winds blowing over the Aegean Sea, the island of Bozcaada sits just five miles off Türkiye’s northwestern coastline, a mere half-hour ferry ride from the mainland but still remote enough to have retained much of its natural beauty and laid-back charm.
Travelers arriving in the picturesque harbor are greeted by an imposing fortress that attests to a long history of inhabitation on the island. I like to stay in the nearby old Greek Quarter, an atmospheric neighborhood rife with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and small hotels. As you wander the narrow backstreets, keep an eye out for the eclectic local history museum located in a 19th-century stone house.
Though prices and the island’s popularity among Turkish visitors have increased, it’s hard not to eat and drink well on Bozcaada. Tiny Ada’m serves creative, delicious seafood and vegetable meze (sharing plates), while local wineries like Talay and Corvus have tasting rooms open to the public. Browse the open-air market near the harbor for homemade jams, hand-dried herbs, and other edible souvenirs.
I like to work up an appetite swimming at sublime Sulubahçe Plajı, while more adventurous sorts can kitesurf at long, windswept Çayır Plajı, just two of the island’s many fine beaches. This is the kind of place where languid days are best spent without much of an agenda; however, lively events like the Bozcaada Jazz Festival and the annual grape harvest provide bonus reasons to make a visit.
Türkiye’s largest but quietest island: Gökçeada
Ömercan Kaçar is a travel, culture, and history writer from Istanbul.
I used to find island holidays somewhat uninspiring until I stumbled upon Gökçeada, Türkiye’s largest island. Nestled at the entrance of the Gulf of Saros, just west of Gallipoli, this gem recently lured me from Istanbul with its promise of tranquility and clean, windswept beaches.
While Gallipoli has long been a popular tourist destination, Gökçeada remained somewhat under the radar until recent years when Turkish families discovered its peaceful allure for their vacations. The journey here is a pleasant 1.5-hour sea bus or ferry ride from Çanakkale. As you step onto this island with pristine bays and beaches, you’ll understand precisely why Gökçeada translates to “heavenly island.” Among the array of stunning coastal spots, two beaches stand out for me for their crystal-clear waters: Kefalos and Uğurlu. Secluded Kefalos Bay, in particular, is a haven for those who enjoy watersports.
The Aegean is generally the least developed coastline, and on Gökçeada, you’ll find a host of family-run pensions. For an authentic island experience, consider staying at a charming family-owned establishment with stone architecture that reflects the island’s laid-back spirit.
What truly sets Gökçeada apart is its rich Greek-Turkish shared history, being the birthplace of Archbishop of Constantinople Bartholomew I. As you explore the villages, you’ll immerse yourself in a unique culture where Turks and Greeks coexist harmoniously.
The quieter side of the Med: Akyarlar
Ismet Esroy is a travel guidebook writer living in Izmir.
My family owns a small timeshare, so I’ve been going to Akyarlar in the Bodrum Peninsula for over 20 years. While there’s nothing “off-radar” about Bodrum Town, particularly for Turkish and northern European holidaymakers, Akyarlar is the peninsula’s more laid-back region—an escape route for those wanting a relatively peaceful holiday without being affected by the summer crowds of the city.
Surrounded by the Aegean Sea’s aqua waters, you can swim at various spots in the district. Karaincir, Akçabük, and Meteor are the most well-known beaches in the area and my favorites because the water is so clear and there are usually activities like kayaking and boat tours. Akyarlar offers several lodging alternatives that suit a range of budgets and tastes.
My first choice for food in Akyarlar would be a local eatery known for its appetizing Black Sea region-style pides, as locals have always preferred this restaurant.
