Gökçeada

Located just to the west off the coast of the Gallipoli Peninsula on the Aegean Sea, Gökçeada only comes to life during peak summer. Outside of the high season, this is one of the best places to visit for island fans interested in nature and quiet beach breaks.

Today, the stone-cut architecture and cobblestone streets of the empty, ruined villages dot the hilly island's interior are reminders of the island's chaos of modern history and Greek heritage.

Summer visitors spend most of their time here relaxing on the beaches of the south coast of Aydıncık and Kapıkaya. Windsurfing lovers often head to Aydıncık beach. Winter and spring visitors often come here to see the flamingos wintering at the island's salt lake. For the more active, exploring the interior of the island and its villages by mountain bike is popular.

Accommodation is scattered across the island. It's the most intimate, family-run boutique hotel and retirement home, with a few larger hotels included. There are regular car ferries year-round connecting Kabatepe on the Gallipoli Peninsula with the island and a twice-weekly passenger-only ferry from Çanakkale.

Location: North of the entrance of Dardanelles Strait, Aegean Sea