A Guide To Discovering Turkey's Best Island-Hopping Hideaways
When you think of an island-hopping vacation, most think of Greece or Croatia, but Turkey offers a perfect destination to include more than one island on any itinerary. Along Turkey's Aegean coast lies a collection of idyllic islands that remain blissfully off the radar of most travelers.
These are lesser-known islands with authenticity, and where turquoise waters are full of local fishing boats and hidden gems to explore. For those looking for ultimate freedom to explore, a luxury yacht charter is the best way to explore the coastline. Here are the best islands to include on a yacht itinerary to Turkey:
Bozcaada
Off the coast of Çanakkale, Bozcaada is a storybook island where vineyard-clad hills roll down to the sea and narrow cobbled lanes weave between whitewashed houses. Once a Greek settlement, its architecture and easygoing atmosphere still reflect a Mediterranean heritage that feels both timeless and quietly unique.Â
Ayazma Beach offers some of the clearest waters in the region, while the imposing, well-preserved Bozcaada Castle provides sweeping views across the island and surrounding Aegean. But the greatest joy here is the unhurried afternoons at boutique wineries, sampling crisp island whites and local meze.
Cunda (Alibey) Island
Connected to the mainland by a slender causeway, Cunda Island effortlessly blends rustic character with understated elegance. Once a Greek Orthodox enclave, its handsome stone homes, old churches, and cobbled streets tell stories of a rich, layered past.Â
Highlights include the beautifully restored Taksiyarhis Church, now a museum. The island's bustling seafront is lined with family-run tavernas serving grilled octopus, marinated anchovies, and glasses of local wine.
Gökçeada
The largest of Turkey's islands and perhaps its most unspoiled, Gökçeada is a world apart. Here, you will find ancient stone villages, deserted beaches that stretch for miles, and organic farms continuing age-old traditions.Â
Visitors can stroll the quiet harbor of Kaleköy, known for its charming waterfront cafés and low-key vibe, or explore the island's Salt Lake, famed for its therapeutic mud and stark, otherworldly beauty.Â
The Twelve Islands of Göcek
Set between Fethiye and Dalyan, the Twelve Islands of Göcek form a captivating, uninhabited archipelago best explored by luxury charter yacht or gulet. This yachting playground is full of secluded bays, pine-forested islets, and ancient ruins.Â
Highlights include Tersane Island, where Byzantine relics lie half-submerged in crystalline waters, and Cleopatra's Bath, a romantic, Roman-era ruin reputedly visited by the Egyptian queen herself. Bedri Rahmi Cove, named after the Turkish artist who painted his mark on its rocks, remains a favorite for its tranquil waters and dramatic backdrops.Â
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Kara Ada
A short boat ride from Bodrum's lively harbor lies Kara Ada, or Black Island, a long-time wellness escape known for its mineral-rich thermal springs and secluded coves. The island's renowned thermal caves, where warm waters bubble up from the seabed, have been sought out for their restorative properties since ancient times.Â
The surrounding beaches, by contrast, remain blissfully quiet, perfect for a midday swim or lazy sunbathing away from Bodrum's summer bustle. A network of trails winds across the island's rocky spine, offering panoramic views over the Bodrum Peninsula for those inclined to explore on foot.