There’s so much I could say about Gökçeada. That’s the subject of another article. I won’t belabor the point. If you ever find yourself in Gökçeada, I’d like to share the following information, which could serve as a guide. Here are my favorite places in Gökçeada and my recommendations:
Best Hotel: Anemos
The hotel I stayed at when I first set foot on the island. Since my first visit seven years ago, it has maintained its standards. Founded by a Greek-Turkish partnership, this hotel feels like a woman with meticulous attention to detail and high standards, from the rooms to the food. Everything from the decor to the food is exquisite. There’s a beautiful pool. The breakfast is generous. The view is stunning. The food is delicious. The service makes you feel right at home. If there’s room at this 24-room boutique hotel, I highly recommend it.
Address: Yukari Kalekoy, No:98 Gökçeada
Telephone: (0286) 887 37 29
Anemos Hotel’s garden with pool
Best Fishmonger: Eleni
Originally from Rize, Bülent Hurşutağaoğlu has brought his successful fish restaurant tradition, which he also runs in Istanbul, to the island. Thanks to his family’s experience in the fish restaurant business, Bülent’s restaurant, despite only being two or three years old, is now preferred over other local establishments. You can clearly see the difference. While other establishments are empty, Bülent’s is always full. The appetizers are excellent, and there’s a good variety of fish. The service is excellent. At this restaurant, Bülent visits every table individually, recognizing you even if you’ve been there before and picking up the conversation where you left off. If you’re craving fish, I recommend Eleni, located in the beautiful bay of Kaleköy, in the harbor. I hope the other fishmongers in the same row will raise their standards as well.
Address: 17760 Kaleköy Köyü/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0286) 887 24 44
A photo we took with the restaurant’s owner, Bülent Hurşutağaoğlu
Best Local Entertainment: Barba Yorgo
Barba Yorgo’s Tepeköy tavern has become synonymous with the island. This must-visit spot is run by Barba (Uncle) Yorgo, a Tepeköy native. The establishment, which maintains a true sense of entertainment to Greek traditions, hosts sirtaki nights accompanied by Greek and Turkish music. A night of fun, accompanied by delicious food, awaits those who want to experience the island’s unique culture. On our last visit, on a Sunday evening, we couldn’t resist the sirtaki performance at Barba Yorgo. After our meal, we were on the dance floor all night. It wasn’t just us; almost the entire restaurant was standing. If you’re looking for fun on Gökçeada, head to Barba Yorgo.
Address: 17760 Tepeköy İç Yolu No: 13/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0286) 887 42 47
A shot we took with Yorgo just before the party. Uncle Yorgo will be putting on his own show later in the night.
Best kitesurfing venue: Volkite
Volkan Günel is a well-known name in the kitesurfing community. The school he founded 10 years ago is now considered one of Türkiye’s leading schools. Gökçeada’s winds are ideal for this sport. However, the sport doesn’t receive enough support from the authorities. Despite this, Volkan organizes sport-specific events on the island, contributing both to its development and to its global recognition. His annual Gazozuna Kapışalım tournament draws 150 competitors from around the world. Millions watch the event’s YouTube videos. Despite all the challenges, I salute Volkan and his team for their continued efforts to keep kitesurfing alive on the island. I prefer and recommend trying this amazing sport, which I’ve just started, at Volkite, an environment with an experienced team and good people. If you haven’t tried it yet, I highly recommend you try this wonderful sport, which you can do with the power of nature behind you. While it might seem daunting at first, being part of the wind, doing a variation of skiing, being able to use many different combinations, and being able to unknowingly engage in the sport for hours on end with an incredible adrenaline rush is a truly fulfilling experience. I recommend kitesurfing to anyone interested.
Address: Çınarlı, Köy Sokağı 104/1, Eşelek Köyü/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: 0 (533) 241 15 10
While giving the surfer salute with Kite Surf instructors. From left to right Emin, me, Volkan and Anton
Best Cafe: Balbadem Cafe
Located in the center of the island, this charming and elegant establishment was opened by restoring an old stone house and converting it into a cafe. This charming place, with its heartwarming decor, is known for its famous desserts. The Ada Rüyası dessert will especially appeal to travelers who enjoy unique flavors. You’ll also be delighted by the visual and flavorful variety of coffees. The island’s overall friendly atmosphere is reflected in this charming cafe.
Address: Fatih Mahallesi, Yelda Sk., 17760 Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0532) 366 10 84
Best Breakfast: Cugura Organic Farm
The owners of this farm are a family who have made everyone’s dream of a lush, green farm come true. The farm also cultivates crops. They serve a village breakfast every morning with these fresh produce. Surplus jam is also made and sold to guests. You can enjoy a delicious breakfast here, tour the farm, or purchase organic products from the island’s on-site shop.
Address: Zeytinli Köyü, Köy Sokağı No 497 Zeytinli Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0533) 123 44 46
The Best (Entrepreneurial) Farm: Soykan Farm
Bahadır, the owner of this farm, has an interesting story. Originally from Bursa, Bahadır grew up in Bakırköy, Istanbul. After playing professional basketball for Oyak Renault, he quit due to an injury and worked numerous jobs in Istanbul, including at Nişantaşı Beymen. Gradually unable to withstand the unnecessary stress of the city, he made a radical decision after his military service and moved to the island. While earning his living by working in hotels during the summers, he also began searching for land. A Greek man in his 80s named Panayotis, whom he met in the village, kept his promise and sold him one of his plots. The young entrepreneur, who began farming and raising livestock on five acres, has organized his farm to be completely self-sufficient. The farm, which generates its own power from solar energy, grows only enough produce for the small restaurant on site. The food is delicious. What I admire about Bahadır is his constant self-improvement, his constant expansion and innovation of his farm every year, his constant research on agriculture and animal husbandry, and his keen eye for detail. Taking his mother with him to build a new life on Gökçeada is another testament to his determination. May he have a smooth journey.
Address: No:600/1, Zeytinliköy Yolu, 17760 Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0555) 222 55 74
The shot we took with Bahadır at the exit.
Best Honey: Gökhan’s Honey Farm
Gökhan, who owns a large plot of land overlooking the scenic views in the village of Eski Bademli, is a dedicated beekeeper. He takes great pleasure in sharing beekeeping knowledge with visitors who appreciate and love his work. Be sure to try some of Gökhan’s award-winning honey, as he constantly researches beekeeping.
http://www.gokceadaimroz.com/tour/gokhanin-bal-ciftligi/
He’s built a beautiful life on his farm in Eski Bademli with his wife, daughter, and son. He has some funny stories to tell, and he has a beautiful, sweet, and energetic little girl. Anyone looking to buy organic honey from the island should definitely visit Gökhan. Relaxing in the gardens with their beautiful view and chatting over a good cup of coffee is good for everyone. And if you’re curious like me, Gökhan can give you a tour of their facility and explain all the details of how they produce their honey. And of course, don’t forget to buy some high-quality honey on your way out.
Address: 17760 Bademli Köyü/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0541) 459 75 16
A picture from the garden. You can see Gökhan standing in the background.
Best Industrial Product: Elta Ada (Ekozey Gıda)
This organic farm, run by Hıdır Bey, a mechanical engineer from Ankara, on 3,000 acres of land, is one of the largest in Türkiye. The farm raises both small and large livestock, and its products are sold throughout Türkiye.
http://www.milliyet.com.tr/turkiye-nin-en-buyuk-organik-ciftligi-gundem-1641081/
Frankly, I’ve been buying Ada-brand yogurt for years, even without visiting their facilities. I can highly recommend these truly delicious and high-quality yogurts and dairy products to anyone. Elta’s Ada product is an example to all producers in this field. It’s also a source of pride for Ada.
Address: Fatih Mahallesi, İnönü Cad. No:12, 17760 Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0286) 887 45 81
The yogurt I buy every week is produced in Gökçeada under the Ada brand by Ekozey Gıda.
The island’s best cafe/shop: Phaedra
You can try Greek sweets, pick up homemade jams, and small souvenirs at this cafe in Zeytinliköy, run by a sweet Greek woman.
Near the Zeytinliköy square, Phaedra is staffed by Greeks. They try their best to communicate in Turkish, and when that’s not enough, they’ll call another Greek who speaks Turkish. They’re so sweet. Their products are high-quality.
Address: Zeytinli Köy Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0539) 938 30 60
A shot from inside. Greek ladies are sitting and enjoying their coffee.
The Island’s Best Organic Product Brand: Ada Rüzgarı
Based on what’s written in the Gökçeada Guide, I’d like to share some information about Ada Rüzgarı: Ada Rüzgarı, Gökçeada’s leading brand, was founded by an Istanbul family who have been producing on the island for many years. They began by producing olive oil, followed by honey, cheese, tomato paste, jam, and soap on their 60-acre plot on the island’s southern shores. They’ve added cosmetics, coffee, Turkish delight, and cologne to their product range, becoming a truly natural product brand befitting the island. Their latest cosmetic product, goat’s milk cream and shampoo, have been a huge hit.
The cheeses produced at the ‘Happy Goats Farm’ are made organically from 100% goat’s milk. This is unparalleled in Türkiye.
If you’re wondering what to buy natural on Gökçeada, you don’t have to wander far; everything is neatly arranged on shelves in their shop in the island’s center. Shopping online is also a pleasure: http://www.adaruzgari.com
Address: Çınarlı Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd. No:24, 17760 Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0286) 887 24 96
A picture of the Ada Rüzgarı store in the city center from the outside.
Best Souvenir: Kokina
Everywhere on Gökçeada is beautiful, but the center, contrary to expectations, isn’t as pleasant for me. Along with the Balbadem and Ada Rüzgarı shops in the center, one of the most delightful spots is the gift shop Kokina. This shop offers a selection of custom-designed gifts, jewelry, and accessories.
The Bolluk family, founders of Kokina, settled on the island from Istanbul a long time ago. They spend their winters here producing. Önder Bey’s sailboats made from southwestern wood and market crates, and Mine Hanım’s felt ornaments are a must-see. One of the reasons I admire Önder Bey is that he’s the representative of Akut on the island. So, like other Akut members, he has a big heart, dedicated to saving lives.
Of course, beyond this, when we look at the product range, it’s truly the best gift shop. Among the other items you’ll find at Kokina are peshtemals, tote bags, soap, authentic jewelry, and imroz-printed gifts.
Address: Çınarlı Mah. Kadri Üçok Sok.No:29 Gökçeada/Çanakkale
Telephone: (0532) 609 67 67
Kokina’s view from outside.
The Cafe with the Best View: Cafe Garaj
Located in Zeytinli and run by local Greeks, this cafe offers all the island’s classics. Enjoy delicious drinks and desserts with a stunning view. Sitting at Cafe Garaj, you’ll have a wonderful view of the island’s natural beauty.
Address: 17760 Zeytinliköy Köyü/Gökçeada/Çanakkale
An island classic at Cafe Garaj: Turkish coffee with a mortar, creamy ice cream on mastic pudding, cherry pudding, and lemonade.
I’m also sharing this excellent guide to the island for your information. While there are some similarities, different perspectives are always welcome.
http://www.gokceadarehberim.com/
The list I provided above could certainly be expanded, and other categories could be added. I’d also like to thank Ekin for helping me write this article. My greatest wish is for the island to continue to develop, and for those who have created these beauties there to thrive. If you happen to be on Gökçeada, follow my advice; you won’t regret it. 🙂
I’d also like to share the photos below to give you an idea of the island.
Stay well.
While training at sea on the first day of kitesurfing
A view of Volkite and Kefalos beach where it is located.
The second day of training, while lifting the kite.
The second turtle I rescued from various locations, stranded on the first day of the holiday and in danger of being run over by cars. The vehicle stopped, and the turtle, stranded in the middle of the road, was carefully transported to the adjacent green area.
The shop inside Cugura Farm
Sunset on the island. I took this wonderful shot from Eski Bademli Village.
Shot from the ferry on the way back.
A distant view of the island on the way back.
Tag: memoir
