Bozcaada itinerary
7 days, hour by hour · Çanakkale, TürkiyeOctober–May
- Days
- 7
- Stops
- 38
- Per day
- ≈ 2,400 TL
- First stop
- 09:30
Short answer
The TripWalkers Bozcaada itinerary runs 7 days and lays out 38 stops, hour by hour, for October–May. The first three days:
- Day 1 Castle, Çınarlı Çarşı and the Greek Quarter: the island's signature
- Day 2 Ayazma village and the historic monastery route
- Day 3 Vineyard route: cellars, tastings and the island's wine culture
Staying less? Start with the first days — TripWalkers uses the opening days of this plan for shorter trips too. Food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,400 TL a day (excluding accommodation and flights).
Day 1 · 09:30–21:00
Castle, Çınarlı Çarşı and the Greek Quarter: the island's signature
Landmark
Bozcaada Castle
Winter opening hours can be shorter than in summer. It's a 5-minute walk from the pier. Climb the bastions for views over the strait and the rooftops of the Greek Quarter. Tickets are sold at the booth at the castle entrance, and the Museum Card is not accepted.
≈ 150 TL per personLandmark
Alaybey and Greek Quarter streets
Walk the pastel-painted stone-and-timber Greek houses and the narrow lanes of the Turkish Quarter back to back, and look out for the reliefs above doorways and the wrought-iron balconies. In winter, with few tourists around, this is the quietest and most photogenic version of the island.
FreeFood
Yakamoz Restaurant
On Yalı Caddesi in Alaybey, right on the water. It's one of the places where you get the island's classic meyhane (tavern) experience at lunchtime prices. Ask about the catch of the day; red mullet and sea bass are usually fresh in winter.
≈ 700 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Rengigül Art Gallery
The island's first art gallery, with free entry to see work by local and resident artists. It's rarely crowded, so you have a good chance of chatting with the gallery owner. Ask which pieces have a story behind them.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Bozcaadalı Veli Dede
A biscuit maker whose fame reaches well beyond the island. Try the almond paste and syrup-soaked varieties, and take a box with you. It's a small shop in Alaybey and stays open in winter.
≈ 150 TL per person- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Hasan Tevfik
The island's genuine meyhane: rough-and-ready, with the warmth of a local joint and classic meze. Prices are far more reasonable than at the tourist spots. Be sure to order the sea beans and the fried squid.
≈ 1,200 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Battı BalıkA 22-year-old meyhane in the Greek Quarter, famous for island squid and fried squid. The stuffed courgette flowers and fried red mullet also stand out.
- SalhaneA seaside bar that's ideal for sunset and one of the rare places that stays open in winter. Stop by for a glass of wine and a view of the pier.
Day 2 · 10:00–21:00
Ayazma village and the historic monastery route
Culture
Ayazma Monastery
A small Greek Orthodox monastery from 1734, shaded by old plane trees. It isn't always open for worship, but you can see the courtyard and the historic fountain from outside. It's 15-20 minutes from the centre by dolmuş (shared minibus) or taxi.
FreeNature
Ayazma village coastal walk
There's no swimming in winter, but walking along the deserted beach is the most peaceful way to see it. A coat is essential against the wind. The early-morning light is excellent for photos.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Vahit'in Yeri
The only business in Ayazma open all 12 months, and islanders choose it in winter too. The meze cabinet is large, so trust the waiter's recommendation. Service is surprisingly fast.
≈ 900 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Sulubahçe Bay walk
A wide, quiet bay between Ayazma and Habbele with no buildings, and most guides don't even mention it. The dirt path is a bit rough, so wear comfortable shoes.
Free- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Ayazma Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Close to the beach, it serves hot drinks and light snacks in winter too. It's ideal for a break near sunset. Ask for mulled wine or tea.
≈ 300 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Monastery Restaurant
A calm dinner away from the crowds, under the plane trees of Ayazma's historic monastery. Booking is recommended, as there are fewer tables in winter.
≈ 1,400 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- KoreliA small, quiet spot above the beach. In winter it may open on limited hours, so call ahead. It offers a simple but friendly snack break.
- Monastery (bar)A bar with live music under the plane trees of Ayazma Monastery. It may open on winter weekends, so confirm first. At night a silence reigns that nobody off the island knows about.
Day 3 · 10:30–21:00
Vineyard route: cellars, tastings and the island's wine culture
Culture
Çamlıbağ Winery Cellar Tour
To see the cellar in the stone building from 1925, you must phone a day ahead in winter. The summer tractor sunset tour doesn't run in the winter months. Be sure to taste the Vasilaki white, which is almost impossible to find off the island.
≈ 300 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Talay Winery
The island's most established producer. Try the reds made from Kuntra grapes; the set with 5 different wines to taste gives the best value. You can buy bottles at the shop to take with you.
≈ 250 TL per personFood
Asma6
Owned by the Talay family, this is a romantic, dimly lit lunch table under a vine at the harbour. The marinated sea bass and the saganaki stand out.
≈ 1,000 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Tenedion Winehouse
A small wine house serving both hot and cold wines, and the right stop for trying mulled wine in winter. It's a quiet corner that tourists rarely visit.
≈ 300 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Shopping
Uğurlu Shop
A small shop selling design products plus sweets and coffee. Stop by for souvenirs and a cup of coffee, and look at the work of local designers.
≈ 250 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Dört Hanımeli
A friendly table with island manti (dumplings) and home cooking that rarely appears on tourist lists. After a day of wine tasting, it's a light but filling choice.
≈ 900 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Corvus Wines Tasting & Sales OfficeIn Çınarlı Çarşı, run by one of the island's well-known producers. Order a tasting set and try the red made from Karalahna grapes. It's a small shop and stays open in winter.
- Amadeus WineryA family business run by islanders and producing since 2010. You need to call ahead to visit. Hearing the story of small-scale production is a very different experience from the touristy vineyard tours.
Day 4 · 10:00–21:00
Local market, places of worship and neighbourhood depth
Shopping
Bozcaada Wednesday Market
A neighbourhood market held at Demir Otopark (car park) and used mainly by islanders. Look for tomato jam, island tea, thyme and olive varieties. It lacks the crowd of tourist souvenirs you find at the summer market, and offers real local shopping.
FreeCulture
Köprülü Mehmet Pasha Mosque
Also known as Yalı Mosque. It was destroyed in the Venetian period and rebuilt by Köprülü Mehmet Pasha. Outside prayer times, stop by to look at the architecture from outside.
FreeFood
Şehir Restaurant
A local favourite with a seafood-focused menu at reasonable prices. Ask for the meze of the day; the value for money is much better than at the tourist places.
≈ 800 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Culture
Virgin Mary Church (Kimisis Teodoku)
From 1869, this is the only Greek Orthodox church still in use. You may not be able to go inside because of restoration, but the bell tower and courtyard are still worth seeing from outside. Outside service hours, keep quiet and be respectful.
Free- 45 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Kahverengi Roastery
A small coffee shop known for its own roasted coffee, combined with a design shop. Order a filter coffee. It's a quiet break spot that tourists almost never visit.
≈ 200 TL per person- 2 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Sandal Restaurant
A traditional Aegean meyhane known for its blue tables, close to the harbour. Order meze to share. In the evenings service can slow down a bit.
≈ 1,300 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Mir Ada PatisserieThe almond biscuits and lavender cheesecake stand out, and it's a quiet choice for a coffee break. It's in Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, close to the centre.
- SapaOne of the island's best-loved cocktail bars, with a special cocktail menu. Booking is recommended in winter, as tables are limited.
Day 5 · 10:00–21:00
Habbele coast and sunset at the windmills
Nature
Habbele Beach coastal walk
It feels like the calm of Akvaryum Bay but a little more boutique. In winter there's no one, just the wind and the sea. No swimming; go for a long walk along the shore.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Simyon
A calm meyhane with a carefully chosen, carefully prepared meze selection. It's the right address if you want a thoughtful lunch without waiting among crowds.
≈ 1,100 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Çınaraltı Cafe
One of the classic places open 12 months a year, under a hundred-year-old plane tree. Take a hot coffee break on the observation terrace. Islanders stop by too, so there's a good chance of conversation.
≈ 200 TL per person- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Landmark
Bozcaada Windmills
A 5-minute walk on a stone road from the car park behind the Greek Quarter. The three windmills, restored in 2019, turn into silhouettes at sunset. Sunset comes early in January, so be there in good time; the island's most-shared shot is taken here.
Free- 1 h 30 min · travel, break, free time
Food
Yalova 1940
With its long history, it's one of the places that keeps the island's classic meyhane culture alive in its most refined form. Marinated sea bass and Cretan cheese spread are the signature dishes. Booking is recommended.
≈ 1,500 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Çamlık Restaurant Hafızın YeriA calm place in the style of a tradesmen's eatery, combined with a tea garden. Ask for the home-cooked dish of the day; the price is below the island's restaurant average.
- Beylik BayA secluded bay reached by a dirt road by car, one that islanders rarely mention. The road is rough, so it's safer not to go in a low-clearance car.
Day 6 · 10:00–20:30
Polente Lighthouse and the island's unspoken bays
Landmark
Polente Lighthouse
At the western tip of the island, a windy spot that kitesurfers also favour. The view stretching along the horizon in front of the lighthouse is very strong for photos. The wind can be harsh in winter, so a coat is essential.
Free- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Tuzburnu Bay
One of the hidden bays reached by an unpaved, rough dirt road, a place islanders don't talk about much with outsiders. If you're driving, go slowly and carefully; you may struggle in a low-clearance car.
FreeFood
Sosyal Tesisler
A budget, home-cooking-style eatery where you can order çiğ dolma (stuffed leaves). Prices are well below the island's average. Unlike the tourist venues, the service is plain and fast.
≈ 600 TL per person- 30 min · travel, break, free time
Nature
Ayana Bay
A secluded bay near Tuzburnu, also reached by dirt road. In winter it's completely deserted, with only the sound of wind and gulls. It has a strong sense of discovery for those with an adventurous spirit.
Free- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
Orta Kahve
A small place known for its quality coffee that turns into a cocktail bar in the evenings. It's a good break to warm up after a long bay trip. Ask for a filter coffee or hot chocolate.
≈ 200 TL per person- 1 h · travel, break, free time
Food
No:8 Bozcaada
One of the pioneers of the sunset-platter culture. With its cheese platter and sandwich options, it makes for a light but filling evening. Order one of the ready-made platters to share.
≈ 900 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Krasi BozcaadaAn alternative that suits the sunset concept, with wine tasting and charcuterie platters. Try the local cheese and olive platter.
- Bozcaada Art GalleryIt has a small but carefully chosen collection, suitable for a short culture break after the bay trip. Entry is usually free.
Day 7 · 10:00–13:30
A light farewell: coffee, souvenirs, last tastes
Food
Coffee Shelter Bozcaada
One of the places said to be the island's best, with its own roasted coffee. Order a filter coffee. It's a quiet corner in Alaybey, ideal for a farewell breakfast.
≈ 200 TL per personShopping
Çınarlı Çarşı Street
The most practical street for last-minute souvenirs and wine and olive oil shopping, with the shops of the wine estates all together. If you're buying bottles of wine, ask for sturdy packing for your luggage.
≈ 300 TL per personFood
Çiçek Patisserie
Famous for its almond biscuits, which are mouth-wateringly good. Buy a box before you set off. It's in Alaybey, within walking distance of the ferry pier.
≈ 250 TL per person
Plan B — if it's crowded or closed (2)
- Vasil Coffee & BakeryA newly opened coffee shop that stands out for its fresh biscuits, and a light alternative for a morning breakfast. Try the coffee it roasts itself.
- Bozcaada MarinaClose to the ferry pier, a calm spot for a last farewell walk while watching the boats. In winter it's almost completely empty, offering a quiet close to your trip.
Hidden gem: Çamlıbağ Winery Cellar Tour
The stone cellar of the island's first Turkish wine producer, dating from 1925. In summer the focus of tourist traffic is the tractor sunset vineyard tour. But in winter nobody thinks of knocking on the door to see the 100-year-old barrels with the family elders, because this tour isn't advertised anywhere.
- How to get in
- The tractor vineyard tour held daily in summer doesn't run in the winter months (November-March). Instead, phone ahead for a weekday morning and go to the two-storey stone building on Çınarlı Çarşı Street, and they'll show you around the cellar and the tasting room.
- Local tip
- Be sure to taste the Vasilaki white wine. It's almost never sold off the island and can be found as bottles only in their own shops.
- When
- The shop is open all year. In winter the cellar tour runs only by phone appointment, while in summer there's a daily sunset vineyard tour (reservation required).
- Contact
- +90 286 697 80 55 (Çamlıbağ Şarapları merkez mağaza)
Good to know: 7 things that make a Bozcaada trip easier
- In January the island is very quiet: many restaurants and guesthouses are closed, and most of those that are open serve only a few days a week. Confirm by phone before you go.
- In winter most small businesses prefer cash, and some wine estates and places around the boats and bays don't take cards. Carry cash in TL.
- January is winter and the sea is very cold, so there's no swimming at beaches like Ayazma and Habbele. Don't go expecting sun loungers and a beach day; the point is walking and views.
- The island is windy (especially around Polente and Tuzburnu), so a waterproof, windproof coat and sturdy shoes are essential. Dress in layers.
- Public transport to places outside the centre (Ayazma, Habbele, Polente, Tuzburnu, Ayana) is limited, and dolmuş services thin out in winter. Rent a bicycle or arrange a taxi or car.
- In restaurants, a tip is generally not added to the bill automatically. Rounding up by 5-10% is enough and appreciated.
- The houses in the Greek Quarter are still private homes where people live, so don't enter courtyards or gardens without permission. When taking photos, keep your distance and be polite to residents sitting at their doors.
Spending: ≈ 16,750 TL per person for 7 days
- Food14,600 TL
- Entry and tours450 TL
- Local transport1,000 TL
- Other700 TL
Excludes accommodation and flights. 2026 price estimate, per person.
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Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Bozcaada?
This itinerary is built for 7 days. With 3 days, do the first 3 — TripWalkers uses the opening days of the plan for shorter trips too.
How much does a day in Bozcaada cost?
In this plan, food, entry fees and local transport come to about 2,400 TL per person per day. Accommodation and flights are not included. Figures are 2026 estimates.
What time should you start the day in Bozcaada?
The first stop is at 09:30. Most days start early so you arrive before the crowds, and evenings end with dinner.
Which season is this itinerary for?
This page covers October–May. There is a separate plan for June–September: opening hours, the sea and the weather change the route.