Gökçeada

Gökçeada, located in the northwest Aegean region, is Türkiye’s largest island. It is famous for its singular geography and protected natural resources and has the title of "the last place where the sun sets" as it is the westernmost point of Türkiye in the North Aegean 

Gökçeada offers its guests a unique natural environment thanks to the organic agricultural activities that commenced on the island in 2002 and the rural tourism practices that started in 2008. Gökçeada has become the first and only “quiet island” in the world thanks to the title “Cittaslow” it received in June 2011. 

Visitors will be fascinated by the range of local art ranging from the island’s authentic handicrafts and regional folkloric artefacts to examples of world avant-garde art. The island warmly embraces cultural variety and accommodates various customs and traditions, a rich food culture, and unique architecture.  

Olive cultivation is a profession that dates back to ancient times. It is possible to see 300-400-year-old olive trees on the island. Gökçeada is also known by its historical name Imroz, which is believed to derive from the mythological river god Imbrasos.

The name “Imroz” is mentioned several times in Homer’s epic Iliad. According to Homer, "At the bottom of the sea in the abyss, between Tenedos and rocky Imroz, there is an immense cave. Poseidon's horses rested there, and the earth shook." During the Trojan War, the inhabitants of Imroz allied themselves with Troy. Homer tells us that when Achilles took Priam's son prisoner, the king of Imroz bought him and sent him back to his father. 

Known as one of the cleanest seas in Türkiye, Gökçeada's beaches are ideal for swimming, diving and surfing.  Gökçeada is considered to be one of the leading surf centres not only in Türkiye but also in the world thanks to its windy climate and unique geographic structure. 

Gökçeada’s marine life is equally rich. The sea surrounding the island is rich in sea bream, horse mackerel, chub mackerel, mackerel, sea bass, carp, seabream, red mullet, two-banded seabream, bream, and dusky grouper.