Let’s be real: most “best islands in Turkey” lists recycle the same touristy hotspots and call it a day. This one doesn’t. These picks come straight from Reyna Kocarslan, who actually knows Turkey like the back of her hand. And the write-ups here were crafted and reviewed by Jon Miksis, who’s been building custom travel itineraries and chasing views across Europe for nearly a decade. Together, we’ve filtered out the noise and pulled only the places that actually deliver: wild landscapes, deep history, hidden beaches, and views that stop you mid-scroll.
If you’re dreaming of a boat-hopping adventure or a chilled-out island stay, these 12 spots are about to ruin all other beach vacations for you.
1. Büyükada, The Princes’ Islands
Büyükada is honestly way better than I expected for a day trip from Istanbul. You can catch ferries from Kabataş, Eminönü, or Kadıköy – the official Şehir Hatları ferries cost around 58 TL with an Istanbul Card, while private operators like TurYol and Prenstur charge about 80 TL. I’d recommend arriving 30 minutes early because these ferries fill up fast, especially on weekends.
The 90-minute ferry ride is actually part of the fun – you’ll get killer views of the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara. Once you’re there, no cars allowed means it’s all horse-drawn carriages and bikes, which makes the whole place feel like you’ve stepped back in time. I rented a bike for 20 TL and cycled up to Aya Yorgi Church on Yücetepe – it’s a decent climb but the views over the island and back to Istanbul are totally worth it.
Don’t miss Trotsky’s house where he lived during his exile from 1929-1933. The beaches aren’t amazing compared to Mediterranean standards, but they’re perfect for a quick swim after cycling around. I grabbed lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants and honestly, even though it’s touristy, the seafood was fresh and the setting can’t be beat. Last ferry back is usually around 8pm, so plan accordingly.
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2. Cunda Island (Alibey Island)
Cunda Island is connected to the mainland by a causeway, but you can still catch minibuses from Ayvalık for about 19 TL as of late 2024. I actually preferred this approach over driving because parking gets crazy during summer. The island has this amazing Greek-Turkish fusion vibe that you can see in every restored stone house and narrow cobblestone street.
The seafood restaurants here are legitimately good, though definitely pricier than mainland Turkey. I had dinner at a waterfront spot and the grilled octopus was incredible, but my Turkish friends warned me that some places inflate bills, so always check your receipt. The Taksiyarhis Church is worth seeing – it’s one of the most beautiful examples of Greek Orthodox architecture you’ll find in Turkey.
Kesebir Beach is about a 17-minute walk from the main town and actually pretty decent for swimming. I stayed at one of the boutique hotels in a restored Ottoman mansion and it was honestly one of the most atmospheric places I’ve ever slept. The whole island feels like a living museum, but in a good way – not sterile or fake. You can easily explore everything in a day, but I’d recommend staying overnight just to experience the sunset from the harbor without rushing for the last transport back.
3. Gökçeada
Gökçeada is Turkey’s largest island and honestly feels like a completely different country. Getting there requires a 30-minute ferry from Kabatepe on the Gallipoli Peninsula – ferries run regularly and cost about 2 euros each way. There’s also a small airport with flights from Istanbul if you want to skip the scenic route.
This place is the world’s first and only “Cittaslow” island, which basically means they’re committed to sustainable tourism and organic farming. I tried their famous organic olive oil and local wine, and both were way better than I expected. Aydıncık Beach is a windsurfer’s paradise – the winds are consistent and strong, and there are several schools offering lessons for around 50-80 TL per hour.
Salt Lake is this weird natural feature where you can cover yourself in black therapeutic mud, then rinse off in the sea. It sounds gross but it’s actually pretty cool. The island has about six small villages, each with its own character. Zeytinli and Kaleköy are the most picturesque, with narrow stone streets and old Greek houses. I rented a car for about 200 TL per day, which is essential because the island is huge and public transport is limited. Best time to visit is May through September when everything’s open and the weather’s perfect.
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4. Kekova
Kekova is where you’ll find Turkey’s famous sunken city, and boat tours from Kaş are the only way to see it properly. Most tours cost 60-100 TL and include lunch, but I’d recommend booking a smaller group tour for a better experience. The big boats get crowded and you can’t get as close to the ruins.
You can’t swim directly over the sunken city anymore because it’s a protected area, but you can snorkel in nearby Aquarium Bay and Tersane Bay. The water clarity is insane – you can see ancient walls and pottery fragments scattered on the sea floor. I did a sea kayaking tour for about 150 TL and honestly, that’s the best way to see everything up close. You paddle right over 2,000-year-old buildings that were submerged after earthquakes.
Simena village is accessible only by boat and has this tiny Crusader castle with amazing views. The village has maybe 10 restaurants, but the fish is super fresh and the setting is unbeatable. Don’t miss trying the famous peach ice cream – it sounds weird but it’s actually delicious. Most tours run from May through October, and I’d avoid July-August if you hate crowds. The combination of history and crystal-clear water makes this one of the most unique places I’ve been in Turkey.
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5. Sedir Island (Cleopatra Island)
Sedir Island is famous for its supposedly unique golden sand that legend says was brought here for Cleopatra herself. Whether that’s true or not, the beach really does have this unusual shimmer that’s different from other Turkish beaches. Boat tours from Marmaris cost around 80-120 TL and usually include swimming time and lunch.
The island is also an active archaeological site with Roman ruins scattered around. You can walk among ancient walls and foundations while listening to waves crash on the beach below. I climbed to the highest point and the views over the Gökova Bay are incredible – you can see for miles in every direction.
Swimming here is amazing because the water stays relatively calm compared to the open Mediterranean. I brought a snorkel and could see fish darting around the clear water. The only downside is that it gets pretty crowded during peak season, so I’d try to visit in May or September when the weather’s still good but there are fewer tour boats. Most tours give you about 2-3 hours on the island, which is perfect for swimming, exploring the ruins, and taking photos without feeling rushed.
6. Bozcaada
Bozcaada is Turkey’s wine island, and honestly, the wine scene here surprised me. You need to take a ferry from Geyikli (about 45 minutes, around 25-30 TL), and I’d recommend booking in advance during summer because it fills up fast. The island has six working wineries, and while wine tastings aren’t advertised due to Turkey’s alcohol laws, most places will do them if you ask.
Corvus and Talay were my favorites – Corvus has a “secret” tasting room where you can try wines for about 10 TL, and Talay is great for dinner with wine. The local Kuntra grape produces some really unique wines that you can’t get anywhere else. I bought several bottles to take home and they were all excellent.
The island also has decent beaches. Ayazma Beach is the most popular and has restaurants and facilities, while Akvaryum Bay is smaller but less crowded. The historic Bozcaada Castle is worth exploring, and the old Greek neighborhood has these beautiful restored houses with bay windows and narrow streets covered in bougainvillea. I stayed in a boutique hotel in one of these restored buildings and it was perfectly atmospheric. The sunset views from the western side of the island are legitimately spectacular – I watched it every single night I was there.
7. Gemiler Island
Gemiler Island is this hidden gem near Fethiye that most tourists completely miss. You can only reach it by boat – either join a day tour from Fethiye (around 100-150 TL) or hire a water taxi from Kayaköy if you want more flexibility. The island is basically an open-air museum with Byzantine ruins scattered everywhere among wild olive trees and flowers.
I spent hours exploring the ancient church foundations and monastery remains. The paths are clearly marked and you can climb to several viewpoints with killer views over the Turquoise Coast. What I loved most is that it’s not crowded at all – sometimes I felt like I had the whole island to myself.
The small beaches and coves around the island are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The water is that incredible Turkish blue-green color and super clear. I saw sea turtles on two different occasions, which was amazing. Most boat tours give you 2-3 hours here, but honestly I could have stayed all day. Pack water and snacks because there are no facilities on the island – it’s completely undeveloped, which is part of its charm. Best time to visit is April through June when wildflowers are blooming and the weather’s perfect.
8. Heybeliada
Heybeliada is the second-largest Princes’ Island and honestly feels more relaxed than Büyükada. Same ferry routes and prices from Istanbul – I usually take the Şehir Hatları ferry because it’s cheaper and more frequent. The island is covered in pine forests, which makes it noticeably cooler and more pleasant in summer.
The main attraction is Aya Nikola Church on the hilltop – it’s about a 30-minute walk through pine-scented trails, and the views from the top are incredible. You can see all the other islands and back to Istanbul on clear days. I rented a bike at the harbor for 15 TL and cycled around the entire island in about 2 hours, stopping at different beaches and viewpoints.
Değirmenburnu Beach is the best spot for swimming – it’s sandy and has a few small cafes nearby. The island also has the Naval Academy, which adds this prestigious feel to the place. What I really love about Heybeliada is that it’s less touristy than Büyükada but still has good restaurants and facilities. The sunset from the western side is beautiful, and there’s something really peaceful about hearing only horse carriages and bicycles instead of cars. I’d recommend this over Büyükada if you want a more authentic, less crowded experience.
9. Burgazada
Burgazada is the smallest and quietest of the Princes’ Islands that tourists actually visit. Same ferry connections as the other islands, but way fewer people get off here, which is exactly why I love it. The whole island has this sleepy, forgotten feel that’s perfect if you want to escape crowds.
The Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is dedicated to one of Turkey’s most famous writers, and it’s actually pretty interesting even if you don’t know his work. The museum is in this beautiful old house with period furniture and personal items. I spent about an hour there and learned a lot about Turkish literature and island life in the early 1900s.
For swimming, Madam Martha Bay is the main spot – it’s small but has clear water and a few beach cafes. I grabbed lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants and had amazing fresh fish for way less than you’d pay in Istanbul. The island has these quiet walking paths through pine forests where you might not see another person for an hour. It’s the kind of place where locals still know each other and wave hello. Perfect for reading a book under pine trees or just decompressing from city life. You could see everything in half a day, but the whole point is to slow down and not rush.
10. Marmara Island
Marmara Island sits in the Sea of Marmara and feels completely off the beaten path. Getting there requires planning – ferries run from Tekirdağ or Erdek but schedules change seasonally, so check ahead. The island is famous for its marble quarries (that’s literally what “Marmara” means), but for tourists, it’s all about the pristine beaches and authentic island life.
Çınarcık Beach is the main swimming spot with golden sand and surprisingly clear water for the Sea of Marmara. I also found several hidden coves around the island that were completely empty – perfect for swimming without any crowds. The seafood here is incredible and way cheaper than Istanbul. I had the best grilled sea bass of my trip at a family-run taverna for about 60 TL.
Evenings on Marmara Island are special – there are a few waterfront bars where locals gather to drink Turkish wine and listen to live music. It’s not party central, but it has this authentic Mediterranean island vibe that feels genuine. The island produces its own wine and olive oil, both of which are excellent quality. I stayed in a simple guesthouse for 150 TL per night, and while it wasn’t luxury, the sunset views from my balcony over the marble-blue sea were priceless. This is definitely for people who want to experience real Turkish island life without tourist infrastructure.
11. Rabbit Island
Rabbit Island is this tiny islet just off Gümüşlük beach near Bodrum, and walking there is honestly one of the coolest things you can do in Turkey. There’s this ancient underwater causeway from Myndos that you can walk across – the water is usually knee-deep but can be slippery, so water shoes are essential.
The island itself is currently an archaeological site, so you can’t actually climb to the top anymore like you used to. Archaeologists from Uludağ University discovered a huge ancient theater that might be as large as the one at Ephesus. Even though you can’t explore the island itself, just walking across the submerged ancient path is amazing – you’re literally following the same route that people took 2,000 years ago.
The real experience is in Gümüşlük itself – this fishing village has some of the best waterfront restaurants on the Bodrum Peninsula. I had dinner right on the water watching the sunset behind Rabbit Island, and it was incredibly atmospheric. The fish is super fresh because boats come in daily, and prices are reasonable compared to Bodrum town. You can see ancient Myndos ruins both underwater while you’re walking to the island and scattered around Gümüşlük. It’s about 30 minutes by dolmuş from Bodrum and definitely worth a half-day trip, especially for sunset dinner.
- More Bodrum spots I loved: 10 Must-See Hidden Gems in Bodrum You Can’t Miss
12. Sığacık Island, Kalem Island
Sığacık Island (also called Kalem Island) is the most exclusive spot on this whole list – there’s basically one luxury boutique hotel that owns the island, so this isn’t a day trip destination unless you’re staying there. But honestly, if you can afford it, it’s an incredible splurge experience.
The hotel offers the only access to the island, and rates start around 300-500 euros per night depending on season. What you get is your own private beach, crystal-clear Aegean waters, and complete isolation from crowds. I managed to visit for lunch (they allow some day visitors), and the setting is absolutely stunning – you really do feel like you have your own private island.
The water around Sığacık Island is some of the clearest I’ve seen in Turkey, perfect for snorkeling and swimming. There are underwater rocks and small caves to explore, and the marine life is abundant since the area doesn’t get much boat traffic. The sunset views are spectacular – the sky turns into this canvas of oranges and pinks reflecting off the water.
This is definitely a “special occasion” destination rather than a budget travel spot. But if you’re celebrating something big or just want to experience complete luxury in an incredible natural setting, it’s hard to beat. The closest mainland town is Sığacık, which has some excellent fish restaurants and is worth exploring even if you can’t afford the island hotel.
- Also check out: Best Hidden Gems in Bodrum
