Our insider tips - BOZCAADA BESOTTEDNESS
Food scene
Maya Bozcaada
If you are a meat and cheese eater and enjoy red wine you will enjoy this set menu.
Neighborhoods
BOZCAADA BESOTTEDNESS…our insider tips
Vineyards,stone vineyard lodges ‘damevis’ and whitewashed houses with colourful shutters are some of the reasons our love affair with Bozcaada began. Our family have spent almost thirty years going back and forth to the island but we’re still besotted by its charms.
This little northern Aegean island is one of those magical places where you can relax, escape the humid heat of Istanbul, chill, and watch the world go by (only having to rub shoulders with too many tourists during July and August and during public holidays.)
At 42 square kilometres, with a large proportion planted with vineyards, this island is a beautiful sight to see throughout the year. Hidden, inaccessible beaches and crystal clear sea still enchant us as easily as the first day we arrived on the island. If your plan is to sample the local wine, relax and dip into the refreshingly cold sea you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of things you might want to try out on your visit:
The local food
Our favourite is octopus which is locally caught.We like this best grilled but octopus salad is also delicious too. If you’re lucky enough to be here in summer try the local tomatoes too- especially the thin skinned pink variety and of course Bozcaada’s famous Cavus grapes. There are a range of restaurants to try, but our favourites are Vahit in Ayazma, Boruzan and Asma Alti in the harbour and Yalova in the Greek district of the town. If you enjoy meat you could try Maya which serves a set menu accompanied by unlimited amounts of local house wine.
Wine tasting
Bozcaada is known for its wine. You can sample the likes of Talay, Amadeus, Corvus and Çamlıbağ or for the extra brave even the delights of our home made wine.
Cycling
Bicycles are available for rent in town. It is a good way to see the island, but be prepared for hills. Take ample water with you and plan a lot of rests.
Exploring the coastline
Some of the island’s beaches can be crowded when the weather is warm and sunny. Ayazma, Sulubahce and Habbele can get crowded during the summer, but the beaches, at Çayır Tuzburnu, and Beylik are also good places to take a dip. There are also several, practically deserted swimming areas around the island. Our favourite for guests at Boreas Cottage is the small cove five minutes walk from the house.
Making friends with the locals
Sit under the big tree in the town (meydan) and drink a glass of tea or cup of Turkish coffee alongside the locals. A stroll along the promenade in front of the castle is an ideal place to people watch, check out the incoming yachts, and, if you’re lucky you might get to dance at one of the locals’ weddings hosted outside during the summer months.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets
The island’s town center was originally divided by a stream into a Greek and Turkish section. You’ll see two mosques and Ottoman architecture on the Turkish side. In contrast the Greek side of town is laid out in a grid system and is home to a church with a clock tower.
Marvelling at the historic Bozcaada Castle
In 1455, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror rebuilt the castle on ruins that had been used by the Genovese and Venetians. In the following years the castle was restored several times.
There’s a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the legendary site of Troy from the castle walls.
Be careful though, one of our group of guests got locked in by the gatekeeper keen to go home early and almost had to spend the night inside!
The Bozcaada Museum
The curator has assembled an interesting collection, and if you’re lucky enough he will give you a guided tour.
Checking out the local art and music scene
Bozcaada is well known for its art scene . During the summer months there are several exhibitions.
In the summer months there are also many concerts and festivals to choose from.Details will be posted in town and on the local Bozcaada web site www.bozcaadarehberi.com
Shopping
Near the harbour, you will find locals selling grapes ( in August) ,oregano, honey and jam made from tomatoes, a local speciality passed down by the Greek community. On Wednesdays, visit the market where farmers from the mainland bring their seasonal produce to sell to both locals and tourists . There are also many places to shop for souvenirs if you wish. Ella, your host at one of our homes runs an independent designer collective called Mockup Moda. You can check it out in the harbour area or on Instagram @mockupmoda .
Saluting the Sun
A popular activity is to head out to the Polente lighthouse on the western side of the island to watch the sun sink into the sea at sunset. Our recommendation is to pack a basket with a couple of bottles of wine and some local cheeses and chill-out in style while the day comes to an end .
Yoga
Yoga has become a popular activity in recent years.Tulay (0532 425 5224) runs classes in the Cayir area twice a week and Ayca ( 0533 352 7060) also organizes classes too.
Grape picking
Come at the harvest time and become part of the tradition of the island. Our Cavus harvest starts early to mid August which are sold to the Corvus winery, and continues into September. We are always very happy to have a few pairs of extra hands, and if you would like to learn how to dry grapes, make molasses or wine we would be very willing to teach you.
Lavender picking
We have a lavender field in Habbele – please feel free to pick some. It starts to bloom during the first or second week of June and is harvested in mid July followed by a second bloom till September or October.
Bozcaaada has certainly captured our hearts and no doubt it will capture yours too!
The NISOS homes team
Instagram @bozcaada.nisos
45 os moradores locais recomendam
Bozcaada
BOZCAADA BESOTTEDNESS…our insider tips
Vineyards,stone vineyard lodges ‘damevis’ and whitewashed houses with colourful shutters are some of the reasons our love affair with Bozcaada began. Our family have spent almost thirty years going back and forth to the island but we’re still besotted by its charms.
This little northern Aegean island is one of those magical places where you can relax, escape the humid heat of Istanbul, chill, and watch the world go by (only having to rub shoulders with too many tourists during July and August and during public holidays.)
At 42 square kilometres, with a large proportion planted with vineyards, this island is a beautiful sight to see throughout the year. Hidden, inaccessible beaches and crystal clear sea still enchant us as easily as the first day we arrived on the island. If your plan is to sample the local wine, relax and dip into the refreshingly cold sea you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s a list of things you might want to try out on your visit:
The local food
Our favourite is octopus which is locally caught.We like this best grilled but octopus salad is also delicious too. If you’re lucky enough to be here in summer try the local tomatoes too- especially the thin skinned pink variety and of course Bozcaada’s famous Cavus grapes. There are a range of restaurants to try, but our favourites are Vahit in Ayazma, Boruzan and Asma Alti in the harbour and Yalova in the Greek district of the town. If you enjoy meat you could try Maya which serves a set menu accompanied by unlimited amounts of local house wine.
Wine tasting
Bozcaada is known for its wine. You can sample the likes of Talay, Amadeus, Corvus and Çamlıbağ or for the extra brave even the delights of our home made wine.
Cycling
Bicycles are available for rent in town. It is a good way to see the island, but be prepared for hills. Take ample water with you and plan a lot of rests.
Exploring the coastline
Some of the island’s beaches can be crowded when the weather is warm and sunny. Ayazma, Sulubahce and Habbele can get crowded during the summer, but the beaches, at Çayır Tuzburnu, and Beylik are also good places to take a dip. There are also several, practically deserted swimming areas around the island. Our favourite for guests at Boreas Cottage is the small cove five minutes walk from the house.
Making friends with the locals
Sit under the big tree in the town (meydan) and drink a glass of tea or cup of Turkish coffee alongside the locals. A stroll along the promenade in front of the castle is an ideal place to people watch, check out the incoming yachts, and, if you’re lucky you might get to dance at one of the locals’ weddings hosted outside during the summer months.
Strolling through the cobblestone streets
The island’s town center was originally divided by a stream into a Greek and Turkish section. You’ll see two mosques and Ottoman architecture on the Turkish side. In contrast the Greek side of town is laid out in a grid system and is home to a church with a clock tower.
Marvelling at the historic Bozcaada Castle
In 1455, Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror rebuilt the castle on ruins that had been used by the Genovese and Venetians. In the following years the castle was restored several times.
There’s a panoramic view of the Aegean Sea and the legendary site of Troy from the castle walls.
Be careful though, one of our group of guests got locked in by the gatekeeper keen to go home early and almost had to spend the night inside!
The Bozcaada Museum
The curator has assembled an interesting collection, and if you’re lucky enough he will give you a guided tour.
Checking out the local art and music scene
Bozcaada is well known for its art scene . During the summer months there are several exhibitions.
In the summer months there are also many concerts and festivals to choose from.Details will be posted in town and on the local Bozcaada web site www.bozcaadarehberi.com
Shopping
Near the harbour, you will find locals selling grapes ( in August) ,oregano, honey and jam made from tomatoes, a local speciality passed down by the Greek community. On Wednesdays, visit the market where farmers from the mainland bring their seasonal produce to sell to both locals and tourists . There are also many places to shop for souvenirs if you wish. Ella, your host at one of our homes runs an independent designer collective called Mockup Moda. You can check it out in the harbour area or on Instagram @mockupmoda .
Saluting the Sun
A popular activity is to head out to the Polente lighthouse on the western side of the island to watch the sun sink into the sea at sunset. Our recommendation is to pack a basket with a couple of bottles of wine and some local cheeses and chill-out in style while the day comes to an end .
Yoga
Yoga has become a popular activity in recent years.Tulay (0532 425 5224) runs classes in the Cayir area twice a week and Ayca ( 0533 352 7060) also organizes classes too.
Grape picking
Come at the harvest time and become part of the tradition of the island. Our Cavus harvest starts early to mid August which are sold to the Corvus winery, and continues into September. We are always very happy to have a few pairs of extra hands, and if you would like to learn how to dry grapes, make molasses or wine we would be very willing to teach you.
Lavender picking
We have a lavender field in Habbele – please feel free to pick some. It starts to bloom during the first or second week of June and is harvested in mid July followed by a second bloom till September or October.
Bozcaaada has certainly captured our hearts and no doubt it will capture yours too!
The NISOS homes team
Instagram @bozcaada.nisos
Independent designer collective
Clothing / unique locally made accessories
This is an amazing independent designer collective featuring local designers and unique finds.
Set in a historic building in the harbour area be sure to check it out during your Bozcaada stay.
Mockup Moda
This is an amazing independent designer collective featuring local designers and unique finds.
Set in a historic building in the harbour area be sure to check it out during your Bozcaada stay.