Çanakkale camping guide: Bozcaada, Gökçeada and Geyikli
Islands of wind, vineyards and clear water. Ferries, seasons, campsites and campervan notes for camping on Bozcaada and Gökçeada, plus tips for Geyikli and the Troy coast.
Teknovan Editorial Team ·
Çanakkale's two islands, Bozcaada and Gökçeada, show two very different sides of island camping in Türkiye. Bozcaada (Tenedos) is small, covered in vineyards and rather chic. Gökçeada (Imbros) is big and wild, with villages where time moves slowly. Geyikli, on the mainland opposite, is where the Bozcaada ferry leaves from, and with its own beach and campsites it is worth a stop in its own right. All three lie near the mouth of the Dardanelles in the far northwest of the country. This guide brings together what you need to know about camping on Bozcaada, camping on Gökçeada and Geyikli.
The islands at a glance
| Place | Getting there | Highlights | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozcaada | Ferry from Geyikli (Yükyeri) pier | Vineyards, Ayazma beach, the castle | A short island break, food and wine |
| Gökçeada | Ferry from Kabatepe pier (Gelibolu) | Aydıncık surf beach, Greek villages, Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) | Surfers, long slow holidays |
| Geyikli | By road | Long beach, close to Troy | Campervan stopovers, families |
Bozcaada: vineyards, wind and Ayazma
On Bozcaada the wind sets the pace. The northerly keeps the island cool, but you will want a good windbreak when you pitch a tent. The wind turbines and vineyards on the west side and coves on the south coast such as Ayazma, Sulubahçe and Habbele are the island's postcards. Start at the castle in the late afternoon and get lost in the stone streets: probably the best habit you can pick up here.
Because Bozcaada is small, there are only a few campsites. In July and August, book ahead without fail. Vehicle space on the ferry is limited as well, and on summer weekends the queue of cars can get long.
Gökçeada: slow camping on Türkiye's largest island
Gökçeada is the largest island in Türkiye. Aydıncık (Kefalos) beach is where windsurfers and kitesurfers gather. Right next to it, Tuz Gölü (the Salt Lake) is a favourite with birdwatchers. The stone houses of old Greek villages such as Tepeköy, Zeytinliköy and Dereköy, and the empty coves around Uğurlu and Marmaros in the north, show you the island's slower side.
You get to Gökçeada by ferry from Kabatepe on the Gallipoli (Gelibolu) peninsula. The island is big, so bringing your own vehicle makes life much easier. With a campervan, the forest camp in the north and the campsites around the villages are good choices.
Geyikli and the Troy coast
Geyikli is a quiet seaside town with a long beach, a few minutes from Yükyeri pier where the Bozcaada ferry leaves. It is a good place for a night or two before you cross or after you come back. The ancient city of Troy and the Troy Museum are about half an hour's drive away.
Campsites in the area
The list is a selection of campsites on teknovan.com.tr. Ratings are based on Google reviews and are as of 1 November 2026.
| Campsite | Location | Type | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozcaada Camping | Bozcaada | Campsite | 4.0 |
| Uğurlu Köyü Çamlık Kamp Alanı | Gökçeada | Forest camp | 4.4 |
| Ütopya Camping | Geyikli | Campsite | 4.8 |
When to go
- June: The islands are quiet, the ferries easy, the sea cool but swimmable.
- July-August: Peak wind and surf season. Plan ferries and campsites in advance.
- September: Grape harvest time, and known as Bozcaada's best month.
Notes for campervan travellers
- Check ferry timetables and vehicle fares at the start of the season. Campervans and caravans may be charged differently depending on length.
- Bozcaada's village and vineyard lanes are narrow. Rather than driving a big van round the island all day, park it at the campsite and use a bike.
- The wind is strong: put away awnings, parasols and anything light at night.
- Water is precious on the islands. Fill your fresh water tank on the mainland and use it sparingly.
FAQ
Can you take a campervan to Bozcaada? Yes. The ferry from Yükyeri pier in Geyikli carries cars and campervans. In summer, allow for a queue.
Where is the best place to camp on Gökçeada? Around Aydıncık for surfing, and the Uğurlu side in the north for forest and quiet.
Bozcaada or Gökçeada? Bozcaada for a short break built around food. Gökçeada for a long, quiet camping trip focused on nature.
You can see the campsites around Çanakkale and on the islands on the teknovan.com.tr campsites page, pick your dates and send a booking request.
Image credits
Photos illustrate the region; they are not photos of the campsites themselves.
- Bozcaada: Nevit Dilmen (talk), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gökçeada: User:Ggia, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Bozcaada (Geyikli karşısı): Gargarapalvin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Bozcaada: Gargarapalvin, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
- Gökçeada: SahinBasaran, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.jpg)
