Ferries to Bozcaada leave from Geyikli Yükyeri port, 15 km from our hotel. We explain how tickets work, whether to take your car, how summer and winter sailings differ and how to avoid the queues.
With its vineyards, castle and narrow cobbled streets, Bozcaada is one of the most popular islands on Turkey's northern Aegean coast. Getting there is easier than many visitors expect: car ferries leave from Yükyeri port at Geyikli, in the Ezine district, and the crossing takes just over half an hour. The port is only 15 km from our hotel, so we have gathered everything you need to know about tickets, cars, timetables and peak-season queues.
Ferries to Bozcaada leave from Yükyeri port in Geyikli, a coastal town in the Ezine district of Çanakkale province. The route is operated by Gestaş and appears in official timetables as the Geyikli–Bozcaada line.
According to the Bozcaada District Governorship, the distance between the port and the island is about 4 miles, and the car ferry takes around 35 minutes. You may still see the name Odunluk pier in older guides and on some maps; today, ferries depart from Yükyeri port.
According to the Bozcaada District Governorship, tickets are sold only as return tickets and only at Yükyeri port. In other words, you buy your return journey on the mainland before you cross.
During the summer season, Gestaş offers online ticket sales by credit card, which also reserve a place on the ferry. When the season ends, online reservations close and passengers board on a first-come, first-served basis; in 2026, for example, online reservations for return trips from the island closed on 15 September. You can check the current rules on the Gestaş timetable page.
The number of sailings changes considerably with the seasons. In summer, departures are more frequent and extra sailings are added on busy days. In winter, there are fewer sailings per day, and some evening departures run only at weekends.
Because timetables are updated regularly, we have not included fixed times here; please check the current schedule on the Gestaş website before you travel. Gestaş notes that departure times may change depending on vehicle traffic at the ports. Information on cancellations and extra sailings is available on their call-centre number 444 0 752, which may not be reachable from outside Turkey.
The Bozcaada District Governorship recommends leaving your car on the mainland, in the car park at Geyikli Yükyeri, unless you really need it. The island's roads are paved and a full circuit by car takes less than half an hour, while the streets of the town are narrow and best explored on foot.
Getting around without a car is easy. From June to September, beach minibuses leave from in front of the castle for coves such as Ayazma, Sulubahçe, Habbele and Mermer Burnu. You can also rent a scooter or bicycle, or take a taxi.
If you do bring your car, park only in the areas designated by the municipality. Cars left in doorways or blocking the narrow streets can prevent rubbish lorries, fire engines and ambulances from getting through.
Known in antiquity as Tenedos, Bozcaada has its own place in the legend of Troy. In Virgil's Aeneid, the Greeks hide their fleet behind Tenedos after leaving the wooden horse on the shore, waiting for the moment to return and take the city.
The island's landmark is Bozcaada Castle, right next to the harbour. The historic streets around it, the traditional island houses and the vineyards that cover much of the island give Bozcaada its distinctive character. In summer, coves such as Ayazma are popular for swimming.
One of the best ways to see Bozcaada from the mainland is from the ancient cities on the opposite shore. From the theatre and harbour of Alexandria Troas, the great Roman port of the Troad, you look straight across to the island.
Troy is about 20 km from our hotel, and further south lie Assos and the Temple of Apollo Smintheus. A few days based on the mainland lets you combine a day on the island with the region's ancient sites.
If you want to catch an early ferry or avoid waiting at the port in summer, spending the night before nearby makes the trip much easier. Breakfast is included for our hotel guests and features the Ezine cheese our family has made since 1953, and our restaurant is open daily from 08:00 to 23:00 for dinner after your return from the island.
You can view our rooms and book directly with us.
According to the Bozcaada District Governorship, the crossing from Geyikli Yükyeri port to the island takes about 35 minutes.
During the summer season, Gestaş sells tickets online by credit card and lets you reserve a place on the ferry. Out of season, online reservations close and tickets are bought at the port, with passengers boarding in order of arrival.
No. The District Governorship itself recommends leaving cars in the car park at Geyikli Yükyeri if possible. In summer, beach minibuses run on the island, and you can also rent a bicycle or scooter or take a taxi.
Strong lodos and poyraz winds can delay or cancel sailings. On windy days, check the latest sailing status with Gestaş before you leave.
Places to Visit
At Gülpınar near Assos stands the only known sanctuary in Anatolia where Apollo was worshipped as lord of the mice. We cover its Iliad friezes, the lost statue of Apollo and how to plan your visit.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Perched on a volcanic hill above the Aegean, Assos was home to Aristotle and a stop on St Paul's travels. We cover the Temple of Athena, the lower city, sunset tips and how to plan your visit.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Formed in the former inner harbour of Alexandria Troas, Ezine's Pink Lake takes on a heart shape and shades of pink at certain times of year. We explain why it changes colour, when to see it and how to visit.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Ezine sits at the heart of the Troad, between Troy, Bozcaada, Assos and Mount Ida. We bring together the region's ancient cities, beaches and food, with distances from our hotel and a day-by-day itinerary.
Read the post
Accommodations
Troy, Gallipoli, Bozcaada or Assos: where you stay shapes your whole trip. We compare Çanakkale, the Ezine area, the Geyikli coast, Bozcaada and Assos to help you choose the best base for your plans.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Mount Ida, the mountain of Greek myth now known as Kaz Dağları, can be explored from the Çanakkale side via Bayramiç, Evciler and Ayazma. We cover its legends, nature, route and the rules to know before you go.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Near Ezine, on the slopes of Mount Çığrı, giant Roman granite columns still lie where they were cut. We explain their story, their size, how Troad granite reached Rome and what to know before you visit.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Driving between Çanakkale and İzmir? Stop on the road in Ezine for a Turkish village breakfast spread and a proper rest. We explain what is on the table, how to find us and tips for your break.
Read the post
Local Delicacies
In the Ezine district of Çanakkale, cheese means one thing. But what sets it apart from other white cheeses, how is it made, and why does it carry a geographical indication? As a family producing in the same region since 1953, we take you through each step.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Once the main harbour of the Troad with up to 100,000 inhabitants, Alexandria Troas near Ezine is one of Anatolia's largest ancient cities. We cover its ruins, its links to St Paul and how to plan your visit.
Read the post
Places to Visit
Troy, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Homer's Iliad, is just 20 km (12 miles) from our hotel. We explain its layers, what to see at the ruins and in the Troy Museum, and how to plan your visit.
Read the postNo agency commission — your special requests reach us directly. Our phone and WhatsApp line is open for any questions.
