The island's Greek-Ottoman Chora is one of the Aegean's most photogenic old towns — a labyrinth of whitewashed mansions, bougainvillea lanes, and family-run meyhanes serving the freshest seafood you'll eat anywhere in Turkey.
What to expect
Your guide leads you through the Chora's grid of cobblestone lanes, pointing out the distinctive stone mansions built by Greek and Levantine merchant families in the 19th century. You'll visit the harbour fish market to select the morning's catch, then settle into a shaded meyhane terrace where the owner walks you through a procession of cold and hot mezzes — stuffed calamari, octopus braised in local wine, hand-caught sea bass. The guide pairs each dish with a glass of Bozcaada's indigenous white grape varieties. Finish with a strong Turkish coffee in a harbourside café.
Good to know
Best for a late-morning arrival; aim to start the food walk by 11:30 am for the freshest market selection and a leisurely 2-hour lunch. The Chora is a flat 5-minute walk from the pier. No pre-booking required for the walking portion, but reserve your meyhane table through your guide at least the day before.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Bozcaada — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.