Gokceada

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Gökçeada

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40°13.6′N, 25°57.5′E
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Local chartlet
The attractive port settlement of Kalekoy on Gökçeada
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Gökçeada or Imroz Adasi, the the Greek Imvros (Ίμβρος) or Imbros is a mountainous island 15 miles NNW of the Dardanelles. In prehistoric times (2 century BC), the island was associated with the Kabeiroi or Cabeiri. Their origin is rather obscure, they could be associated with the Great Gods worshipped in Samothrace, or, according to a later source they were the offsprings of Hephaestos.

In ancient times (c 300 BC) there were several temples dedicated to Hermes and a noteworthy aqueduct. The island was colonized by Athenians. During modern times, Imvros (Gökçeada), like its smaller neighbor Tenedos (Bozcaada), was largely inhabited by Greeks and it was part of Greece until 1923, when it was ceded to Turkey under the terms of a peace treaty. The Greek inhabitants were not exchanged (as was the case elsewhere) but were allowed to stay and operate their schools and churches. During the Cyprus crisis of the 1950s, most of the remaining Greek population was coerced into leaving. Today there is a small (about 300) but very dedicated Greek minority living on the island.

Until a few years ago the island was a military zone and visiting by foreign yachts was prohibited. Now yachts are permitted to visit and normally berth either in the main ferry port of Kuzu Limani or the newer and more attractive harbour of Kaleköy three miles NW.

Charts

Satellite view of Gökçeada (Imbros)
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BA
1086 Srimonikos kólpos to Edremit Körfezi
Imray-Tetra
G2 Aegean Sea (North)
NIMA
54360 Thessaloniki to Canakkale Bogazi Dardanelles
54369 Approaches to Canakkale Bogazi
Turkey
2134 Anafartalar Koyu - Tavşan Island
Greek
32 Thrakiko Sea
322 Limnos & Ay. Efstratios

Radio Nets

Also see Cruiser's Nets

Submit details of local radio Nets.

Weather

See Aegean Sea.

Approach and Navigation

The approaches to Gökçeada and its harbours are straightforward, with no obvious dangers (although see entry for Kaleköy for information on the entrance). There are extensive shoals off the SW and W coasts of the island, which are avoided by passing at least a mile offshore. In the approach to the island from S or W, note that there is a significant W-going current along the southern side.

Check-in facilities (Customs and Immigration)

There are no customs here. The nearest port of entry/exit is Çanakkale.

Ports and Popular Stops

Ports

There are two harbours on the island, the main ferry port of Kuzu Limani at the NE tip of the island (GPS: 40°13.6′N, 25°57.5′E) and the new harbour of Kaleköy three miles NW around the tip and along the N coast (GPS: 40°13.86′N, 25°53.47′E). The ferry port is a rather bleak and uninviting place, with limited facilities, but the shelter is good. Although crowded with local boats, the harbour at Kaleköy is much more yacht-friendly and has better facilities.

For details of the harbour at Kuzu Limani, click on the link.

For details of the harbour at Kaleköy, click on the link.

The N end of Kuzu Limani harbour (Coastguard jetty on left)
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The new harbour of Kaleköy
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Anchorages

There are a few anchorages along the S side of the island which can be used in settled weather, but none of them are really suited for overnight anchoring.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

No fuel station: garage in Gökçeada town. Water in Kuzu Limani. Water and electricity in Kaleköy harbour.

Offshore Islands

Tourism and Things to do Ashore

Tourism

The port of Kaleköy on the north coast of the island is attractive and has numerous cafes and restaurants along its waterfront. Also, there are several picturesque villages with some restored houses in the interior of the island, such as Tepenköy and Zeytinli, which are worth a visit. The main town of Gökçeada is dreary. There is a regular hourly bus service between Kaleköy and Gökçeada town (also known as Centrum) and from there a less frequent service to Kuzu Limani. Visits to other parts of the island will call for a taxi. There are also a couple of places in Centrum where cycles can be hired.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Very limited and mostly in Gökçeada town.
  • Small kiosk by the harbour in Kaleköy.

Eateries

  • There is a very nice restaurant in the mountain village of Tepeköy, the Barba Yiorgis (tel. +90 286 887 35 92)
  • Several good fish restaurants along the waterfront in Kaleköy.

Internet/WiFi

In internet cafes in Gökçeada town and Yakamoz Pansyon in Kaleköy.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Car rental in Gökçeada town only.

Laundry

None.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbour in Kuzu Limani and Kaleköy.

Transportation

  • Ferries to Çanakkale and Kabatepe on the mainland.
  • Flights from Istanbul calling at Canakkale.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

References & Publications

See Turkey.

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

Personal Notes

  • With the opening of the new harbour at Kaleköy, Gökçeada is now a much more enticing prospect for a cruising yacht – assuming you can get a berth. --Athene of Lymington 12:55, 21 June 2011 (BST)


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