
Imposing castle: This fortified structure is one of the first things visitors see of the island of Bozcaada when arriving by boat.

Ancient past: The Turkish island has a rich history. The Romans were here. So were the Byzantines, the Republic of Venice and the Ottomans. It also gets a mention, under its alternative name Tenedos, in Homer's "Iliad."

Eating out: The island has a lively nightlife with plenty of taverns, bars and restaurants.

Drinking it in: Bozcaada's wine industry also goes back 3,000 years. Winemakers old and new successfully carry on the tradition, especially the endemic grape varieties including Çavuş, Vasilaki, Kuntra and Karalahna.

Sand and sea: The island is blessed with beautiful beaches and swimming spots.

Dance all night: "For me, the best time on the island is during April, May, September and October," says architect Reşit Soley. "The most crowded time is August, which intersects with the bustling grape harvest. During the day you spend hours under the sun among the vines and at night you meet up at beaches that can't be reached by car, bonfires are lit and people dance all night. "

Echoes and influences: Wandering around the island's cobblestoned town center, it's hard to avoid the remaining influences of its formerly Greek inhabitants. Everywhere there are old stone houses and taverns.