Avşa Island: A Paradise with beautiful sea, sand, and wines in Marmara Sea
Avşa Island is located in the southwest of the Sea of Marmara, among three major islands. Avşa covers an area of 20.62 km² with a 33 km road around it. The surrounding bays include Değirmen, Mavikoy, Kambur Tarla, Çiftlik, Aleko, Küllü Yalı, Yiğitler to the north, and Aksa, Manastır, Beyaz Saray, Çınar, Kum Burnu, Altınkum to the south.
Despite being only 65 nautical miles away from Istanbul, Avşa is distinctly different from the bustling city. It embraces the Sea of Marmara, offering an Aegean atmosphere. Avşa, part of the group of islands formed as an extension of the Kapıdağ Peninsula in the middle of the Sea of Marmara, is renowned by the names Avşa and Türkeli, but it is most popularly known as the “Wine Island” among locals.
In the 60s, when the coasts of the Aegean and Mediterranean were not yet explored, and roads were non-existent, Erdek and Avşa were the top holiday destinations for Istanbulites.
AVŞA TODAY
As you walk through the narrow streets between souvenir stalls, the coastal road is lined with summerhouses and pensions extending towards Atatürk’s statue. Taxis await passengers under shaded stops as those who prefer narrow backstreets navigate around the maze-like town due to the haphazard settlements.
In the center of Avşa, you’ll find open-air food shops, cafes, souvenir stands, and lokma (deep-fried dough soaked in syrup) vendors along the seaside. The beach is mostly populated by a young crowd, families, and notably, a high percentage of women. The municipal garden features Ottoman tombstones, Byzantine remnants, fragments of sarcophagi, and amphoras left by the Greeks.
Several well-maintained parks along the shore showcase granite sculptures, including the “Sleeping Girl” statue won in a competition, seating groups, and various granite sculptures from past events. Shopping can yield vastly different prices; for example, a bottled water may have varying prices in each shop.
BEYAZ SARAY COVE
Beyaz Saray Cove provides a stark contrast to the crowds and chaos found elsewhere on the island. Only accessible to hotel guests, this cove boasts a sandy beach. The warm breeze, filtered by the sea, gently tans your skin without causing discomfort. The high oxygen content in the air provides an energetic experience.
You can walk barefoot on the grass or sunbathe on the pier. This serene paradise, away from the bustling town, is a favorite for those seeking peace and tranquility.
A private service, available from Kara Biga to Çanakkale, takes visitors to Avşa in just 10 minutes, providing a peaceful retreat away from the crowd.
