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Seashore during sunset. Photo by Sean Oulashin-

Top 10 Facts about AvÅŸa Island

Avşa Island (Turkish: Avşa Adas) or Türkeli is a 14-square-mile Turkish island in the southern Sea of Marmara (36 square kilometres). It was the traditional and Byzantine Aphousia (Greek: o or ), and it served as a place of exile during the Byzantine period.

Following the 1923 population exchange, the Greek residents fled to Sarti Chalkidiki. The island is located in the Marmara District of the Balkesir Province of northwest Turkey.

It is a popular domestic tourist destination, particularly for Istanbul visitors. According to the most recent census, the local population is around 2,000, but during the summer season, the number of visitors can reach forty to fifty thousand.

1. How to get around using the public transport to the island

How does one get around the island? One may  ask! Türkeli was the previous name of AvÅŸa Island, which is 11 kilometres from the district centre and 155 kilometres from the city centre.

In AvÅŸa, there are dozens of hotels in the Ada hotel concept and over 200 inexpensive pensions. It is possible to travel from Erdek to GestaÅŸ in 1 hour 30 minutes by car ship and 45 minutes by fast sea bus Budo.

Guests traveling to Istanbul can reach AvÅŸa in 2 hours 30 minutes with IDO expeditions in the summer, and 3 hours by sea ferry from Tekirda.

2. It’s had different names over the centuries

Beachfront with clear water. Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel-

Now we come to the island itself. It has had various names over the centuries to match the current population. It was first settled in the Neolithic Age, according to archaeological finds, but the Greeks had a strong influence on the island’s economy and infrastructure.

Pnagia was the name given to the island at the time after yet another monastery devoted solely to the Virgin Mary. The name was changed to Aosia two centuries later, but was changed again at the beginning of the twentieth century to Afissia.

Following the removal of the Greeks as part of the 1923 population exchange, Turkish residents cleared much of the land, which was then sold for expansion.

Stele, amphora, and inscription fragments vanished into the foundations and garden walls of houses on the island. Even though the island is formally known as Türkeli, everybody refers to it as Avşa, the Turkish equivalent of Aosia.

3. AvÅŸa is a popular tourist destination

Despite being one of the smaller Marmara Islands, AvÅŸa is the most visited. It is a short distance from Istanbul and was established as a budget resort in the 1970s, when the other islands restricted tourist advancement.

The island is shaped like an hourglass, with two settlements: the main town, also known as AvÅŸa, on the west coast and Araplar (officially Yiitler) on the east coast. A ridge of hills runs through the center, and attractive coves dot the coast.

Although AvÅŸa is a popular tourist destination, very few visitors come from outside Turkey. A small minority speaks English or German, which is vastly better than on the other Marmara islands.

Confusion in shops or restaurants is settled by either pulling out a phone with a translation app or sending a small boy who will return in five minutes with an English-speaker.

4. Where can one go swimming on the island?

Seashore during sunset. Photo by Sean Oulashin-

Despite the fact that AvÅŸa has many beaches, many of them are littered, regardless of the fact that there are bins all over. The local council could assist by launching a campaign to keep AvÅŸa clean and repairing the repulsive (I use the word lightly) public toilets on the Yiitler beachfront. 

The most famous beach on the island is Altnkum. People who don’t know how to swim and prefer a beach with sun loungers and umbrellas will enjoy the shallow flat sands. It appeared shabby to me.

5. Avşa Halk Plajı is another beach to visit when visiting the island

AvÅŸa Halk Plaj in AvÅŸa Merkezi, near the IDO wharf, is pretty crowded. Tourists are  always told not to swim next to working boats, but it’s there if you have time to kill before a ferry and want to cool off.

6. There is a beach with multiple restaurants, you should visit

There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and hotels on the beach at nar Koyu. The water is crystal clear and clean, but the beach has dirty sand and is crammed with sunbeds.

7. One of the most favourable beaches is known as…

TavÅŸanl beach, is one of  two favourites by many tourists, has calm, shallow waters, soft sand, and is excellent for water activities. TavÅŸanl Icir Alti, a restaurant set in a tree grove, is lovely. It has a simple menu but good food and reasonable prices. Lounge chairs and umbrellas can be rented, but there is also space to set up individually.

8. The second most favourable beach is known as…

Beachfront with clear water. Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel-

Karadut beach, is also one of  the most visited beaches  by  tourists, is also peaceful, with only two restaurants, and is accessible by council minibus. It gets its name from the mulberry trees that grow there.

There are sunbeds and sandy stretches where you can set up your own umbrella and chairs. You can try eat  lamb ÅŸiÅŸ at Karadut Kr Lokantas, and it is heaven, this is according to the locals in Tukey.  

Hosts normally call the owner the night before you arrive to pre-order the lamb for you. Their own herd provides the meat.

They also served mackerel, chicken, köfte, and toasted sandwiches, among other things. You can order beer and Turkish tea, both of which are very good.

9. What are some of the outdoor activities available on AvÅŸa Island?

There isn’t much to do on the island, which is to be expected for an idyllic Mediterranean island paradise. This is especially useful in the summer when temperatures soar.

There is a “Lunapark” fair in AvÅŸa. There are also sandy beaches all over the island, some of which are public and some of which are private.

Due to the general island’s shape, there are a few real gems with some natural bays. It is possible to walk over the main hills fairly easily, but bring plenty of water and set off early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

The main strip in town may appear lame, but if you go up to the ferry port, there are two fish street market nearby. The guys there are happy to show you how they handle the fish; the fish are fresh and delicious cooked in a Turkish barbeque (mangal).

Heading down the strip and out will bring you to Mavikoy. Before climbing the hill, there is a restaurant with a sea view, some nice beaches, and a lookout point past the hill that is sometimes visited by couples around sunrise/sunets.

10. You should try the locally brewed wine from the island

The island’s wine is well-known and of varying quality. Bortaçina (Liman Mevkii, Yiitler) is a well-known local manufacturer with a winery in Yiitler that offers wine tasting (as well as a grilled meat and fish menu).

If you don’t like wine, Avsa’s restaurants and bars have a good range of beers, however, you might be better off going to the local supermarkets. Turkish spirits, such as Raki, are commonly accessible, but some foreign spirits, such as Gin or Rum, may be difficult to find.

Whiskey will most likely be limited to Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort. Keep in mind that Avsa can get incredibly hot, so stick to the Efes Beer.