The Gökçeada North Coast Trail is a 12-kilometre one-way coastal walk along the wild northern shoreline of Gökçeada (İmroz), Turkey's largest Aegean island, located in Çanakkale province. The trail begins at Uğurlu village on the island's north coast and follows a largely informal footpath east along sea cliffs, pebble coves, and low scrubland above the open Aegean, finishing near the Kapıkaya cliffs. Reaching the island requires the Gestaş ferry from Çanakkale or Kabatepe to Gökçeada town (Merkez), approximately 2 hours crossing time (TRY 300–450 return per person); from the port, a rental scooter or car is needed to reach Uğurlu village on the north coast (approximately 20 minutes drive). No trailhead services, permits, or entrance fees apply. The terrain is low-lying coastal scrub with gentle undulation of 20–60 metres elevation, following natural goat paths and informal tracks above the sea cliffs. The path is unfenced and in places comes close to cliff edges; care is required, particularly in high winds. Surface is predominantly compacted earth, loose rock, and dry grass. No water sources exist on the trail — hikers must carry all water from Uğurlu village. The route passes several isolated pebble beaches accessible by short scrambles down the cliff face, ideal for a rest or a swim. The north coast is fully exposed to the prevailing northerly poyraz wind, which can be strong in spring and autumn. The trail is best navigated with a GPS device or downloaded offline map, as waymarking is minimal throughout.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Gökçeada Island
- Best season
- April–October
What to bring
- Hiking shoes
- Water (no water sources on trail)
- Sunscreen
- Snacks
Location
Start from Uğurlu village, Gökçeada, Çanakkale — follow coastal path eastward
40.2018, 25.9487 View on map
Highlights
- Unspoilt wild north coast of Gökçeada with unobstructed views across the open Aegean Sea
- Isolated pebble coves accessible from the clifftop path by short scrambles — ideal for swimming
- Kapıkaya sea cliffs near the eastern end — dramatic basalt formations rising vertically above the water
- Near-complete absence of development along the entire north coast, one of Turkey's most pristine shorelines
- Endemic Aegean garrigue vegetation — sage, rockrose, and maquis — lining the clifftop path throughout
Tips for visiting
- Download an offline GPS track before departing — the path is poorly marked and easy to lose in overgrown sections
- Carry 2–3 litres of water; there are no water sources between Uğurlu village and the eastern end of the trail
- A windproof layer is useful even in warm months — the north coast faces the prevailing poyraz wind year-round
- Arrange transport back from the eastern end of the trail in advance; the trail is linear with no loop option
- The north coast trail remains quiet even in July and August when the island's southern beaches are at peak season
When to visit
May through June and September through October offer the most comfortable conditions — mild temperatures, manageable poyraz winds, and clear Aegean visibility. July and August are warm but the north coast wind provides relief from the heat. The trail is walkable April through October; winter months bring stormy Aegean weather that makes the exposed cliff path unsafe.
Accessibility
The Gökçeada North Coast Trail is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible. The route follows informal cliff-top paths with uneven ground, loose rock, and no infrastructure. The coastline along the trail is reachable only on foot.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Gökçeada North Coast Trail take?
The 12 km one-way route takes 4–5 hours at a steady pace. As the trail is linear with no loop option, transport must be arranged at both ends, or hikers retrace the route back to Uğurlu (doubling the time to 8–10 hours).
Can the trail be walked without a GPS device?
Navigating without GPS is possible but not recommended. The trail is not officially waymarked and the path can be difficult to follow through dense maquis and near the cliff edges. A downloaded offline track on a smartphone navigation app is the minimum recommended preparation.
Are there facilities along the trail?
No facilities exist between Uğurlu village and the eastern end of the route. Hikers must be fully self-sufficient with food and water. Basic supplies can be purchased in Uğurlu or Gökçeada town (Merkez) before setting out.
Is camping permitted along the north coast?
Informal camping in isolated cove areas is practised by some visitors but is not officially designated. No camping facilities or fresh water exist on the north coast; all supplies must be carried in.