Travel Diaries #1 A Guide to Bozcaada

Every summer, we find ourselves returning to the same island, Bozcaada. Not because there is always something new to see, but because it has become a place where we notice the same things differently each time. To help plan a visit, consider this a small guide to Bozcaada through our eyes. There are a few places on the island that we always return to. #1 Coffee Shelter A part of our daily routine on the island. Wooden tables that feel almost like school desks,an interior shaped by sunlight that shifts through the day, and familiar faces alongside good coffee. It is also where we decided to start AYANA, and where many of our early ideas first took shape. #2 Salhane A place to spend the day—to swim, hang out, have a few beers—and to come back at night, when it stays open for drinks. Crystal clear water overlooking the castle makes everything feel a bit more dreamy. #3 Maya Bozcaada About ten minutes from the center, set within a vineyard. A place to eat meat, have some wine, and ease into the landscape around it. Large trees in the middle of the courtyard shape the space, making it feel familiar. Don’t forget to make reservations ahead. #4 Sapa The island’s go-to cocktail bar. This summer it moved closer to the sea, into a new space where a kitchen now complements the drinks. #5 Tayyare Pizza Located next to the gas station, this is our go-to for pizza Perfect for takeaway before heading to watch the sunset. #6 Where to Swim The best way to experience the island is to keep it simple. Pick up a beach chair—or just a towel—and spend the day moving from one cove to another. Throw your towel onto the sand, there is no need to settle in one place. #7 Yalova Restoran Yalova Restaurant is one of the island’s well-known fish restaurants. Located by the sea near Salhane, a good spot for rakı, with fresh meze and seafood served throughout the evening. These are the places we return to most often on the island—simple routines, familiar tables, and spaces that have quietly become part of how we experience Bozcaada.