Gökçeada Şirinköy: Immigrant Village, Secret Harbor & Organic Farming

Gökçeada Şirinköy: The Unique Story of the Island's Newest Village

Most villages in Gökçeada (Imbros) stand out with their centuries-old history, traces of Greek culture, and historical texture. But on the southwestern tip of the island, 21 kilometers from the center, lies a village that carries the youngest, freshest, and perhaps least-known story of Gökçeada: Şirinköy.

Founded in 1996 and officially opened for settlement in 2000, Şirinköy today offers visitors a completely different Gökçeada experience with its population of 264, organic production facilities, a winery sprouting in an old prison building, and its gateway to one of the island's most pristine shores.

A Migration Story: From Bulgaria to Gökçeada

Şirinköy's existence begins with one of history's painful chapters. In 1989, the communist Zhivkov regime in Bulgaria intensified its forced name-changing and assimilation campaign against the Turkish minority. As a result of these pressures, approximately 360,000 Turks were forced to leave Bulgaria. Immigrants who took refuge in Turkey during this wave, known in history as the "Great Migration," were settled in various cities.

Some chose Gökçeada. Together with settlers from Erzurum, they established a village of about 80 households in the southwest of the island in 1996. It was named Şirinköy. It is the newest village ever founded in Gökçeada's history.

This origin can be found in daily life: the accent, some culinary habits, the meticulousness in the approach to land and animals. Şirinköy is not just a village; it resembles a living historical document.

Getting to Know the Village: Şirinköy Today

Today, Şirinköy is home to a population of about 264. The village has 150 households, but only about 90 are occupied in winter; summer is livelier.

The village economy rests on a few main pillars:

• Agriculture and livestock: The main source of livelihood. The village has received organic livestock certification.
• Tomato paste production: There is an active tomato paste factory in the village.
• Cheese production: Ekozey Ecological and Organic Agriculture company produces Ezine cheese at the old prison address.
• Organic wine: Nympha Organic Viticulture, with its winery established in the old prison buildings, attracts both local and international attention.
• Guesthouse business: Tourism has also been developing in recent years.

From Old Prison to Organic Winery: The Story of Nympha

Şirinköy's most remarkable transformation story begins with a prison.

Established in 1965, the Gökçeada Semi-Open Prison was a large complex of 18-20 buildings. Functioning for decades, it was closed in 1991. As the buildings were falling into ruin, a family with a different perspective stepped in.

The couple Kadri and Hülya Hasdemir rented two old prison buildings in 2018 and founded Nympha Organic Viticulture. They produce organic and biodynamic wines from grapes grown in their vineyards called "Sky Vineyards." Among their product range, the rare Orange Wine in Turkey and the İmroz Nympha series unique to Gökçeada are particularly noteworthy.

Nympha is not just a winery. It is a project that carries Gökçeada's ancient viticulture tradition into the future with modern organic methods. This initiative sprouting between prison walls is perhaps the most inspiring transformation story in the island's history.

For those wishing to visit, it is recommended to contact in advance. Instagram: @imroznympha

Natural Treasures Near Şirinköy

Şirinköy itself does not have a beach. However, the village's location serves as a gateway to one of Gökçeada's least discovered shores.

Gizli Liman (Secret Harbor)

This cove right next to Şirinköy lives up to its name. With its 750-meter fine sandy beach, pine forest behind, and turquoise sea in front, it forms one of Gökçeada's most impressive coastal spots.

What makes Gizli Liman special is another feature: Turkey's westernmost point, İnceburun (Avlaka Cape), is visible from here. This makes Gizli Liman one of the places where the sun sets last in Turkey. Watching the sunset here is one of the rare experiences unique to Gökçeada.

Access to the beach by car is possible, but the last part goes through a rocky and challenging path. Entrance is free; there are no facilities. You must bring water, food, and a trash bag.

Yuvali Beach

Located between Kapıkaya Beach and Uğurlu Beach. This spot, with facilities of the Ministries of Justice, Health, and National Education, is a short walk from Şirinköy and offers a relatively livelier beach environment.

Laz Cove

A small cove in the nearby area known for its untouched nature. Thanks to its sheltered position from northern winds, it offers calm sea. While exploring the Şirinköy area, it's worth stopping by Laz Cove.

Uğurlu Beach

Located 5 kilometers from Şirinköy, Uğurlu is one of the island's popular beaches. The Mavi Su Resort Hotel is situated in this cove.

Local Products: What to Buy from Şirinköy?

A visit to Şirinköy is also rich in valuable products to take home.

• Local tomato paste: Naturally prepared tomato paste produced at the village factory.
• Goat cheese and Ezine cheese: Organically certified production by Ekozey.
• Nympha organic wines: Various series including Orange Wine. Biodynamic wines rarely found in Turkey.
• Ada Rüzgarı products: Olive oil, honey, jam, tomato paste, goat cheese, soap (Tel: +90 286 887 24 96).

Food & Drink: What's in the Village?

There are no restaurants in Şirinköy. The Tuna Tea Garden in the village center is the only food and drink spot, offering tea, coffee, fast food menu, and ice cream. When planning your visit, considering nearby hotel restaurants or establishments in Uğurlu is a practical solution.

Accommodation Options

There are no boutique hotels in Şirinköy; but guesthouses and rental village houses are available.

Beyazgül Apart Pension is among the known options in the village. It offers fully equipped and air-conditioned apartments; it is preferred for its proximity to Gizli Liman and Laz Cove.

Typical Şirinköy village houses have 4 rooms and are about 120 m² in size; they are rented during the summer season. With large garden and balcony options, they are suitable for family vacations.

For those seeking alternative accommodation nearby:

• Mavi Su Resort Hotel (nearby, Uğurlu Cove)
• Uğurlu Cove boutique hotels (5 km)
• Gizli Liman Boutique Hotel (very close)

How to Get to Şirinköy?

Şirinköy is 21 km from the island center. It takes about 25 minutes by car. The roads are wide and well-maintained.

Due to the island's size and Şirinköy's remote location, renting a car is the most practical transportation method. Note that minibuses have irregular services to this area; especially in early morning or evening hours, transport may not be guaranteed.

Getting to Gökçeada

• Ferry: Between Kabatepe (Çanakkale) and Gökçeada; approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.
• Sea bus: Seasonal services from Çanakkale Port.
• Bus + Ferry: From Istanbul and other major cities to Kabatepe.

For transportation to Gökçeada, it may be helpful to check ferry schedules.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Şirinköy depends on your goals:

• Summer (June - September): Sea season. Ideal for Gizli Liman and Yuvali Beach. The village is at its liveliest.
• Spring and Autumn: Perfect for cultural trips and bike tours away from crowds. Nature walks are wonderful during this period.
• Winter: Most of the village empties; calm and peaceful but some businesses may be closed. Check out our Gökçeada winter guide to get an idea about experiences in this season.

In summer, air temperature reaches 25°C; but Gökçeada's constant winds prevent oppressive heat. Spring rainfall is common; carrying an umbrella is a good idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a place to swim in Şirinköy? The village itself has no beach. However, within walking distance, Gizli Liman (750 m sandy beach), Yuvali Beach, and Laz Cove are among Gökçeada's most beautiful swimming spots.

Is there a place to eat in Şirinköy? Tuna Tea Garden offers tea, coffee, and light snacks. There are no restaurants; it is recommended to bring your own food or plan nearby establishments.

Can the old prison in Şirinköy be visited? You can go to the area to see the prison ruins and Nympha Organic Winery. It is recommended to contact the winery in advance for a visit.

Can wine tasting be done in Şirinköy? Yes. Nympha Organic Viticulture produces organic wine in the old prison buildings. For a visit, you can contact @imroznympha on Instagram.

Is there an entrance fee for Gizli Liman? No. Gizli Liman is completely free. There are no facilities on the beach; you need to bring everything with you.

For Drone and Photography Enthusiasts

The aerial view of Şirinköy has been attracting drone content creators in recent years. 4K footage you'll find by searching "Gökçeada Şirinköy Drone Shots" on YouTube reveals why the village draws so much interest. Drone images of the old prison ruins offer a unique contrast: dilapidated structures, green hills, and the deep blue Aegean behind them.

If you plan to use a drone, comply with legal regulations; on strategically located islands like Gökçeada, some areas may be restricted.

Final Word: Why Is Şirinköy Special?

Many villages in Gökçeada enchant visitors with their millennia-old history. Şirinköy, on the contrary, is a place where its history is still being written. In this village built by Bulgarian immigrants from a difficult start, stories such as organic farming, the rebirth of ancient viticulture, and the transformation of a prison into wine intertwine.

When you step onto the 750-meter sandy beach of Gizli Liman, sip a glass of wine produced by Nympha among ancient walls while watching the sunset, you understand why Şirinköy is the island's youngest but perhaps deepest village. If you're curious about other villages on the island, check out our Gökçeada villages travel guide.