Gökçeada (Imbros) Hiking Routes: Trekking Guide from Bays to Peaks

Hiking on Gökçeada is something quite different from what most people imagine. One spring morning, heading up Radar Hill with just an old water bottle and my phone, my legs were trembling on the way back — but from the top, I saw both the Dardanelles and the distant silhouette of Samothrace in the same frame, a rare sight. The island looks small on the map, but on foot, it takes on another dimension.

There's no marked trail system yet, which is a drawback, of course. But it also keeps these routes away from the crowds. Locals have known certain paths for years; below you'll find five routes I've gathered from them.

Radar Hill: Climbing the Island's Roof

When you see the military radar towers in the middle of the island, your first instinct is to ask, "Can you go up there?" You can — not to the towers, but to the hills. At about 673 meters, the island's highest point, this route starts from the upper part of Uğurlu and climbs toward the northern slope.

Route Details

• Start: Upper exit of Uğurlu village (dirt road)
• Distance: About 6 km round trip
• Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours (including pace and breaks)
• Difficulty: Moderate–hard (last 1 km steep)

Don't do this route at midday in July–August. There's almost no shade, and if a strong meltemi wind blows, it's hard to keep balance. Early morning — or in the fall season — it's a different story. On clear days, the Çanakkale coast appears to the south and Samothrace to the west. This view is worth the effort.

Yıldız Koyu – Mavi Koy Coastal Route

This is the unmarked but most dramatic route on the north coast. Starting from Yıldız Koyu, it follows the rocky shore for about 7 km to Mavi Koy. No human traces, no fences, no cafeterias along the way — and that's a good thing.

Things to Watch Out For

• Some passages are rocky and narrow — sturdy soles are a must
• In summer, there are plenty of sea-view rest spots; but no drinking water, so bring your own
• You may need to coordinate a vehicle for the return from Mavi Koy

I recommend first-timers download a GPX file — detailed route info is in the map section at the bottom of the page. The trail disappears in one rocky area; without coordinates, you can lose time.

Marmaros Forest: The Path Down to the Waterfall

Last May, a group of friends and I descended from Dereköy to Marmaros. The air was cloudy, the forest damp, and as we approached the waterfall, the sound grew louder — that feeling can't be captured in a photo.

Starting from the upper part of Dereköy, this route is about 3 km of forest trail. The gradient is steady, the ground is soil and stones. Even families with kids can manage it, but timing matters as it gets slippery after rain. There's a natural pool under the waterfall — ideal for cooling off in summer. For more info, check our separate guide on Marmaros Waterfall.

Pınarbaşı – Tepeköy – Altı Koyu: Long Day Route

This crossing from the interior to the north coast is about 12 km and takes 4–5 hours — a serious day hike. Passing through Tepeköy, you'll see the old Greek quarter; then the forest thins out, maquis begins, and finally you descend to Altı Koyu bay.

The only issue: descent is easy, ascent is tough. Organizing a vehicle shuttle for a group makes sense. For large groups, autumn is better — no heat problems and the village atmosphere is calmer.

Uğurlu – İsa Hill: Volcanic Landscape

The west side of Gökçeada has a different geography — volcanic soil, distinct vegetation, a harsher silhouette. This short route (~4 km) up İsa Hill shows it clearly. Starting from Uğurlu village, it reaches the summit, where both the west coast and the open Aegean are visible.

It's not a well-known route, and there are no signs at all. You'll need to ask locals for directions — or use GPS. Done early in the morning, the light is much better; this matters for photographers.

Gökçeada Ultra Trail 2026

The annual Ultra Trail race is planned for June 6, 2026. There are four categories:

• 5K — beginner category
• 11K — medium distance
• 33K — challenging
• 44K — ultra

The race isn't just for runners — being on the island that weekend is an experience in itself. Villages come alive, campsites fill up. Even if you don't want to participate, you can watch from the sidelines. I recommend checking our campsite guide and booking early; finding a spot in early June is getting harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best season for hiking on Gökçeada?

April–May and September–October. In spring, flower-covered slopes and mild weather; in fall, quieter trails. Hiking is possible in summer, but start early in the morning — midday heat and sun reflection create tough conditions.

Are there marked trails?

Currently, there's no official marked trail network. To follow routes, it's much safer to download a GPX file in advance or go with a local guide. Route info on our blog can help.

How do I register for Gökçeada Ultra Trail?

Registration is usually done through the organization's website. Since capacity fills up each year, early registration is recommended. A fee is charged, varying by category.

Is climbing Radar Hill allowed?

The radar towers are a military area and cannot be visited directly. However, access to the hills around the summit and panoramic points is generally free. For current conditions, it's best to check with local guiding services.

What should I prepare before starting a hike?

Trekking shoes or sturdy sneakers, at least 2 liters of water, sunscreen, a small first aid kit, and a phone with a GPX file loaded. Signal can be weak on the island, so download the map offline. For long routes, bring a power bank.