Yenibademli Village Guide: Gökçeada's Bustling Hub

When people ask me which village to stay in on Gökçeada, my first answer is always Yenibademli. Over the years, I've watched Yenibademli transform up close — every season brings something new. It used to be a quiet village, but now in summer it's one of the liveliest spots on the island. In winter? You'll hardly see anyone but cats in the streets, and that has its own charm.

A Brief History of the Village and Yenibademli Mound

Most visitors don't realize Yenibademli is more than just a tourist village. About 1.7 km southwest of the village lies the Yenibademli Mound, dating back to the Early Bronze Age (approx. 3000-2600 BC). Discovered in 1963, excavations have been led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Halime Hüryılmaz since 1996.

What Was Found at the Mound?

Within a 130 x 120 meter area, rectangular structures, stone foundations, and 1.6-meter-wide stone-paved streets have been uncovered. Evidence of nine types of cultivated plants, including barley, wheat, chickpeas, and lentils, has been found. Finds also include Troy I period pottery fragments and Mycenaean painted ceramics. In 2010, earthquake damage and four skeletons were discovered.

Last summer, I took a walk around the mound with a friend. It gives you goosebumps thinking a 5,000-year-old city lies beneath the soil. But I should note: since it's an active excavation site, visiting conditions vary. I'd recommend checking with the municipality before you go.

Don't Confuse It with Eskibademli

This is the most common mix-up I hear. Yenibademli (the coastal side, bustling, accommodation hub) and Eskibademli (Gliki) are completely different villages. Eskibademli sits on a hilltop, a historic Greek village with a 250-year-old plane tree and a 1903 sundial. They call it "the island's hidden balcony" — invisible from the sea to protect against pirates, yet offering the best sea views. Visit both, but for accommodation, Yenibademli is more practical.

Yıldızkoy and Nearby Coves

The biggest advantage of staying in Yenibademli is its proximity to Yıldızkoy. Just a 5-minute walk. This is the only cove in Turkey's first and only underwater national park where you can enter the sea from the shore. It features interesting rock formations, aquarium-clear waters, and the ruins of an old chapel.

I go down to Yıldızkoy at least a dozen times every summer — that slope is no joke, but once you're down, you forget everything. When you put on a snorkel and get in the water, fish swim around you. It's also ideal for diving and underwater photography. In 2012, a floating platform and sea access stairs were installed, making entry easier.

From Yıldızkoy, you can also take a trail to Mavikoy (Blue Cove) and Yeşilkoy (Green Cove). If you're curious about Gökçeada's other coves, we have a separate guide. There's also a campsite, but parking is tight — I'd say go early.

Food & Drink and Local Flavors

In the Village

Yeni Bademli Konuk Evi Restaurant serves organic local flavors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For those looking to stay in Yenibademli, Ali Baba Apart Pansiyon is also a good option. Uysallar Restaurant is another solid choice for local cuisine. Yenibademli is the only place outside the center with a bakery — you can find fresh bread and simit (Turkish sesame bagels).

Nearby

İmroz Poseidon in Kaleköy is the island's most famous spot for dining on fish at sunset on the cliffs. Mustafa'nın Kafyesi and Mecnun Gökçeada are also in Kaleköy. In Eskibademli, Dimitri Ada Evi offers sea-view island mezes (appetizers) on the hilltop.

Locals often say: "You won't go hungry on the island." And it's true. Organic olive oil, island honey, fresh fish are everywhere. My favorites:

• Dibek kahvesi – an Imbros classic, ground in a stone mortar
• Mulberry ice cream and mastic pudding
• Tomato and mulberry jam, almond cookies
• Organic vegetables and fruits collected by villagers (available at grocery stores)

Accommodation Options

Yenibademli is the village where Gökçeada's first guesthouse business started. Today, there are over 60 accommodation facilities. Occupancy is high in summer, especially in July-August, so early booking is essential.

A few highlights: Yeni Bademli Konuk Evi (duplex, 2+1, 1+1 rooms, free breakfast, 500-600 m to the sea), Kemerli Pansiyon (350 m to the sea), Konak Pansiyon (500 m to the sea), Dolunay Pansiyon (garden, air conditioning). Nightly rates for a 1+1 apartment range from 1,500 to 2,500 TL as of 2025.

My advice: choose family-run guesthouses over large hotels. They're more intimate, and breakfast comes with homemade jam and fresh eggs. Rüya Apart is at the village entrance, Örnek Motel is 400 meters from the sea — both are quiet options.

Transport and Practical Information

Yenibademli is 4 km from Gökçeada's center, about 15 minutes by car. Minibuses heading from the center toward Kaleköy pass through the village. You can also easily reach it by taxi or rental car.

An important detail: the village itself doesn't have a coastline. To swim, you need to go to Yıldızkoy (5 min walk), Kaleköy, or Mavi Koy. But while this may seem like a downside, the village interior stays bug-free and windless, so you'll sleep comfortably.

For activities, there are trekking routes in the Mound-Yıldızkoy-Kaleköy triangle. You can also enjoy bike tours, diving, organic farm visits, and sea tours. Gökçeada is, after all, Turkey's pilot region for organic farming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I swim from Yenibademli?

The village itself doesn't have a coastline, but Yıldızkoy is just a 5-minute walk away. Kaleköy and Mavi Koy are also nearby.

Are Yenibademli and Eskibademli the same place?

No, they are two different villages. Yenibademli is on the coastal side and is the accommodation hub; Eskibademli (Gliki) is a historic Greek village on the hilltop. There's a 5-10 minute drive between them.

Is Yenibademli Mound open to visitors?

Since it's an active excavation site, visiting conditions vary. I recommend checking with Gökçeada Municipality or the excavation team before you go.

How much does accommodation cost in Yenibademli?

As of 2025, a 1+1 apartment costs between 1,500 and 2,500 TL per night. July-August is peak season, so early booking is recommended.

How do I get from Gökçeada center to Yenibademli?

It's 4 km from the center, about 15 minutes by car. Minibuses heading toward Kaleköy pass through the village. You can also reach it by taxi or rental car.