Tersane Island is the largest island in the Gulf of Göcek, featuring a rich shipbuilding history, ancient ruins, and abandoned Greek stone houses.
Its name (meaning "Shipyard") comes from its historic past: during the Lycian, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, it was a vital center for building and repairing vessels. Today, the island is a very popular stop for yachts and tour boats sailing the Gulf of Göcek.
The island is divided into two main coves — Summer Harbor (Yaz Limanı) and Winter Harbor (Kış Limanı). Winter Harbor cuts deep inland and is protected from winds on all sides, historically serving as an ideal shelter for ships. Numerous ruins remain, including shipyard vaults, a watchtower, and abandoned stone houses from a Greek village left in 1923 during the population exchange.
In Summer Harbor, a local restaurant operates with its own wooden jetty, serving fresh seafood and spit-roasted lamb. There is no land access to the island; it can only be reached by sea.
Practical Information
- Location: Gulf of Göcek, approximately 9 km by water from Göcek harbor
- Road: Boat only (excursion boats, yachts, water taxis)
- Infrastructure: Wooden jetty, restaurant, restaurant restroom, wild pebbly beach. No shops or hotels are available on the island
- Entrance: Free
- Tip: Wear sturdy closed shoes (like sneakers) to explore the ruins of the abandoned Greek village, as the trails are rocky and overgrown with thorny bushes. Water shoes are useful for swimming because of the pebbly shore.
Beach Photo Gallery
