Island beach resort Population: 2,000
Other names: Aphousia (Greek), Afissia, Türkeli
Small it may be but Avşa Island (Avşa Adası) is party central for the Marmara Islands that lie on the southern side of the Sea of Marmara. The main “town” consists of a thin strip of sand lined with shops, restaurants and bars – imagine Bodrum without the pretty white houses and with the glitterati replaced by a less moneyed clientele and you’ll get the general picture.
Swimming, sunbathing and clubbing aside, there’s very little to do on Avşa although dolmuşes run out to Altınkum which, with its rocks, sandy beach and handful of cafes, is at least quieter and less developed.
Sleeping
There are lots of cheap apartments for rent on Avşa.
Transport info
İDO (Tel: 444 4436, www.ido.com) runs seabuses to Avşa via Marmara from Bostancı and Yenikapı in Istanbul. There are also slower ferries from Sarayburnu, and more possibilities from Tekirdağ in Thrace.
