History and General Information / Local Legends and Folklore
Polente Lighthouse, located on the westernmost cape of Bozcaada, known as Tenedos in ancient times, was built by French engineers in 1861 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid. The lighthouse, which sits on steep rocks 32 meters above sea level, has been guiding ships entering the Aegean Sea and the Dardanelles for centuries. 17 giant wind turbines built next to the lighthouse in 2000 symbolize the modern wind energy identity of the island. In the local culture of Bozcaada, it is a half-century-old island tradition to go to Cape Polente at sunset and greet the setting red sun with the fresh grapes of the island vineyards and island delicacies. Geographical Structure, Altitude and Natural Features
Cape Polente is a wild and steep cape consisting of limestone cliffs, approximately 32 meters above sea level. Due to the constant breeze and northerly winds, no tall trees grow in the surrounding area; There are low shrubs, lavender and thyme bushes. In the evening, in clear weather when the sky turns red, the silhouettes of Samothrace and Lemnos islands can be seen on the horizon. Visiting Hours, Days and Entrance Fees
•Entrance Fee:The lighthouse surroundings, the windmill viewing area and the cliff view are open to the public free of charge (the lighthouse tower cannot be entered for security reasons).•Visiting Hours and Days (Mandatory): It is open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The most popular time to visit is 1 hour before sunset.•Rules, Safety and Baby Stroller/Disabled Access: As there are no guardrails on the edges of the cliff, care must be taken and children must be accompanied. It can be reached under the windmills via a stabilized soil road.•Facilities and Amenities:There are no commercial facilities, kiosks or WCs in Polente Cape; It is recommended to obtain water and snacks from the island in advance. Transportation, Public Transit Routes and Exact Location•Address / Open Location:Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Polente Burnu Mevkii, Bozcaada / Çanakkale.•Road Condition and Vehicle Availability: 8 km from Bozcaada center; After the asphalt road, the last 1 km is a hard stabilized road; Suitable for passenger cars and bicycles.•Actual Public Transportation Information (Mandatory): During the summer season, there are Polente municipal minibus services that depart from Bozcaada central market at sunset hours.•Parking Availability:There is a large dirt parking area along the windmills (100+ vehicle capacity, free). Contextual Experience Tips, Photography and Local Gastronomy•Best Photo Spots and Frames:The moment when the huge blades of the wind turbines meet in the same vertical frame as the Polente Lighthouse and the disk of the setting sun.•Light and Shooting Hours:The golden hour, which begins half an hour before sunset, and the purple sky moment (blue hour) after the setting sun.•Local Gastronomy Recommendations:During the cruise, you should listen to the howl of the wind accompanied by Bozcaada's registered Çavuş Raisin, the island's famous tomato jam and almond cookies.