Kefken Island is the only island in the Black Sea with human settlement, located off the coast of Kefken town in the Kandıra district of Kocaeli, Türkiye. The island, which covers an area of approximately 110,000 square meters (52 acres), is protected as a first-degree natural and historical conservation site due to its natural and historical significance.

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Geography and Natural Features

Kefken Island is situated about 0.8 km from Kandıra, right in front of the steep cliffs along the Black Sea coast. There is a large fishing shelter on its western side. The island can be reached by boats from Cebeci in about 8–10 minutes. Surrounded by shallow waters, it is a popular spot for amateur underwater fishing, especially for sea bass and mullet using spearguns. The nearby coastlines also feature natural beaches and coves, such as Kapri and Midye coves.

History

Kefken and its island have been inhabited since the Epi-Paleolithic Age. The region has been under the rule of many civilizations throughout history:

• Bithynians: They named the region “Tynias” and left behind traces of Hellenistic culture.
• Roman Period: The region came under Roman control in 74 BC and the island was known as “Apollonia.”
• Byzantine Period: Known as “Daphnousia” or “Thallusa,” the island became a bishopric center under the Byzantine Empire in the 1200s.
• Genoese Period: The island, an important colony in the Black Sea, was referred to as “Finogonya.” The Genoese built castles and walls on the island and strengthened the harbor for trade.
• Ottoman Period: From the 16th century, the island came under Ottoman rule and became part of the Kandıra district. The Ottoman Empire used Kefken Harbor to supply timber and ship materials for the Imperial Shipyard (Tersane-i Amire), and shipbuilding activities were carried out on the island. Military supervision in the area was also increased during this period

Cultural and Architectural Heritage

The island hosts architectural remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, including walls and nearly 40 ancient water wells. The ruins of a castle built by the Genoese attract many visitors. There are also cultural artifacts and remnants of a stone quarry from the Ottoman era. Shipyard activities that continued in the Kandıra and Kefken region until the 19th century further emphasized the area's maritime significance.

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Kefken Island and Surroundings Today

Although Kefken Island is still used for coastal safety operations, it is expected to open to tourism. Currently, the only residents are a family engaged in fishing, living in a house inherited from their ancestors, and officials from the General Directorate of Coastal Safety and Ship Rescue Operations who staff a maritime control center on the island. Kefken and its surroundings are among Türkiye’s notable tourist destinations, thanks to their natural beauty, famous Pink Rocks (Pembe Kayalar), coves, and rich pine forests. The area draws nature photographers, amateur anglers, and nature lovers alike with its pristine environment and historical ruins.

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Transportation

Kefken Island is 18 km from Kandıra, 55 km from Sakarya, 64 km from İzmit, and approximately 165 km from Istanbul. It can be reached by road or via sea transport through the Black Sea.