Kefken Island is a Black Sea island within the borders of Kocaeli province, 10 minutes away from the Cebeci coast. Its shores are 1.7 kilometers long in total and the area of the island is 0.11 square kilometers. The distance to the nearest land is 0.8 kilometers. Most of the coast is rocky and consists of small beaches.
On the island, there are castle walls dating back to the Genoese and there are nearly forty water wells. It is thought that these wells were built by the Genoese as cisterns to collect rainwater.
The anise plant used in the production of raki and a 25 cm high plant called ‘wild melon’ by the islanders grow spontaneously. Laurel and fig trees are also abundant on the island.
The island, which İpsiz Recep Emice used as a headquarters during the Turkish War of Independence, also contributed to the War of Independence.
The fishing cooperative on the island has approximately 75 boats and fishing is highly developed. There is also underwater hunting on and around the island. However, interest in underwater fishing has decreased due to the salmon fish farms established on the island.
The lighthouse on the island was built on November 30, 1879. The light of the lighthouse can be seen from about 13-17 miles away and gives direction to the ships traveling to and from the eastern coast of the Black Sea.
Kefken Island is one of the two islands suitable for settlement in the Black Sea Region together with Giresun Island (Aretias) and is larger than Giresun Island in terms of surface area.
The island, whose historical features are preserved, is a 1st degree protected area. The island belongs to the Ministry of Finance, and there is only a maritime control center as an official institution. Although there are many bays to swim in, there is no touristic activity or regular sea transportation.
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