SAEDNEWS: Büyükada, Turkey’s charming island near the popular tourist city of Istanbul, is the largest of the nine islands surrounding Istanbul.
According to Saednews, Büyükada, also known as Buyukada, is the largest of Turkey’s Princes’ Islands and shines like a green jewel in the Sea of Marmara. Visiting the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul is truly worthwhile, thanks to their stunning landscapes, peaceful atmosphere, and unique historical character. A trip to Büyükada can leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in Istanbul.
The Princes’ Islands (Prens Adaları) consist of nine islands located close to one another in the Sea of Marmara, on the Asian side of Istanbul, Turkey. The largest and most well-known islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada.
Büyükada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands, which is why it is called Büyükada. In Turkish, büyük means “large” and ada means “island.”
One of the most interesting features of Büyükada is its remarkably peaceful environment. Unlike central Istanbul, the island has no regular traffic or exhaust fumes. Motor vehicles are heavily restricted, making bicycles and other forms of transportation especially popular.
If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, Büyükada is an excellent destination for experiencing a quieter and more scenic side of the city.
Büyükada has several attractions, and you do not necessarily need an entire day to explore the island. If your Istanbul itinerary is busy, a half-day visit can be enough to experience its main highlights. However, travelers with more time can easily spend a full day exploring Büyükada and the surrounding Princes’ Islands.
As you approach Büyükada by ferry, one of the first things you will notice is the island’s lush greenery and beautiful villas built along the slopes of its hills. The combination of forests, historic buildings, and sea views creates a distinctive atmosphere.
The island offers enough variety to keep visitors occupied for an entire day. One of the notable attractions is the Adalar Museum, where you can learn about different aspects of life and history on the Princes’ Islands.
Walking through the island’s streets is another enjoyable experience. Many of the historic villas feature impressive 19th-century architectural styles. Visitors can also walk through peaceful forest paths surrounded by pine trees, enjoy the fresh air, relax along the coastline, and explore historic religious sites.
Because regular cars are largely absent from the island, bicycles have traditionally been one of the most popular ways to get around Büyükada.
After arriving by ferry, visitors can rent a bicycle and explore the island at their own pace. Cycling along the scenic roads and forested areas is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience Büyükada.
Horse-drawn carriages have historically been associated with transportation and sightseeing on Büyükada. Visitors could traditionally take carriage tours around the island after arriving at the ferry terminal.
However, travelers should check current local transportation regulations and available alternatives before planning a carriage ride, as transportation policies on the Princes’ Islands have changed over time.
The Adalar Museum on Büyükada is one of Istanbul’s contemporary local history museums. It presents the story of the Princes’ Islands, from their early history to modern times.
The museum contains thousands of photographs, historical documents, objects, films, and oral histories. These collections provide visitors with an opportunity to understand how life on the islands developed over the centuries.
One of the most important historical landmarks on Büyükada is the Greek Orthodox Monastery of Saint George Koudonas, also known as Hagios Georgios Koudonas.
The monastery is located on Yüce Tepe, the highest point on the island. Its history dates back to the Byzantine period, with the original monastery traditionally associated with the year 963 during the reign of Emperor Nikephoros II Phokas.
The name Koudonas, meaning “bells” in Greek, is connected with a traditional story about a shepherd who heard a bell-like sound coming from beneath the ground while grazing his flock on the hill. According to the legend, digging at the site revealed an image associated with Saint George, and the location eventually became connected with the monastery.
The complex includes several churches and small places of worship arranged across different levels. Older religious structures are located on the lower levels, while the main Church of Saint George and monastic buildings occupy the upper section.
The site is also famous for its panoramic views. From Yüce Tepe, visitors can enjoy spectacular views over the Princes’ Islands and the Asian coastline of the Sea of Marmara.
If you visit Istanbul during the summer, spending some time by the sea can be a pleasant addition to your Büyükada trip.
The island has several beaches and swimming areas where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and enjoy the clear waters of the Sea of Marmara. Among the better-known coastal spots are Halik Bay Beach, Hagia Nikola Beach, and Princess Bay Beach.
Beach conditions and access can vary depending on the season, so it is advisable to check local information before visiting.
You will find plenty of places to eat on Büyükada. Since the island is a popular destination for visitors from Istanbul and international travelers, there is a wide variety of restaurants and cafés.
Options range from casual establishments serving traditional Turkish dishes to more upscale restaurants offering international cuisine.
Seafood is particularly popular at restaurants along the waterfront. Turkish dishes are also a favorite among visitors who want to experience local flavors while exploring the island.
Trying regional food is itself an important part of travel, allowing visitors to experience the culture and culinary traditions of their destination.
Büyükada is also known for its ice cream shops. Ice cream can be a refreshing treat after spending the day walking or cycling around the island.
Many shops offer different toppings and sauces, allowing visitors to customize their dessert with ingredients such as chocolate sauce, pistachios, hazelnuts, and other toppings.
A visit to Büyükada can also be combined with a trip to some of the other major Princes’ Islands.
Depending on the ferry route or tour itinerary, visitors may have opportunities to see Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada. The amount of time spent on each island depends on the transportation schedule and the type of trip you choose.
If you are traveling as part of an organized tour, the itinerary may include several islands along with meals and sightseeing activities. Independent travelers, meanwhile, have more flexibility to decide how long they want to stay on Büyükada.
Traveling to Büyükada independently is relatively straightforward.
If you are staying on the European side of Istanbul, you can travel to one of the city's ferry terminals serving the Princes’ Islands and take a scheduled ferry toward the islands. The journey generally takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the route and ferry.
Travelers staying around Taksim can use Istanbul’s public transportation network to reach a suitable ferry terminal before continuing toward the Princes’ Islands.
Ferries usually stop at several islands along the route. Heybeliada is generally encountered before Büyükada, so passengers heading to Büyükada should remain on board until the ferry reaches the correct island.
Ferries also typically have cafés or small food services where passengers can purchase snacks and drinks during the journey.
Because ferry schedules vary by season, it is important to check the latest timetable before setting out. Weekends and summer days can be particularly busy, so returning before the final ferry can help avoid problems caused by crowds or limited capacity.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Büyükada independently is the freedom to create your own schedule. You can explore the island by bicycle, walk through its historic neighborhoods, visit cultural attractions, enjoy the coastline, and stop at cafés or restaurants whenever you like.
You can also stay overnight at one of the island’s hotels if you want to experience Büyükada after the day-trippers have returned to Istanbul.
With its historic architecture, green landscapes, peaceful streets, coastal scenery, and distinctive island atmosphere, Büyükada offers a refreshing contrast to the busy urban environment of Istanbul. It is an excellent choice for travelers looking to experience a different and more tranquil side of Turkey’s largest city.
