begüm Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, takes you away from the crowds of Istanbul and into a completely different world. With its beautiful nature, historical buildings, lively cafés, beaches, and stunning views, the island feels like a holiday spot far from the city—yet it’s still so close.
Once famous for its horse-drawn carriages, the island is now explored by bicycles and electric vehicles. You can hike up to the Aya Yorgi Church, swim at Prens Cove, or enjoy the famous ice creams at the cafés along the coast. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need for your trip: the best places to visit, ferry schedules, breakfast spots, and beach recommendations in Büyükada.
How to Get to Büyükada
Büyükada is the largest island of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, located in the Marmara Sea—peaceful yet very close to the city.
Getting there is easy and enjoyable. Ferries depart regularly from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı piers. With city line ferries or sea buses, the trip takes about 1–1.5 hours. There are also private motorboats that offer a faster option. In summer, there are more frequent departures, while in winter, services continue on a regular schedule.
Ferry Times from Bostancı
Ferries to Büyükada depart from Kabataş, Bostancı, Maltepe, Tuzla, and Pendik. For the most up-to-date schedule—including Bostancı–Büyükada and Kabataş–Büyükada departures—you can check the official Şehir Hatları (City Lines) website.
When to Visit Büyükada
The best time to visit is in spring and summer. From April to October, the island is full of fresh air and blooming nature. In summer, you can swim and sunbathe, while in spring, the island is quieter—perfect for cycling and long walks. If you want a calmer experience away from the crowds, visiting on weekdays is the best choice.
Buyukada Accommodation
Where to Stay in Büyükada?
Büyükada offers a delightful getaway with its historic mansions and peaceful atmosphere. Choose from boutique hotels with sea views, nostalgic mansions, and guesthouses nestled in nature. There are wonderful options for a quiet island experience away from the city. For details, CLICK HERE.
Buyukada Travel Planning
Büyükada Tour
The Büyükada Tour is a great way to escape the bustle of Istanbul and spend a day surrounded by nature. You can explore historical mansions, take a pleasant bike ride, and enjoy a delicious meal on the beach. For details, CLICK HERE.
Places to Visit in Buyukada
- 1Büyükada Nature Park
- 2Aya Yorgi Church
- 3Greek Orphanage
- 4Princes’ Islands Museum
- 5Reşat Nuri Güntekin’s House
- 6Aşıklar Yolu
- 7Büyükada Streets
- 8Çankaya Street
- 9İsa Tepesi
- 10Hamidiye Mosque
Click here to download the map of places to visit.
The Nature Park
The Nature Park is a perfect place for those who want to spend time surrounded by nature. You can walk among lush green trees, ride a bike, or have a picnic and enjoy a peaceful day. The park has quiet walking paths, and the views are truly amazing. If you want to escape the city, breathe fresh air, and relax, this is the perfect spot for you.
Aya Yorgi Church
Aya Yorgi Church is located at the highest point of the island and has both spiritual and historical significance. To reach the church, be ready for a 20–25 minute uphill walk, but the view is absolutely worth it. The panoramic views of the island and the sea are breathtaking. Many people climb up to the church to make wishes. At the top, you can rest at a small café and enjoy the unique beauty of the island.
The Rum Orphanage
The Rum Orphanage is one of the most interesting buildings on the island. This massive wooden structure was built in the 19th century and was originally intended to be a hotel, but it was later used as an orphanage. Now it is somewhat in ruins, yet it still has an impressive atmosphere. Visiting this place gives you a lot of insight into the island’s history. It has a large, old, and slightly mysterious aura, making it definitely worth seeing.
Adalar Museum
Adalar Museum is a must-visit stop while exploring the island. The museum provides detailed insights into the island’s history and culture. Filled with old photographs, artifacts, and stories, it offers a lot of information about the social life of the island. It’s both educational and enjoyable, making it a great place to visit. For 2025, the discounted entrance fee with a Museum Card is 40 TL, and the regular fee is 80 TL.
Reşat Nuri Güntekin’s House
Reşat Nuri Güntekin’s House is a place where you can learn a lot about the life of the famous author. This was the residence of the writer, and it originally contained his personal belongings, but unfortunately, even entering the garden is now prohibited. If you are curious about Reşat Nuri Güntekin, visiting this place can still be an enjoyable experience.
Lovers Road
The path is beautiful, and there’s hardly a scenic walking route that hasn’t been called “Lovers’ Path.” Luckily, this path is truly lovely and also leads up to the orphanage. While walking, you enjoy the view on your left and can’t help but appreciate all the surrounding beauty—it’s really something! Make sure to take in plenty of fresh air and savor the moment.
Streets of Büyükada
These are the island’s most famous and enjoyable streets to walk. I’m not talking about the areas right at the entrance; I mean the path that goes up the hill after passing through the market. It can actually be a bit challenging in the summer, but in spring, when the flowers are in full bloom, Büyükada is absolutely delightful. There are plenty of spots along the streets of Büyükada where you can take lots of photos.
Çankaya Street
Çankaya Street is one of the island’s lively and bustling areas. It’s quite close to the center of the island and offers places where you can shop, sit in cafés, or enjoy a nice meal at the restaurants.
İsa Hill
İsa Hill is a great spot on the island for those who want to enjoy both walking and the view. You’ll need to take a short hike to reach the top, but the view at the end is worth every step. At the summit, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking views of the island and the surrounding sea. This spot becomes especially spectacular at sunset, making it a perfect place for photography. While walking, you can also take in the surroundings and enjoy the natural beauty of the island.
Hamidiye Mosque
Hamidiye Mosque is quite close to the center of the island and stands out with both its architecture and peaceful atmosphere. The elegant details and simple decor inside make it an ideal place to relax and take a break during your visit. Additionally, sitting in the courtyard in front of the mosque while enjoying the surrounding view is very pleasant.
Büyükada, Istanbul – Attractions and Restaurants
Sinek Café
Sinek Café is a perfect spot to take a pleasant break. It stands out with its cozy indoor atmosphere as well as its comfortable outdoor seating areas. The café is ideal for enjoying a nice breakfast, sipping a cup of coffee, or having a light snack. Additionally, it’s a great place to chat while taking in the green views of the island.
Beltur
Beltur, located along the island’s coast, is known as a place where you can enjoy food and drinks with a view of the sea. With a wide-ranging menu, Beltur offers options from breakfast to dinner. It’s also a nice spot to relax or have a conversation with friends in a pleasant atmosphere. Especially during the summer months, the outdoor seating areas are very popular. It’s a perfect spot to watch the beauty of the island and unwind.
Köfte Piyaz Büyükadalı
Köfte Piyaz Büyükadalı is a fantastic restaurant to choose for a delicious meal. True to its name, it is quite famous for its meatballs (köfte) and piyaz (a traditional Turkish bean salad). In addition to local flavors, the place offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it ideal for those looking for both tasty food and a relaxed environment. The piyaz served alongside the meatballs is especially a must-try. You can also enjoy a pleasant dining experience in the cozy and inviting setting of the restaurant. If you want to take a flavorful break while exploring the island, this is a great option.
Büyükada Waffle
Waffle is a perfect spot for a sweet treat. It’s located right in the middle of the market area. There are various waffle options—ice cream, fruit, basically something for every taste. The presentation is also very stylish, making the desserts visually appealing. Sitting in the outdoor seating area and enjoying your waffle while taking in the island’s pleasant atmosphere and scenery is truly delightful. If you want to grab a sweet snack and relax in a lovely setting, this place is definitely worth trying.
Büyükada Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ferry times between Büyükada and Bostancı?
There are regular ferry services from Bostancı to Büyükada throughout the day. Summer and winter schedules vary, so you can find the most up-to-date schedules on the City Lines or Mavi Marmara official website.
How many hours does it take to visit Büyükada?
A full day is usually sufficient for exploring. You can arrive on the island by ferry in the morning, tour by bicycle or electric vehicle, have lunch and a beach break, and return in the evening. For a more leisurely stroll, a one-night stay is also an option.
Can Büyükada be explored on foot?
Yes, it’s possible to explore on foot. However, because the island is quite large, a full tour can take several hours. Visitors generally explore the city center and coastline on foot, opting for bicycles or electric vehicles for more remote areas.
What time is the last ferry from Büyükada?
Last ferry times vary depending on the season and the ferry operator. In the summer, departures generally run between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, while in the winter, departure times may be earlier. For the most up-to-date schedules, it’s recommended to check the official schedule for Şehir Hatları or Mavi Marmara.
Büyükada Breakfast Spots
For those who want to start the day with a delightful breakfast, there are plenty of great options. From traditional Turkish breakfast spreads by the sea to organic delights in peaceful gardens, you can find something for every preference. For detailed recommendations, check out my Büyükada breakfast guide!
Büyükada Beaches
For those looking to swim, the island offers wonderful bays and beaches. Whether you prefer a quiet cove or managed beaches with facilities, there are options for every taste. For more detailed information, check out my Büyükada beaches guide!
This brings us to the end of this post. See you in the next one.
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