Büyükada — A Haven of Calm in the Sea of Marmara
Büyükada, meaning “Big Island”, is the largest and best-known of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara and without doubt one of Istanbul’s most delightful sights. With lush greenery, cobbled streets and clean air, the island is a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city.
What Makes the Island Unique
Unlike the rest of Istanbul, Büyükada is car-free. Only municipal service vehicles and police cars are allowed, so silence, clean air and tranquillity are the first things you notice when you arrive.
Instead of cars, people get around by bicycle or small electric vehicles (golf carts). Horse-drawn carriages were once a symbol of Büyükada, but in recent years they have been replaced by electric vehicles to protect animal welfare.
Attractions and Things to Do
Büyükada Museum: learn about the history and culture of island life from the Byzantine era to the present day. Old tools, historic photographs and documents of daily life are on display.
Yücetepe Hill: the island’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara and the surrounding islands. At the top stands the small Aya Yorgi church, visited by many pilgrims for prayer. The walking path to the summit is full of natural scenery and pine trees.
Historic mansions and wooden villas: the island’s streets are lined with 19th-century wooden houses that beautifully blend European and Ottoman architecture. One of the most famous is the Reyhan Mansion.
Local cafés and ice-cream shops: around the island’s pier you will find seaside restaurants, cosy cafés and traditional ice-cream parlours famous for their unique flavours.
Cycling and nature walks: cycling routes along the coast are one of the island’s best activities. You can rent a bike and enjoy the quiet, beautiful route among palm and pine trees.
How to Get There
The only way to reach Büyükada is by sea.
- From the European side: public and fast ferries depart from the piers at Kabataş, Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Karaköy.
- From the Asian side: you can board at Kadıköy or Bostancı piers.
The crossing takes between 40 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the type of ferry.
Travel Tips
- Best time to visit: spring to early autumn (April to October).
- Wear comfortable shoes, and in summer arrive before noon to avoid the crowds.
- In the evening, Büyükada’s pier and seaside cafés, with their lights and sea breeze, have a dreamy atmosphere that is worth staying for until sunset.
With its simplicity, silence and unspoilt nature, Büyükada is a place where you can escape the noise of Istanbul for a few hours and lose yourself in the calm of the Sea of Marmara.
Location
Address: Büyükada, Princes’ Islands, Sea of Marmara, Istanbul
Getting there: from the European side — public and fast ferries from Kabataş, Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Karaköy | from the Asian side — from Kadıköy or Bostancı
Visiting hours: open 24 hours (free) — ferry journey: 40 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes