About Buyukada

Büyükada is the largest island of the Princes' Islands, which consists of nine islands located just off the coast of Istanbul. Situated at the center of the archipelago, Buyukada attracts visitors from all over the world with its unique atmosphere, historical heritage, and beautiful natural landscapes.

In this guide, we will share important information about Buyukada — the most popular island of the Princes’ Islands. After reading this blog post, you will have a much better understanding of the island and how to explore it.

History of Buyukada

The history of the Princes’ Islands dates back to ancient times. The island welcomes visitors with a historical atmosphere that stretches from mythological periods to the present day. Many travelers say they can feel this historical spirit as soon as they step onto the island.

During the 19th century, wealthy families from Istanbul began using Buyukada as a summer retreat. Magnificent wooden mansions and seaside villas were built during this period, many of which still exist today. By the early 20th century, tourism on the island had started to develop and Buyukada became a popular getaway destination.

What Makes Buyukada Special

Several unique features make Buyukada one of the most preferred destinations near Istanbul:

Rich historical architecture
Beautiful nature and pine forests
Peaceful atmosphere without heavy city traffic
Close proximity to Istanbul
Many cultural and touristic attractions

These characteristics make Buyukada a perfect escape from the busy life of the city.

Exploring Buyukada

Buyukada has a scenic tour route of approximately 16 km that circles the island completely. This route begins from the island center and continues around the island in a full loop.

At the beginning of the route, you will see beautiful historic mansions and seaside villas. As you continue, you will ride through colorful streets filled with flowers and fruit trees. After about 3 kilometers, the number of houses gradually decreases and the island’s natural landscape becomes more dominant.

Unfortunately, many visitors only spend time in the island center and return to Istanbul without discovering the island’s true beauty. If you want to experience Buyukada fully, you should definitely explore beyond the central area and immerse yourself in its peaceful nature.

Transportation on the Island

Until 2020, the main transportation on the island was the traditional horse-drawn carriages. Today, transportation has modernized and the main vehicles are electric buses and electric taxis.

Visitors can also explore the island by:

Walking
Bicycle
Electric bike tours

Our recommendation is cycling, which is one of the best ways to discover the island comfortably.

To explore every part of the island with ease, you can visit our All Day E-Bike Tour in Buyukada page and book a private tour experience.

Suggested Tour Route

We recommend starting your island tour from the right side of the island. This route allows you to climb fewer hills and enjoy more downhill cycling.

During your tour you will see many important landmarks including:

Mizzi Mansion
Con Pasha Mansion
Trotsky House (historic ruins)
Dilburnu Nature Park
Lovers’ Path
Aya Yorgi Church
Yücetepe Country Club
Grand Tour Road (one of the most beautiful but often undiscovered routes)
Greek Orphanage
Islands Museum

For more details about these attractions, you can visit our Places to See in the Princes’ Islands page.

Beaches in Buyukada

Between mid-May and September, several private beaches operate on Buyukada. These beaches offer great opportunities to swim and relax during the summer months.

One of the most popular beaches is:

Yörük Ali Beach, which is frequently preferred by both local and international visitors.

You can easily reach these beaches by using the free boat shuttle services departing from the right side of the ferry pier in the island center.

Restaurants and Food on Buyukada

After a long and enjoyable island tour, it’s time for a relaxing lunch break.

There are many restaurants in the island center, but one of the most well-known seafood restaurants is:

By Şükrü Balık

Here you can enjoy fresh fish along with traditional Turkish, Greek, and Armenian mezes while overlooking the sea.

For dessert and coffee, we recommend visiting the patisserie located under the historic:

Splendid Palace Hotel

This elegant café offers delicious desserts and local flavors in a charming historical setting.

Shopping in Buyukada

After your meal, you can explore the lively Buyukada bazaar and experience the island’s local life. Small local shops offer souvenirs, handmade crafts, colorful clothes, and many unique items.

Don’t forget to stop by the historic ice cream shops around the Buyukada Clock Square, where you can try the island’s famous ice cream and take memorable photos.

Staying Overnight on the Island

Many visitors fall in love with the island and decide to stay longer. Buyukada offers many charming boutique hotels for overnight stays.

One of the most iconic hotels on the island is:

Splendid Palace Hotel

This historic hotel, which is over 115 years old, offers elegant rooms with beautiful views of the Sea of Marmara.

How to Reach Buyukada

You can reach Buyukada from several locations in Istanbul.

Popular departure points include:

European Side:

Kabataş
Eminönü

Asian Side:

Kadıköy
Bostancı
Maltepe
Kartal

Regular ferry services operate approximately every 30–60 minutes, making the island very easy to access.

If you would like more detailed information about transportation and schedules, you can visit our Princes Islands Ferry Schedule page.

Discover Buyukada with Princes Islands Tour

We hope this article helped you learn more about Buyukada.

If you would like to explore the island with a professional local team, you can plan your trip with Princes Islands Tour, the first and only official tour agency based in the Princes’ Islands.

You can fill out the Tour Request Form on our website and contact us to organize your unforgettable island experience.