Buyukada – Princes’ Islands

When you think about Istanbul, it is almost impossible to imagine the city without certain elements. There are specific things special to the city such as the Bosphorus, Galata Tower and so on. In this this vivid metropolis of Turkey, there are places that you can escape to from the outrageous crowds of the city, as well. The Princes’ Islands are the biggest and the most joyful example to this.

Consisting of 4 islands, the Princes’ Islands have the best escape routes when you need to take a break from the vigorous city life.

The Biggest Island Between Princes’ Islands

Buyukada, literally translated as “The Big Island”, is the biggest among those islands. Looking from a distance, Buyukada (in Turkish: Büyükada) has two main peaks that make up the island. One of those peaks means “Jesus Hill” in Turkish and has the old Greek Orphanage on its top.

Planned by the famous French architect Alexandre Vallaury, this gigantic wooden construction is said to be the biggest wooden building in Europe. Some claim that it is the biggest in the world. Nevertheless, this beautiful wooden building is decaying more and more as the days proceed. Entrance to the old Greek Orphanage in Buyukada is forbidden due to the danger of collapsing. Indeed, some parts of the building have already collapsed but then again, the Municipality of Istanbul has been trying to get the digitalised blueprints of the building with the help of drones. This is probably going to help during the restoration process of this deserted location.

However, you can see the old Greek Orphanage from outside by climbing the hill whenever you visit Buyukada.

There are also strange rumours about this abandoned place. It is known that the Greek Orphanage had a great fire back at those old times and many children died because of the fire. Some part of the Island population claim that they hear the voices of screaming children when the night falls. There are even reports of watchmen who gave up their jobs due to those voices. Yet, those voices might also be stemming from the air holes between woods. So, do not refrain yourself from a visit.

Other than the mysterious old Greek Orphanage, you will also see Agios Nikolaos in the valley between those two peaks.

Things You Certainly Need to Do During a Visit to Buyukada 

1) Renting a Bike

 First of all, you might want to consider renting a bike when you land in Buyukada. The roads of the islands might be challenging if you want to go through the whole experience. This makes cycling the best way of roaming around Buyukada as well as the other Princes’ Islands.

Walking, of course, is another option if you want to go everywhere on feet as there is no public transportation in Buyukada. Yet, renting a bike might provide some benefits when you need it most. Most importantly, riding a bike in the sweet summer or spring breeze of Buyukada is one of the most beautiful and entertaining trips you can ever go on.

However, you must certainly check the brakes of your bike before renting it. There are lots of hills, so you do not want to learn that your brakes aren’t working while you are going downhill.

Without doubt, you are going to be enchanted by all the greenery and its combination with the blue of Marmara Sea.

2) Riding Along the Tour Routes

If you rent a bike, you can enjoy the big or small tour routes with your bike. The former is 14 km long whereas the latter, Aşıklar Road (translates as “The Lovers Road) is 12 km. Even if you do not prefer a bike, you can walk those tour routes.

In order to start your tour, you have to go to the starting point of the tour roads. They are located in the middle of Buyukada, in Luna Park district. There are lots of signs that will lead you there.

Once you start your tour, you will often be tempted to stop and enjoy the great coastal scenery of Buyukada. It is just impossible to ignore the landscape and simply ride your bike. There is no doubt that you’ll take lots of charming photographs on the road and keep them as sweet memories of your trip.

Besides the tour routes, you can also ride along the streets in the coast. There are lots of historical mansions which exhibit the most charming architecture.

If you are not able to cycle, just keep in mind that you can walk the whole island without getting too exhausted.

3) Visiting Historical Places

You can find the church and monastery of Agios Nikolaos right between the hills, in the valley. This place is actually an old Byzantine church. Although, a considerable part of the monastery was destroyed during a great fire, you can still find old Greek depictions on the building.

As well as this ancient church, you may also visit the fairground there. Named as “Luna park Square” by the island inhabitants, this square is located right in the middle of the island. The road to Hagia Yorgi hill and the monastery starts here.

Hagia Yorgi Church, toward the top of to Hagia Yorgi Hill, is an old Greek Orthodox Monastery built in the name of St. George in 1751. You can light a candle and make a wish here. Seeing Saint George icon here is highly recommended, as well. This special icon has a story of its own. It is said that during the Byzantine rule, the priests buried the icon and other sacred relics believing they couldn’t be destroyed in any way. Years after, Hagia Yorgi started dreaming of a shepherd who continuously told him to dig. Hagia Yorgi took this prophecy into account and found the icon buried beneath the church. Since this church is considered as one of the most sacred places for Christians, they celebrate the coming of the spring on April 23 and on September 24 they commemorate Saint Thekla.

So it is best to keep in mind that on those days the church and Buyukada in general, might be very crowded.

4) Enjoying Yourself in the Local and Historical Restaurants

• There is a family-run restaurant which has been open since 1978: Yücetepe Kır Gazinosu. Although it looks somehow rustic and shabby, it is the unique style of this place. You should definitely taste Turkish meatballs, “köfte” in Turkish, there. You can also taste a different type of sausage (sucuk), stuffed grape leaves (sarma) and pastry filled with cheese (börek).
• After you have lunch there, you must get a taste of the ice-cream in Buyukada. You’ll find another family-run business at the coast:

This place has been the favourite of the locals for years and it still is. You can taste the ice-cream made with the freshest fruits.

5) Visit the Adalar Museum

 You can learn about the formation of Princes’ Islands in an exhibition named “Princes’ Islands in 10 Minutes”. The entrance fee for the exhibition is also quite affordable.  It is open every day except for Mondays.

6) Have a Picnic

You are always free to bring stuff from home and have picnic in the beautiful greens of Buyukada. There are park benches around the forests so you will not have a hard time finding a place to sit if you do not have a picnic quilt with you.

7) Swimming

If you can swim, you can always do that in Buyukada. It is totally safe to swim here. There are several private or public beaches you can visit and enter for a certain fee.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buyukada