What To Do In Buyukada Island? | Top Things To Do In Buyukada

Buyukada Island (meaning Big Island), one of the Istanbul Prince Islands, is the largest island in the Sea of ​​Marmara archipelago near Istanbul, Turkey.

Buyukada Island is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist spots in the world, and every year many travellers travel to this beautiful island. If you want to know what to do in Buyukada island, read this article from Travelling Topic until the end.

Introducing Buyukada island Turkey

In Turkish, Buyuk means “big,” and Ada means “island”; Because of this, Buyukada Island has been called by this name since ancient times. About 7500 people live on this island. Of course, this number increases in the summer because many travels to this attractive and pleasant place for fun and sightseeing.

Also, Buyukada Island has easy access to the city of Istanbul and historical and touristic places, which is why it has gained more fame among the people than other islands in the Sea of ​​Marmara.

Buyukada island Beach

The first suggestion to answer what to do on Buyukada Island is to swim, sunbathe, and watch the sunset on the beach. Buyukada Island has unique and beautiful beaches, including Halik Bay Beach, Hagia Nikola Beach and Princess Bay Beach.

On these beaches, health, comfort and entertainment facilities are provided for travellers, and you can experience memorable times on the shores of this island.

How to go to Buyukada island?

Daily ferries leave from Kabatas, Eminönü, Bostancı and Kadikoy piers for the island. Usually, the first ferry departs to Buyukada Island at 9:00 am, and the last ferry that takes passengers back to the dock departs at 7:00 pm. Some people use the sea bus to save money.

The distance from the pier to the island is about two hours, which is a beautiful opportunity to enjoy the view of the sea and the cool breeze and watch the seagulls.

The price of a ferry ticket to Buyukada island Turkey

The best way to reach this island is to use the Kabatas Ferry. Of course, to get to Buyukada island from Istanbul, you can also use a regular ferry that stops first at the Asian side and then at four islands.

You will be on the road for about 1 and a half hours to reach Buyukada. You can use sea buses to return from Buyukada Island. The sea bus terminal is located on the right side of the ferry station, and its cost is about 9 to 10 liras, and the regular ferry is about 6 liras.

Buyukada Island

As mentioned, Buyukada Island is the largest island among the 9 Prince Islands. The exciting feature of this island is that people travel only with bicycles and strollers, and apart from police and municipal cars, the use of vehicles is prohibited. Houses on this island are generally built in Ottoman and Victorian styles.

What to do in Buyukada island?

Buyukada Island is full of attractions. Even the houses and alleys of this island attract the attention of many tourists, and many people prefer to walk on the forested and green roads of Buyukada.

Aya Yorgi Church is the most popular place on this island; This church is built 200 meters from the water level and on the top of Yorgi Tepe. This building dates back to the sixth century. The priest’s house and a restaurant for tourists are also located near the church.

To answer the question of what to do in Buyukada Island, it can be said to visit the famous places on this island.

Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage is one of the must-see places on this island and one of the historical places in Istanbul. According to the statements, this building is the largest wooden structure in Europe and the second-largest wooden frame in the world.

A large part of this building, built by Alexander Vallaury, a French-Ottoman architect, was destroyed in a fire about 40 years ago. Still, in 2018 it was designated as a cultural heritage by the organization ” europa” and “European Capital Bank”. And it became known as history.

Adalar Museum is also one of the best places for tourists interested in getting information about the past of this island. In this museum, there are about six thousand photos and many films and documentaries recommended to history and archeology lovers.

Hamidiye Mosque, with a lifespan of more than a century, has always been the destination of many tourists. This mosque is famous for its architectural features of Ottoman-era mosques.

In addition to the places mentioned, visiting the Clock Tower, Leon Trotsky’s Zoo and House, St. Georgios Koudonas Monastery, and the pine forest of Buyukada Island known as the best places in Istanbul photoshoot locations.

Exciting entertainment in Buyukada Island

The variety of cafes and restaurants is so great that you can enjoy it. You can also buy and enjoy delicious sweets and ice creams from street vendors. There are all kinds of restaurants on this island, restaurants with traditional and local dishes that serve famous foods of Turkey and luxury restaurants.

Carriage riding and cycling in this green island and pleasant weather will be exciting and enjoyable pastimes. However, keep in mind that if you travel to Buyukada Island in the summer season, you will have to stand in line for a long time.

Another favorite pastime of tourists visiting Buyukada Island is sunbathing on the beach. On most of the shores of this island, you can use equipment such as sunbeds, umbrellas, and various catering services.

When should we travel to Buyukada island Turkey?

The most enjoyable activities that can be done on this island are sunbathing on the beach, swimming, and eating ice cream; Therefore, the best time to travel to Buyukada Island is spring and summer.

Because in the hot seasons of the year, you can also benefit from the mild and pleasant weather of this beautiful and spectacular island. While in the second half of the year, the temperature on the island is freezing and not very suitable for traveling.

How to get to Buyukada island from Istanbul?

if you have traveled without a tour, you can buy a ferry ticket to the nearest port. The easiest way to get to Kabataş Pier is to take the Kabataş Metro in Istanbul.

At the end of the line

In the end, we have some recommendations: Wear sunscreen and sunglasses when exploring Buyukada Island. Never leave your waste in nature, and take care of the beautiful environment of this island. Pay attention to the sweetest part of the trip, buying souvenirs for your friends and loved ones; Crafts will be a good option! We wish you a good journey.

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