Let’s Start The Tour

The trip to this island (the fourth in the row) took about 1h30 but was all the time entertaining. With the stops at the three other islands, there was action all the time and lovely sceneries to admire. Other ferries were crossing us, sailing boats making racks close to the wind, even a flock on training.

On this sunny October day, it was nice to be on the water and leave İstanbul behind us for a day.

Arriving At Büyükada

Once we arrived at the island, the absence of cars was a relief for our ears. The horse and coach combination used for decades on the islands disappeared to make electric vehicles: scooters, golf court type of miniature cars and even small electric busses used now as public transport.

Peaceful Streets Around Every Corner

Living Peacefully Together

The different islands are populated with a cultural and ethnic variety of people. Büyükada was the home of many Jewish people and Europeans from Istanbul.

The Greek and Turkish bourgeoisie chose Heybeliada as their home, while Burgazada mainly was a village of Greek fishermen. Kinaliada was the holiday resort of Armenian from Istanbul.

The Greek Orphanage School

Originally A Hotel Later An Orphanage

Although the building was finished, the hotel could not be opened due to economic and political reasons.

After two years of being unused, it was in 1902 by Eleni Zarifi, an Istanbul elite philanthropist.

The building was then donated to Fener Greek Patriarchate as an orphanage.

It was in use for 61 years as an orphanage. Tensions between Turkey and Greece ended the use of the building as an orphanage, and the building was confiscated in 1964. In total, 163 children were placed at other locations.

Finally, in1977 the building was closed.

A Nice Evening On Büyükada

In the evening, there is a lot of activity in the streets, with various restaurants, cafes, and shops to entertain you.

Fish And Rakı On Büyükada

After a long walk exploring Büyükada, there is nothing like a pleasant dinner at the seaside. Especially if you want to get away from the hectic life in Istanbul, you can enjoy the fish and rakı with friends and beloved on the island.

If you visit Istanbul, don’t forget to plan a trip to Büyükada.

Practical Information

You can get to the islands by ferry. There are ferries available from Kadıköy and Bostancı (Asian side) and Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü (European side), all at low cost.

Find more information and timetables through this link to the website of the company that organises the ferry trips. 

Other links to private ferry companies: https://www.turyol.com

https://www.mavimarmara.net

We can advice you when visiting İstanbul to buy a İstanbulkart, it will give you acces to all public transports at a fair price. 

Besides these ferries, there are several private boats (water taxis) you can rent: https://www.idtdeniztaksi.com/

There are several spots around the island where you can rent bikes, and the (electric) public transport brings you almost everywhere.

Places Nearby

Of course, the three other islands are also worth paying a visit, and Istanbul is a major ‘must-see’ destination with hundreds of exciting and spectacular landmarks you must visit.