🏝️ Büyükada Island – Princes’ Islands Day Trip Guide (2025)

• Location – where is Büyükada?
• Ferries – how to get there
• Getting around – bikes & carts
• Things to do on Büyükada
• Beaches & swimming
• Restaurants & cafés
• Nearby islands
• Useful links
• FAQ

• One of the Princes’ Islands in the Sea of Marmara, south of Istanbul.
• Roughly 1 hour by ferry from European or Asian shores, depending on route.
• 📍 Google Maps – Büyükada »

Most visitors base themselves in central Istanbul and visit Büyükada as a full-day island escape with sea views and cooler breezes in summer.

• ⛴️ Departure piers
  Public ferries usually leave from Eminönü, Kabataş (European side) and Bostancı (Asian side).
• ⏱️ Duration
  Around 1–1.5 hours depending on the pier and whether you take a fast or regular ferry.
• 🎟️ Tickets
  Sold at the pier for companies like Şehir Hatları and private lines; some tours include round-trip transport + lunch.

For transfers to the pier, check our BiTaksi Istanbul Taxi App guide » and Uber in Turkey (2025) ».

• 🚫 No private cars
  Büyükada is car-free; only official service vehicles are allowed, which keeps streets quieter and cleaner.
• 🚴 Bikes
  Rent standard or electric bikes right by the port and main square – ideal for exploring the promenade and residential streets.
• 🚐 Electric carts
  Electric carts often run as guided mini-tours with a driver, great if you prefer to sit back and enjoy the views.
• 👟 Walking
  The promenade and central streets are very walkable; allow extra time for Aya Yorgi Hill as it’s steep.

For more details on rentals, see our dedicated guide to Büyükada bikes & electric carts » (coming soon).

• 🚴 Cycle the island loop
  Rent a bike and follow the main road around the island, stopping at viewpoints and cafés.
• ⛪ Aya Yorgi Monastery & hill
  Climb (or partly ride, then walk) up to Aya Yorgi Monastery for panoramic views over the Sea of Marmara – sunset here is spectacular.
• 🏖️ Small beaches & swimming platforms
  Enjoy a few hours at private beach clubs or seasonal swimming areas dotted along the coast.
• 📸 Ottoman wooden mansions
  Wander backstreets near the center to photograph historic wooden houses and quiet leafy lanes.
• ⛵ Boat trips
  In high season you’ll find short boat trips around the island or to nearby shores.

• Expect mostly small private beaches or platforms rather than wide sandy stretches.
• Beach clubs often charge an entrance fee that includes sunbed & umbrella.
• Water is typically calm in season, but always follow local safety signs and lifeguard advice.

Many visitors combine a few hours of cycling with a swim stop + seafood dinner before heading back to Istanbul on an evening ferry.

• 🐟 Seafront fish restaurants
  Try grilled fish, fish köfte and meze at restaurants along the promenade.
• ☕ Cafés in the main square
  Stop for Turkish tea, coffee, ice cream or desserts between bike rides.
• 🥙 Quick snacks
  Look for simit (sesame bread rings), midye tava (fried mussels) and other street food favourites.

Prices are typically higher than in non-touristy districts of Istanbul, so check menus before sitting, especially at seafront places.

• 🏝️ Heybeliada
  Known for its historic theological school, pine forests and quieter feel.
• 🏝️ Kınalıada
  Closest and one of the smallest Princes’ Islands – easy for a shorter walk and swim.
• 🏝️ Burgazada
  More laid-back, with pretty coastal walks and fewer crowds than Büyükada in high season.

Some organized tours stop at more than one island; check the itinerary carefully if you want guaranteed time on Büyükada itself.

• 🚢 Public ferries:
  Şehir Hatları – official ferry site »
• ⭐ Visitor reviews:
  Tripadvisor – Büyükada »
• ⛴️ Organized Princes’ Islands tours:
  GetYourGuide – Princes’ Islands day trips »
• 🚖 City taxis (app):
  BiTaksi Istanbul Taxi App 2025 »
• 🚗 Rides in Turkey:
  Uber in Turkey 2025 »