Büyükada is Turkish for ‘big island’. Not only is it the largest of the four Istanbul islands (5,36 km²), it’s also the most popular one. It’s sandy beaches, laid-back 19h century atmosphere and cozy town center attract huge crowds of locals and tourists alike from spring to fall. Especially in the weekends, with a peak on Sunday — a day to avoid.
From a tourist point of view, Büyükada must be at the top of your island visit list. Most people start out with a typical full Turkish breakfast on one of the many terraces, followed by one or more of the following activities:
- Take a small or big tour of the island in a horse-drawn carriage or phaeton. You can buy tickets left from the clock tower.
- Rent a bicycle and make a small or big tour of the island. Bicycle rental shops are located in the side streets from the town square (Saat Meydanı).
- Explore the island with its leafy lanes and exquisite wooden Victorian houses on foot. As long as you see phaetons racing by, you’re on the right track.
- Visit the St George’s Monastery after climbing up the steep cobblestone path — on foot or by hiring a donkey to do the legwork for you.
- Relax on one of the many private beaches and take a dip in the sea.
- Enjoy a dinner, drink or ice-cream in one of the many cafes and restaurants in the town center before hopping on the ferry back to Istanbul. Make sure you don’t miss the last one!
source: wittistanbul.com
