The islands are one of Istanbul's favorite places. Its historical past, unique view, pleasure, lifestyle, phaetons... Where people of every language, religion and color live together... Big Island, Heybeli Island, Kınalı Island, Burgaz Island. All of them seem to be similar to each other, but their differences from each other are understood as they are experienced.
Büyükada, the largest of the islands off the coast of Istanbul, also known as the Prince Islands, is one of the getaway spots for Istanbulites. Büyükada is one of the escape destinations of the Marmara Region, mostly preferred by those living in Istanbul to get away from the crowds of the city. Every season is different, every season is calm, every season is full of peace...
The old name of Buyukada is “Prinkipo”, which means big in Greek. The first known structure of the island was built in the 6th century AD. Since then, the island has still retained its beauty. On the highest hill of the island is the church and monastery of St. Yorgi. In this area, there are many ruins and historical ruins other than Aya Yorgi Church.
Ayios Dimitrios Church, located near the sea, is among the other important buildings of the island. The Hamidiye Mosque, which was built during the reign of Abdülhamid II and by him, also stands out among the historical buildings worth seeing on the island. Island Culture It is not known how accurate it would be to say “island culture”, but there is a common lifestyle on all islands, including Büyükada. No motorized vehicles! Naturally, no traffic, no chaos, no honking horns! Instead, there are phaeton tours pulled by two horses. There is no crooked construction, no irregular high-rise apartment buildings! Instead, there are villas and mansions with harmonious colors, cute houses with acacia flowers in their gardens. Another part of the island culture are the churches, mosques and monasteries built on the highest hills. “Island Culture” is always beautiful, always special, with pleasant conversations accompanied by barbecues in country restaurants, enjoying a glass of tea near the pier.
For accommodation suggestions, you can check our Buyukada Hotels page.
If you plan to spend the day exploring the island streets, choose an address that makes returning from the pier and dinner convenient. For more time at the hotel, room privacy, a garden and views may matter more. Confirm the scope and cost of celebration arrangements, a special table or late checkout for your room and dates.
Confirm whether the view is from your room or only from a shared terrace or restaurant. Floor level, orientation and buildings in front can affect the outlook. Look at current photos of your chosen category; a sea-view room does not mean direct beach access or free beach services.
Ask about child admission, bed arrangements, room capacity and age-related charges. Hills, steps and pushchair access between the pier and hotel affect daily comfort. A garden or pool alone does not establish child-friendly service; assess safety arrangements and supervision needs separately.
The pier and market area may be practical if you want to combine dining and ferry travel on foot. Further from the centre, spending time in the garden and hotel may take priority, but allow for hills and island transport. Use the Filters section on the Büyükada hotels page to narrow your options, then check the exact address on a map.
Room-only, bed-and-breakfast and meal packages have different inclusions. Ask about breakfast times, service style and takeaway options for an early ferry. For dinner, check restaurant opening days, final orders and reservation requirements, and confirm drinks and other additional charges separately.
Easy pier access may take priority for a short stay, heavy luggage or frequent ferry trips. For a hotel further away, plan for gradients and the evening journey back. Do not rely on straight-line distance or a minutes-only estimate; confirm the route and any transport options with the hotel.
A mansion setting or promotion aimed at couples does not mean a property accepts adults only. Minimum ages and child admission depend on its current policy. Use the relevant filter if available, then provide everyone’s ages and obtain written confirmation from the hotel.
Room size, sound insulation, heating and cooling matter alongside the building’s character. Ask about lifts, narrow stairs and steps at the room entrance. Main-building, annexe and attic rooms may differ; check windows, bathroom layout and access for your chosen category.
Markets, restaurants, event spaces and service activity affect streets and room orientations differently. Distance from the centre alone does not guarantee quiet. Ask about window insulation, shared areas beside or below the room, and any events taking place during your stay.
Choose your departure pier according to your location in Istanbul and the services operating on your travel day. Check the Büyükada call and return direction in the current timetable from Şehir Hatları or your chosen operator. Weekday, weekend and seasonal schedules may differ, so establish your final return sailing before arrival.
Walking or island public transport may be suitable depending on the address. Check İETT’s current island routes and the final walk from the stop separately. Do not assume the hotel provides a welcome service or luggage assistance; ask about availability, inclusions, charges and timing before booking.
Do not plan your stay around driving a private car on the island. If leaving your car on the mainland near your departure pier, check parking location, charges and access at your return time. Plan walking and current island public transport around the hotel’s exact address.
You can consider a summer beach break, spring or autumn walks, or a winter stay with more time at the hotel. Weather may affect sea transport and outdoor plans. Outside the main season, confirm hotel and restaurant opening, room heating and the facilities you want for your dates.
Dates, room category, views, meals and cancellation conditions affect the total cost. Compare weekend and special-occasion offers for the same guest numbers and inclusions. Check taxes, extra beds, beach services and arrival assistance rather than choosing solely by the starting nightly rate.
There is no single cheapest period or booking window for everyone. If dates are flexible, compare different days, room categories and breakfast options. For non-refundable offers, ask what happens if sea transport is disrupted, and consider cancellation and date-change terms alongside the saving.
You can stay at a hotel without beach services and consider a separate beach, checking access, admission and seasonal conditions in advance. If the hotel has a beach agreement or shuttle, ask what is included and about return times. Follow daily sea conditions and local warnings; a sea view is not the same as beach access.
Having a pool does not mean it opens year-round or is heated. Check seasonal opening, maintenance days, hours and child age conditions for your dates. Clarify private versus shared use; use a pool filter if available, then verify details against the property’s current information.
Check the hotel’s policy and your sea transport operator’s animal carriage rules separately. Give your pet’s species, weight and number, asking about travel arrangements, extra charges, shared areas and leaving pets alone in the room. Use the relevant filter if available and obtain written confirmation of hotel acceptance.
One night can provide a short island break; two or three nights leave more time to spread out walks and rest. Choose routes according to hills, weather and your group’s experience. For cycling, check equipment condition and current local rules, and treat walking with luggage separately from sightseeing routes.
Assess ferry or passenger-boat access, travel from the pier and the room layout separately. A historic mansion, garden property or location near the pier does not guarantee accessibility. Ask for step-free access details, lift information and door and bathroom measurements, and check island transport, slopes and surfaces against your needs.
