Travel writing based on first-hand experience
As Istanbul warms up, the bustling crowds can become overwhelming. For those seeking a quieter, more scenic alternative to city noise, Büyükada offers a perfect escape. This island is accessible by a delightful sea voyage and is close enough to Istanbul for a quick getaway. There is clean air, peaceful streets, charming houses, stunning views, and nature, making it especially tranquil during the weekdays.
Explore the best things to do in Buyukada. From visiting the historic Aya Yorgi Church and strolling along Çankaya Street to relaxing at Yörükali Beach and enjoying local cuisine, uncover the must-see attractions of this enchanting island.
Planning more Istanbul island and city adventures? Read these next
Table of Contents
Top Things to Do in Buyukada:
1. Spend a nice time on the beach
If Büyükada ever feels like “too much ferry, too many people, too many selfie sticks,” we escape to Eskibağ Beach—a gorgeous little hideout tucked at the back of the island. Yes, it’s a bit of a mission to reach (that’s why it stays lovely), but the payoff is pure, salty bliss. The beach sits along the island’s big tour route, so you can build it into a scenic loop. Or, if you’re feeling lazy in the best possible way, hop on a motorboat from the island centre and cruise into the bay in about 25 minutes.
Once you arrive, you’ll find everything you need to turn your brain off: umbrellas, sun loungers, cushions, showers—plus a restaurant so you can eat without leaving your patch of paradise. Whether you’re here to sunbathe, swim, or just quietly celebrate being far from the crowds, Eskibağ Beach is the island’s “we’re not telling everyone about this” kind of spot.
Eskibağ Beach location
2. Go Sailing
Want to do something on Büyükada that isn’t “walk, eat, repeat”? We’ve got you: go sailing. Over in the Fethi Okyar Bağı area, Kamino Yelken runs a sailing club where you can dip a toe (sometimes literally) into the world of wind and water. They offer courses for kids aged 7–15, which makes this a surprisingly excellent family-friendly plan—especially if you’d like to tire everyone out in a wholesome way.
It’s not only sailing, either. Depending on the season and schedule, you can find training and sessions across different levels and activities—sailing, catamaran, windsurfing, and even yoga (because apparently your balance can be both sporty and spiritual).
Click for location .
3. Rent a Bike
The moment we step off the ferry, we’re tempted to do what everyone does: drift toward the bazaar, then the beach, then the next crowd. But if you want the real Büyükada—pine air, quiet corners, and views that make Istanbul feel far away—rent a bike and start pedaling immediately. You’ll roll past waterfront mansions, climb into pine-covered hills, and see the island’s best scenery unfold in real time. Cycling is easily the best way to experience Büyükada.
And yes, there are cafes and restaurants everywhere… but a picnic hits differently here. Grab snacks and drinks from local markets or delicatessens, pack a blanket, and claim a peaceful spot away from the main tourist stream. Pro tip: you’ll enjoy lunch more when you’re not listening to 12 conversations at once.
Bike rental shops cluster near the bazaar, but quality varies wildly. For a smoother ride, we recommend renting from Gündoğdu Bisiklet. They offer sturdier bikes and helmets—so you can focus on the views, not on whether your brakes are a suggestion.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Büyükada is hilly and some roads are steep—so check the brakes before you start. Seriously. This is not the place for surprise physics lessons.
- The island has two classic cycling routes: the 14 km “big tour” and the 12 km “small tour”. The smaller route is often called the “Lovers’ Path” and is also doable on foot. To start either tour, head to Amusement Park Square, the starting point for both routes, with signs to guide you.
- For a quieter ride, skip Nizam Road when it’s busy. Instead, take the road from Maden for calmer roads. The small tour by bike usually takes about an hour; the route from Maden takes roughly 75 minutes.
- There are no dedicated bike lanes on the island—vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists share the same roads. Ride carefully and stay courteous (your future self will appreciate it).
4. Explore the Nostalgic Streets Full of Magnificent Mansions
Now that we’ve got wheels, Büyükada becomes our personal open-air museum. The island’s biggest charm flex is its collection of historic wooden mansions—ornate, elegant, and somehow on nearly every street like the island collectively agreed to be impossibly photogenic. We ride slowly, mansion-hunting from lane to lane, finding one grand residence after another, each trying to outdo the last.
The Nizam area is famous for some of the prettiest ones, but Maden has plenty of architectural eye candy too. Pro tip: don’t rush—half the fun is spotting details: balconies, carved trim, pastel paint, and those “how is this still standing?” wooden frames.
And yes, Aya Yorgi Hill belongs on your route. Time it so you’re climbing before sunset—watching the sky change colour from up there is one of those “okay, fine, this was worth it” travel moments.
5. Visit Aya Yorgi Church
Here’s the funny thing about Büyükada: a little uphill effort is basically a crowd filter. Once we’ve cycled out of the busiest zones and start heading toward Aya Yorgi Hill, the noise fades and the island suddenly feels… serene. To reach Aya Yorgi Church, start near the Amusement Park area (around 3 km from the pier), which is also where the island’s big and small tours begin. You’ll lock your bike here—because from this point on, the final climb must be done on foot. No vehicles allowed. The walk is totally manageable, but give it at least 25 minutes (and add extra if you’re stopping for photos, which you will).
At the top, it feels like you’ve stepped out of island life and into a quiet lookout world. You’ll find three main “rewards” waiting: Aya Yorgi Church, Yücetepe Kır Casino, and that sweeping sunset view that makes everyone go quiet for a second.
Aya Yorgi Church—originally known as the Agios Georgios Greek Orthodox Monastery—dates back to 1751 and honours St. George. It’s also a pilgrimage site that crosses religious lines: Muslims, Christians, and Jews visit to make wishes on April 23 and September 24 each year. Inside, the church holds a beloved icon of Saint George slaying a sea monster—said to have been hidden by priests during an occupation and later rediscovered after a shepherd’s visions.
Because of its sacred status, the church gets extremely crowded on those two feast days. Many pilgrims walk up barefoot and in silence, tying rags to branches along the path as they make wishes. Pro tip: if you’re visiting mainly for sightseeing and peace, avoid April 23 and September 24 unless you truly want to experience the pilgrimage atmosphere.
Aya Yorgi Church location
6. Enjoy a Meal on Aya Yorgi Hill with an amazing view of Istanbul
Three kilometres of cycling plus a half-hour uphill hike sounds like a lot… until you reach the top and realise the calm is the reward. Right next to the church, we settle into Yücetepe Kır Casino, a charming, family-run spot that’s been doing its thing since 1978—without losing its original spirit. Expect rustic wooden tables, a peaceful vibe, and a simple menu that totally understands what you want after a climb.
What to order? Their famous meatballs (seriously), Afyon sausage, homemade stuffed vine leaves drizzled with olive oil, spicy paste, and cheese muska pastry. The meatballs and potatoes are the star move. Pro tip: if you catch a full moon night up here, the moonlit view is unreal—choose this over the noisy beachside restaurants and congratulate yourself on having excellent taste. Open year-round, this place is quietly one of Istanbul’s best-kept secrets.
Yücetepe Restoran & Kafe location .
7. Enjoy the Sunset on the Cliffs of Aya Yorgi
This is, hands down, one of the most cinematic spots on the island—a sunset that easily ranks among the top five in Istanbul. The cliffs, the sea, the sky doing its dramatic colour change… we just stand there like we’re in a movie and someone forgot to yell “cut.”
And here’s the sneaky little bonus: behind the meatball restaurant near Aya Yorgi, there are rocks that are perfect for sunbathing with a view. One even looks like a throne. If it’s empty, don’t overthink it—claim your seat, pretend you’re royalty, and enjoy the sweeping panorama like you own the place.
8. Have Dinner at Eskibağ Teras Restaurant
The beachside restaurants are a classic Büyükada move—lively, loud, and charming in that “everyone had the same idea” way. But if you want to dodge the standard tourist rhythm, we head to Eskibağ Teras Restaurant at the far end of the island. It’s more secluded, more relaxed, and feels like the island is letting you in on a secret.
Eskibağ Teras keeps it simple and beautiful: wooden chairs, a more intimate setting, and the kind of calm that makes Istanbul feel like a different universe. This is our favourite tip for actually escaping the city while still technically being in it. Pro tip: come around golden hour—everything looks better, including your dinner.
Click for location .
9. Enjoy Unique Ice Cream
Step off the ferry and you’ll see it immediately: tourists marching around with towering, five-layer ice creams like it’s an island-wide tradition (which it sort of is). But for something that feels more local, we make a beeline for Yunus, a roaming ice cream vendor adored by island regulars. Yunus Usta runs a family operation, making sorbet-like ice creams from seasonal fruit and selling them fresh each day from wheelbarrows around Büyükada and nearby islands. You’ll often spot his cart parked in front of the Anatolian Club.
Flavours are kept simple—lemon, cherry, peach, chocolate, cream—but in summer, cherry and peach are the prize. The fruit is freshly crushed, so the aromas are bold and bright. Just know: because it’s not milk-based, it melts fast. (Eat quickly. This is a race.) Yunus’s signature flourish is serving it shaped like a rose instead of the standard scoop.
If Yunus’s cart is packed or you want backup options:
- Roma Dondurma: Near the square entrance, famous for its melon flavour among many others. Click for location.
- Prinkipo Ice Cream & Waffle: Big variety (chocolate, hazelnut, pistachio, candy), cones and waffles—also the most touristic, so expect lines. Click for location.
Dondurmaci Yunus location
10. Join the Locals in the Nostalgic Tea Gardens on the Beach
One of the most beloved island rituals is beautifully simple: after dinner, we head to a beachside tea garden with friends and let the evening stretch out. Think hot tea, sea air, and classic games—backgammon, cards—played slowly and competitively (sometimes both). These tea gardens aren’t only relaxing; they’re a gentle way to slip into island life and chat with locals in a setting that feels unforced and genuinely warm.
Bahcede Sinek Kafe location
- 2026 Turkey Travel Tips: Useful Things to Know From A Local
- 2026 Turkey Packing List: Essential Travel Items and Tips
- Where To Stay In Bodrum (2026): Best Neighborhood & Top Hotel Picks
- 22 Top Turkish Cosmetics Brands (2026)
- What To Do In Kas Turkey (2026): Places To Visit, Where To Eat & Hidden Gems
