Buyukada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands right near Istanbul, draws attention as an indispensable route in spring and summer with its historical and cultural beauties.. The streets of the island, which has always been the focus of attention of local and foreign tourists, with its breathtaking view and peaceful nature, colored with the beautiful memories of Turks and Greeks, together with its unique Büyükada, where some people withdraw from Istanbul for weekend happiness and others come to visit to breathe the seaside air. we meet. The Greek population of this beautiful island, formerly called Prinkipos,. Although it has decreased gradually after World War II, the cultural heritage of the people who live here in summer and winter still continues.
Buyukada; It is everyone’s favorite as a unique example of summer resort culture in Istanbul, with its carriages that carry the nostalgia of the old days, its flowery streets, its special places and mansions that witness the past, its religious structures that are of great importance for both Turks and Greeks, and the calm shores of the Marmara Sea.. For some, this is a weekend break, for some, Istanbul’s breath-taking place.. When going to the island was a snap with a ferry, I wanted to list the newly opened places and places to see in Journavel for a quick island tour with its historical texture.
Image source: Shutterstock
Where Should We Travel?
Renting a bicycle or riding a phaeton are the best alternatives to visit the touristic spots of Buyukada and enjoy the view.. You can see the surroundings of the island by following the Big and Small Tour routes with the bikes you can rent from the center.. Those who are afraid of hilly roads can also take a nostalgic trip with the carriage, which is the classic of the island.
It was built as a small church in 1751 at the top of the places to see on the island. Aya Yorgi Church, which has been used as a monastery for many years, follows.. Climbing Aya Yorgi, which is of great importance for the Orthodox, between April and September, and making your wish is a ritual called ‘semi-pilgrimage’.. If you wish, you should donate olive oil to the church.
Greek Orphanage, Image Source: Shutterstock
Another cultural heritage of Büyükada; Greek Orphanage, the world’s largest wooden structure. The place, which was designed as a hotel at the end of the 1800s and then used as an orphanage for 50 years, has been open to visitors since 1964.. After Aya Yorgi, you should definitely see the orphanage, which is very close to it.
Reşat Nuri Güntekin, one of the well-known authors of Turkish Literature, can join your island tour. ‘s house, which is also open to visitors as a museum, Muslim and Greek-Orthodox cemeteries, II.. You can include the Hamidiye Mosque built by Abdülhamit, the Church of the Virgin Mary with its bell tower and architecture, and Adakule on Hızır İlyas Hill; However, for Adakule, I would like to point out that you have to go to the Lunapark Casino by carriage and walk the rest of the way. Having a picnic in the greenery in the unique view of Prinkipos with its former name is also a must.. You can have a picnic in Dilburnu, which is located in the Nature Park; but prepare yourself for the weekend crowd.
Or Beach Club
When it comes to the island, sea and beach experience is also a must.. Putting aside the touristic trips, a pleasant ‘beach’ day at Yada Beach, located in Viranbağ Bay, isolated from the island crowd, would be a good alternative.. You come to the beach operated by Yada Sushi, which we know for its delicious sushi in Istanbul, by boat from the island, and you crown your day with gourmet options, including good music and sushi, against the Marmara Sea.
Tasty Places of the Island
Third wave coffee shop Dut Coffee Shop, one of the newly opened places on the island, Spitz, one of the cafes, Candy, which opened last year, and then Büyükada Bistro Candy with its bistro style are places where you should enjoy.
When you come to Büyükada, they say that friendly conversation is essential at a table dominated by seafood.. When you get off the pier, take a seat at the places you see, and enjoy the island and the sunset.. By Sukru a good choice. While you’re here, take an ice cream break at the island’s famous Prinkipo Ice Cream & Waffle.
By Şükrü
Where Should We Stay?
Those who want a weekend getaway, not a single day Sergüzeşt Hotel, the new one of the island, will be an extremely peaceful choice for. Sergüzeşt Hotel, which was opened this year with the restoration of an old Greek house, is one of the most beautiful spots of Büyükada with its 10-room location close to the center.. Sergüzeşt, which also accepts guests from outside in its cafe Sermest with its weekend brunch and weekday mixed breakfast service, is distinguished by its modern line among the historical details of the island.
Sergüzeşt Hotel
Sergüzeşt Hotel, which has been the address for romantic marriage proposals, pre-honeymoon holidays and weekend tourists coming from the city to the island, is the best place I’ve ever been in Büyükada. friendly place. I can say that Sergüzeşt Hotel, which has been the address for romantic marriage proposals, pre-honeymoon holidays and weekend tourists coming from the city to the island, is one of the warmest places I’ve stayed in Büyükada.
Sergüzeşt’s delicious breakfast
I am sharing some of the shots we took in Büyükada below.. For the rest of our photos, you can visit the hashtag #journavelistanbul on my Instagram account..
- This article was published in the September issue of The Gate magazine.
Island Street by Candy Bistro
Delicious cold coffees of Mulberry Coffee Shop
Adventure Hotel
Enjoyment point for those who go to Sergüzeşt
Sunset on the island
