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The best day trip from Istanbul doesn’t actually take you outside of the city limits, however, it does take you an hour offshore to The Princes’ Islands. The cluster of islands is still part of the manipulability of Istanbul– but with holiday energy.
This makes a daytrip to Buyukada (the big island) one of the best getaways to take during your time in Istanbul. While you’re not actually leaving Istanbul you’ll feel like you are because the vibes change from metropolitan to holiday as soon as you set foot on the ferry.
A lot of people wonder if going to the islands is worth it when they have limited time in Istanbul and I am here to tell you it is 100% worth the trip. Plus since you’re not actually leaving Istanbul, you don’t need to feel like you’re missing out on Istanbul– because you’re just exploring a different area of the city.
Until recently the islands were car-free, and horse and carriage was the method of transport. However, since that got a little smelly they’ve switched to using electric cars. This means that the islands not only have far less pollution than mainland Istanbul but also a lot less noise. Making it a perfect place to get some fresh air and escape from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul
The ride in is about an hour to the big island. Since the big island is the last stop– you’ll get a glimpse of all the smaller islands. It’s a beautiful journey that will leave you impressed by the sheer mass of Istanbul– as you get further from shore you’ll start to see really just how big the city is as the skyline continues endlessly in all directions.
You’ll want to leave pretty early to ensure that you have plenty of time to explore the island and all its offerings before catching the ferry back. If you want to use your metro card to get to the islands, you’ll have to first go to Kadiköy and then make your way to the Buyuada port. There’s also another ferry that has tickets for 30TL that leaves from Karaköy, it also stops in Eminönü and Kadiköy.
The ride can get a little chilly if you choose to sit outside– so make sure you pack a sweater even on a hot day. I love to make the most of the journey by picking up a couple of simit before boarding and getting a Turkish tea on the ferry.
Depending on what ferry you take, you’ll make stops at some of the other islands before getting to the big island. You don’t need to worry about getting off at the wrong stop because Buyukada is the last stop on the ferry and everyone will leave the ship at this point.
Directly off the port, there is the main “downtown” area of the island. Wandering down the winding streets you’ll find all sorts of shops selling souvenirs, antiques, flower crowns, and other goodies. Wandering these streets will give you a feel for the more laid-back atmosphere of the island.
The best coffee shop on the island is a couple of blocks from the port. It’s called Maple Coffee and you can’t miss it with its big window and sage green trimming on the whitewashed building. It’s a great place to fuel up before heading for the hills of Buyukada.
Directly next to Maple coffee is a great store that sells vintage, local, and eco-conscious fashion and design. Make sure you have a little space in your purse for the incredible one-off jewelry pieces. If you’re lucky you could be there on a day with a workshop– they do pottery workshops in the back yard of the store.
While if you read most tour guides for Buyukada they will tell you to rent a bike immediately upon arrival at the island. However, I saw more people pushing their bikes up the steep hills than riding them– so if you’re not accustomed to riding in a hilly landscape, I would suggest wearing a good pair of shoes and walking. There are many beautiful streets to go up, but I would recommend Çankaya which is lined with wooden mansions that are something you have to see to believe.
If you look at a map of the island you’ll see one peninsula jetting out into the Marmara sea. This is home to the Dilburnu nature park which has some of the most incredible views on the entire island. You’ll have to pay a small entrance fee, but it’s 100% work it for the unobstructed views.
Just 10 minutes walking from the port there’s a restaurant called Akasya that has an incredible atmosphere. The outdoor seating is covered with greenery with ferry lights mixed in. The place has a stone fire oven, which they make a delicious pizza in– and they have vegan options. The prices are a little above usual– but it’s 100% worth it for the ambiance.
Just across the street from Akasya is Kahve Düynsai (Coffee World) which is a Turkish chain. While the coffee isn’t my favorite– the view from the coffee shop makes it worth going to. They don’t just sell coffee at this location but also ice cream, and a large selection of chocolates. Get yourself a cone or a couple of chocolate truffles and enjoy the view overlooking the harbor. You’ll be able to see the entirety of Istanbul from here– it’s a 10/10.
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