Your way into the Princes' Islands

Description:

Not very far away from the city, but definitely far from its daily hectic life, noise and conundrum. KöşkOrman is a boutique hotel that is open 12 months a year on the Büyükada of the Princes's Islands. There are only five rooms though so you may have to call in advance of your trip. Stay one night only and you will want to stay another. The island will bring back your spirit and energy. Enjoy a glass of how wine or champagne with caviar next to the fireplace. Go jogging in the morning and wake up with a big breakfast in the mist of the forest.

Our Local Expert Says:

Very professional Web site for Büyükada hotels

Description:

Not very far away from the port (100meters by walking) Panorama Hotel is a boutique hotel that tries to offer the best of everything from services to food. Ideal for romantic getaways (the hotel strives to make your romantic stay even more romantic by choice of decorations and flowers). Cafe
Panorama is open all day long for you and non-guests to enjoy hotel delicacies.

Our Local Expert Says:

Romantic get away

Description:

With an unbeatable location on Büyükada, Aya Nikola Hotel is renown for its romantic atmosphere and magnificent views of sunset looking over the Sedef Island. With 11 rooms in service, the hotel is open 12 months a year. As such there is central heating with gas during the winter season. Rooms are fully equipped, internet wifi service is available. Aya Nikola also has its own private beach of about 100 meters, and rooms and the restaurant overlooks its beautiful bay. At around 130 Euros per night for a double room.

Our Local Expert Says:

Beautiful sunset view

Description:

When you get away from the hectic city life and if you are willing to walk a little bit, inhale lots of oxygen and freshen up; Kalpazankaya is the place to go. On Burgaz Ada, this fish restaurant is an isolated restaurant with one of the most beautiful sunset views. There is more than just fish. You would be able to find all sorts of Turkish meze and varieties of hot courses here. The restaurant was founded for the first time 1959 by İsmail Bucak. It is now being managed and run by the heirs of Mr. Bucak. The walk is to the restaurant from the main hub is a good 30 minutes. You could take a carriage or arrive by boat as well. The boat should be rented (maybe a fisherman's boat) or your private boat.

Our Local Expert Says:

Best getaway locations

Description:

A beautiful getaway place to relax and to chill. Sedef Port is owned and managed by families that know the business of hospitality, leisure and true, down-to-earth catering. Located on the smallest of the Princes' Islands, Sedef Port started off an a first on the islands: a remarkable place to get away, to chill and to relax. Whether you arrive early and sunbathe whilst sipping off your Vodka and tonic or Rose wine; or you arrive late for a romantic dinner, this is the type of place that is going to take your mind "off" things without taking you too far away from the city. Ferries depart back and forth from the city between the hours of 10:00 and 19:00. If you want to stay later than that you could make use of the sea taxi.

Our Local Expert Says:

Cutest family establishment

Description:

An ideal place to sip your drink, tea or coffee as you wait for ferry. It is located right down at the port, squeezed between two bigger fish restaurants. If you are staying on the island, a very good place to come down to, to pass the night. On the reverse side, it is also the perfect place to come to for a good Sunday morning breakfast.

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Taverns are hereditary to Greeks and Turks alike. A tavern is both very Turkish and very Greek. The mezes are also quite typical. Barba Yani is a tavern on the island Burgaz founded by a Greek-Turkish couple. The founder Yani Lorencu was a Rum living on Burgazada. He married a Turkish lady and they together founded this tavern Barba Yani. Nonetheless, Barba Yani is more Greek than Turkish. The mezes are typically Rum mezes and the music is the classic Greek Sirtaki music. Barba Yani opened in 1996 and since then has been the sole reason for many travelers to come to Burgazada. It is also the reason why many rich yachts arrive each year to have a bit of fun here.

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Kardeşler Cafe is a 40 years old legend on Burgazada. Every day for the last 40 years, the Master of the place, Mehmet Ali Usta (Usta means connoisseur in Turkish), opens the place sharp at 6:00 AM and captures the surroundings with a seductive smell of baked goods. The young generation especially loves MALİ (M for Mehmet and ALİ). They stop by very often after a long day of biking and playing on the streets of Burgazada. MALİ also loves them, as you will notice that he knows each of them by heart and name. Another typically loyal clientele of Kardeşler are the ferry riders who leave the island quite early for work. You too shall drop by here for some baked goods as you get hungry during the afternoon. Mehmet Ali Usta serves sandwiches, french fries, Turkish pitas and pizzas and typical Turkish wraps of döner kebab.

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Since 27 years, Konak Restaurant has been serving clients on Büyükada. Self-service, large garden, nice view of the Sea and trees. Dinners accompanied by Turkish classical music.

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The opening time of this place is more crucial to the islanders especially the younger generation. The youngsters of the island, who do not go to sleep early at night and rather continue to play ball, drink beer, go dancing or continue biking through the night; wait for Ergün Patisserie to open its shutters early in the morning -so that they can grab a croissant with chocolate topping. Renewing their lost energy, these young people also buy bagels and fresh bread for breakfast for their families -who may or may not yet have woken up- and head home to finally sleep.

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Founded in 1978 by Ismail Kulak on the Aya Yorgi Mount top -where the lovely chuch is at- the place is now run and managed by his wife and daughter Naciye Kuru. Yücetepe Kır Gazinosu is predominantly a meat restaurant. Meatballs and soujuk and sish kebab are the main meals on the menu. Every ingredient used in making these dishes are bought from the producers of the island. In the past there used to be a very long line of waiting clients at the doorsteps of the restaurant. The place has thus been enlarged a few years ago. The waiting never actually bothered the clients, that was part of the ritual of eating at Yucetepe. Nonetheless, after the enlargement, you can be sure that even if you wait, it won't be for too long. The 360 degrees view of the trees and the Sea will enchant you.

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Adaevi or the Island House is a place brimming with lively people and exciting events. Presentations, talks, meetings, music shows, live performances and more fun-filled events add to the liveliness of Adaevi. This venue is very popular among the event seekers. Facing the blue sea, this venue is a pretty sight and has something to offer to everybody.

Our Local Expert Says:

Summer-time day trip

Description:

In Turkish, "adalar" simply means "islands" - though adalar are very familiar territory for Istanbulites, which island you are referring to is still quite important since many Istanbullites use the islands as their summer residence and have a genuine circle of relatives and friends there. Probably the most popular day trip option from Istanbul, at least in the summer, the Princes' Islands are comprised of seven small islands, four of which (Büyükada, Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada) have constant summertime service by ferry from Kabataş and Bostanci. The islands offer treasures of history (Byzantine churches and Greek and Turkish ruins), green parks, and various upscale restaurants and hotels. As no cars are allowed onto the islands, you would be better off renting a horse-backed carriage to go from one part to another; or to arrive on the islands dressed casually and renting a bike. The islands are a wonderful retreat from bustling Istanbul, each with its own unique character and pace of life.

Description:

Okay it smells a little bit; but the horse-backed carriage rides are a lot fun when on the islands. First of all it is much faster to get to where you want to get to -remember you cannot drive cars on islands... Second, it is also quite romantic. The sound of horse feed on the ground as they tick is quite peaceful, it is as if you are meditating. Prices vary, but expect pay at least 6 TRY. Apart from using horse-backed carriages as a form of transportation, it is also possible to do a long or a short guided sightseeing tour around the islands with one. The short tour costs around 40TRY and the long one 50TRY. Nonetheless, locals usually tend to find these prices pumped up for the season, and prefer to walk rather than take the fayton. There has long been a debate over whether fayton drivers should change how much the charge for a ride and look after the horses and the cars better. As of now, the drivers try to take advantage of the short season by charging more.

Description:

Renting a bike on the islands is not only a fit option, but also a very practical mode of travel. As no cars are allowed on islands, you only have a few options of transportation on the islands: horse carriages, walking or biking. Rents on bikes are usually charged per hour. There are one or two bike renting services on each island, so you do not have a lot of bargaining power. It is normal to pay 5 to 10 TRY for an hour. There might also be full or half deals. Carry an id with you if you plan on renting a bike. You do usually have to leave an identity card behind for the duration of your rent.

Description:

Aya Yorgi Church is a magnificent place on a hill top with a magnificent view that is loved and visited by all men alike (of all ethnicities and religions). Aya Yorgi Church lies on a hilltop that is strenouos to climb; but is worth all the effort. If you are not a very good climber, you could always also rent a donkey (15-20 TRY) or take a horse-backed carriage up the ride. At the hill top is also a nice little cafe and a meatball house where you can lunch or sip your wine or drink you beer as you relax and give your graces for being alive and being there.

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A museum about the history, the evolution and the life on the islands. With over 20 thousan documents, hundreds of artifacts, 6 thousand pictures and videos and more, the Islands Museum is part of the Istanbul the European Capital 2010 project. The mission of the museum is thus to protect and present the integrality of the Princes' Islands as a whole. The museum opened on 31st of July with exhibitions named: Islands, Waiting at the shores of the islands, An early visit to the Islands' Museum.

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Open Tuesdays to Fridays and on Sundays between hours of 10.00-12.00/14.00-17.00, Saturdays only in the morning between 10.00-13.00. Sait Faik is a famous Turkish writer. He had spent the last 10 years of his life on Burgazada. His home where his final years have passed has thus been made into a museum. He has written some very touching short stories during his career.

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Adalar İlçe Halk Kütüphanesi is a well-stocked library on the island of Büyükada. From local publications to latest releases, this public library has most of the prints on their shelves. The pleasant decor too comes as a welcoming respite for the ardent readers. Before visiting, do contact them for the library's open hours.

Description:

Weekdays 20 TRY, weekends 25 TRY with drinks included. Heybeliada is not the typical island that people go to for day tripping. But, it sure is one of the residential ones. The beach club is a clean one, with a nice coast and play area. There is also a golf area. Available for organizations such as weddings.

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Don't leave the islands without getting a cone of ice-cream from here. It is located right at the center, across from the port.

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The monastery itself was partly burned down during the course of the history, but you may see the artifacts of what remains behind and the Rum Cemetery side by side on the mount top.