Family · Istanbul
Princes' Islands Family Day: Ferry, Büyükada Bikes & Seafood Lunch
A car-free island escape 90 minutes from the city: ferry across the Marmara, bicycles or electric carts through pine forests, a hilltop monastery, and a long seafood lunch by the water.
Highlights
- Ferry across the Sea of Marmara with skyline views
- Bicycles or electric cart on a car-free island
- Aya Yorgi monastery viewpoint
- Seafood lunch by the water (halal, children's menu)
- Beach club access in summer months
Overview
When the kids have had enough of mosques, take them to Büyükada. The ferry ride itself is an event — tea sellers, seagulls, the whole city skyline sliding past — and the island has no cars at all. We rent bikes (child seats and tandems available) or take an electric cart up through the pine forest to the Aya Yorgi monastery for the best view in the Marmara, then freewheel back down to a fish restaurant on the waterfront for a slow lunch.
Afternoon is for the beach club (in summer), ice cream on the pier and the wooden Ottoman mansions of the island's old families. We return on the sunset ferry. Pacing is deliberately relaxed; this is the day our family guests rate highest.
Gallery
Itinerary
- 109:00
Ferry from Kabataş
Tea and simit on board; 90 minutes to Büyükada.
- 210:45
Bikes & pine forest
Rent bikes or take an electric cart uphill.
- 311:45
Aya Yorgi
Short climb to the monastery and panoramic terrace.
- 413:00
Seafood lunch
Long lunch at a waterfront restaurant.
- 514:30
Beach or mansions walk
Beach club in summer; Ottoman mansions and ice cream otherwise.
- 616:30
Sunset ferry
Return to the city; ends at Kabataş around 18:00.
What's included
- Ferry tickets both ways
- Bike or electric cart rental
- Seafood lunch
- Licensed guide (EN/AR/TR/FA)
- Beach club entry (June–September)
Not included
- Hotel transfers
- Drinks beyond water and tea
- Gratuities
117 reviews
Çocuklarla en rahat günümüz Büyükada oldu. Bisikletler, manastır, balık ekmek — tempo tam çocuklara göre.Good to know
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