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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From the encyclopedia
Know before you go
Nature & day trips · IstanbulBosphorusThe 31-kilometre strait between Europe and Asia that runs through the middle of Istanbul — lined with palaces, fortresses and wooden yalı mansions, crossed by three bridges and two tunnels, and best seen from a boat.Neighbourhoods · IstanbulKadıköyThe Asian side's liveliest district, 20 minutes by ferry from Eminönü — a food market, bar streets, the Moda seafront and Bağdat Avenue's shops — where Istanbul residents actually spend their weekends.
Nature & day trips · IstanbulPrinces' IslandsNine car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara an hour's ferry from the city — Büyükada's wooden mansions, pine hills and electric carts, Heybeliada's quiet — Istanbul's favourite summer day out.Transport · IstanbulIstanbulkartThe one card for everything that moves in Istanbul — metro, tram, bus, Marmaray, funiculars and the ferries — bought from a yellow machine, shared by a family, and cheaper than any single ticket.
Transport · IstanbulMarmarayThe railway under the Bosphorus — 76 km from Halkalı in Europe to Gebze in Asia through a tunnel 60 metres below the strait — crossing continents in four minutes from Sirkeci to Üsküdar.
Transport · IstanbulIstanbul Airport (IST) & Sabiha Gökçen (SAW)Istanbul's two airports on opposite sides of the city: IST, the vast 2019 hub 40 km north-west on the European side, and SAW, the low-cost airport 45 km south-east in Asia — which one you land at decides your transfer.You may also like
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