Get ready to experience this unique experience in Burgazada. This island offers unique experiences for every visitor, from day trips to long-term stays. It fascinates its visitors with its legendary architecture, lively beaches, and breathtaking views. Additionally, the island's delicious local cuisine is waiting to be discovered. You can benefit from the Istanbul Tourist Pass® for a better Princes' Islands tour.
Istanbul Tourist Pass® is a digital travel pass for tourists who want to explore the city. It includes more than 100 popular tourist attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and different experiences, such as Stand-up Paddle-Boarding and Flying Dress Photoshoot. Tourists can save both money save over 50% and time by purchasing 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5-day passes, depending on the duration they plan. With Skip the Ticket Lines, pass holders can pass through many tourist attractions without waiting in ticket queues, and since they enter the museums with a guide, they do not waste time in the entrance queues.
About Burgazada
Burgazada is a perfect option for those who want to get away from the crowds of Istanbul and have a peaceful getaway. Burgazada, the third largest island of the Prince Islands, welcomes you with quiet forest roads.
The view of the island is truly fascinating. With its location overlooking Heybeliada and Kasikadasi (Spoon Island), it offers a picture where the sea and green come together. Burgazada is one of the most famous corners of Istanbul, with its coasts decorated with wooden mansions, pine forests, and elegant streets. You can reach the old beach of the island by getting off the ferry at the pier, turning left, and following the coastline. One of the most beautiful spots where you can watch the sunset is Kalpazankaya. There is a restaurant on this hill in the western direction of the island.
Let's examine Burgazada's cultural texture. Sait Faik Abasiyanik, one of the important writers of contemporary Turkish literature, spent a period of his life here. His house in Burgazada has been turned into a museum named the Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum.
The peace offered by the island is also associated with the sanatorium that was once established here. Founded in 1928, Burgazada Sanatorium is one of the oldest sanatoriums in Turkey. Sometimes, the history of the island also includes suffering. Although a large forest fire in 2003 damaged many trees, the island's beautiful nature quickly returned to bloom.
History of Burgazada
Burgazada has an essential history since ancient times. It was home to an enormous castle by Antigone, Alexander the Great's general. Over time, this castle named the island after Antigone and later became known as "Burgaz" in Greek.
Methodios, one of the respected patriarchs of the Orthodox Church for a while, was imprisoned in a cellar on the island. Today, the Ayios Ioannis Church stands on the site of this crypt. Historically, the island was inhabited mainly by Greeks, and in the 20th century, many Jews from Istanbul settled here. However, with the decline of Turkey's minorities, the local population now closely resembles the rest of Istanbul. The strait surrounding this place has been known as Erebinthus since ancient times. The Byzantines called this place Therebintos or Panormos.
What to Do and See in Burgazada
Burgazada is an island that can be visited in all seasons, although it is smaller than Buyukada and Heybeliada. However, the spring and summer months are the periods that host the most visitors. It is an ideal escape point for those who want to escape the city's chaos and be in touch with nature and history. You can visit Burgazada on a day trip or stay on the island and find yourself in an atmosphere where you can find more peace.
You will feel the Istanbul of the past in the streets of Burgazada. This island, where people of different religions live together, is one of the rare places where mosques, synagogues, and churches exist. It is known for its cultural diversity. With all these features, there are many places to discover in Burgazada. Let's take a look together.
Aya Yani Church (Ioannes Prodromos Church)
For your tour of Burgazada, we recommend that you visit Aya Yani Church, one of the most magnificent buildings on the island.
This church is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. It has a fascinating history: On the site of this church, built by Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Theophilos, is the cell where the famous exiled cleric Methodius was imprisoned.
The church, damaged during the conquest of Istanbul, was repaired in 1759 and repaired again in 1817. However, it became unusable in the July 10, 1894 earthquake, and a new one was built in 1896. Today, Burgazada serves as a place of worship for the Greek community. Aya Yani Church is entered from the entrance on the south side. The narthex at the entrance has arched doors with two columns on the right and left. A narrow staircase of 11 steps leads down to a small cell from the door on the left. This is where Methodius was imprisoned.
From the compartment on the other side of the narthex, stairs lead to the upper floor, to the gallery that opens to the main church section. The church's central nave is dedicated to Aghios Ioannis, the right side nave is dedicated to Hagia Paraskevi, and the left is dedicated to Hagios Ayazoni. This church is an essential building that sheds light on the history of Burgazada.
Hagia Yorgi Monastery
You have stepped into the Hagia Yorgi Monastery, a magnificent structure on the northern coast of the island. You can reach it by following Gonullu Street. Although the monastery's origins may date back to the Byzantine period, the first documents appear in the second half of the 17th century. Greek merchants in Istanbul came together to restore and rebuild this monastery, which was almost in ruins.
Today's church was built in 1897 with the donation of Simeon Sinyosoglu. The church, probably built faithfully to the original Byzantine architecture, is based on the Greek cross plan of medieval Byzantine architecture. Inside is a wall decorated with gold-embossed icons and wood carvings and a bishop's throne made of fine woodwork. On one side of the icons is written: "By the Cretan Monk servant Joachim of our Blessed Lord in 1818". The icon wall from the 18th century belongs to the katholikon of the old monastery.
Hagia Yorgi Monastery is an important part of the island's cultural heritage, with its historical and artistic value. It invites visitors to experience tranquillity and a spiritual atmosphere.
Hristos Hill and Hristos Monastery
Hristos Hill (Christ Hill), also known as Bayraktepe (Flag Hill), is the island's highest point and one of the ideal points from which you can see the magnificent view of Istanbul. You can reach the hill either on foot or by bike. From here, you can see the superb view of Heybeliada and the Hristos Monastery, one of the most impressive structures of Burgazada.
Emperor Basil I of Macedon built Hristos Monastery on the ruins of an Ancient Greek temple. It is located on Hristos Hill, 176 meters high, and offers a unique view to its visitors. The island's few Orthodox residents enthusiastically celebrate the holy day in Bayraktepe on August 6 every year. This traditional event is part of the island's cultural richness and is something everyone who visits should experience.
You can now head towards Hristos Hill to discover these important points of Burgazada, which are full of natural beauty and history.
Burgazada Mosque
This historical mosque is one of Burgazada's symbolic buildings and forms an important part of the island's cultural heritage. The public's contribution to its construction and Angelos, a Greek journeyman from Burgazada's completion, are just a few elements that make the mosque special.
This small mosque with a single minaret welcomes you with a warm atmosphere when you step inside. It is a quiet environment where worshipers worship in peace. The beautiful views from its windows allow you to admire the island's natural beauty.
Burgazada Mosque is a place of worship and a center where the island's people come together and social interactions occur. Visiting this mosque, one of the essential symbols of Burgazada and its historical and cultural importance will allow you to get to know the spirit and history of the island more closely.
Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum
This museum, located in Burgazada, where Sait Faik Abasiyanik, one of the important names of Turkish literature, spent a period of his life and spent his summers, takes its visitors on a journey into the writer's world. After he died in 1958, the house where Sait Faik lived began to host visitors as a museum on August 22, 1959.
You can find traces, objects, letters, books, and photographs from the author's life here. Princes' Islands and especially Burgazada, which Sait Faik frequently mentions in his works, have been one of the sources of inspiration for his works. 16 of the 19 stories in his book "Last Birds" take place in Burgazada. Inside the museum are different rooms where you can find many details from Sait Faik's life. There is a reading room on the basement floor, a dining room and guest room on the ground floor, the author's bedroom and library on the first floor, a letter room on the second floor, and a unique sea view on the attic.
Sait Faik Abasiyanik Museum is an important point to keep the writer's legacy, which is an important part of Turkish literature, alive and to introduce his world to visitors. Visiting here lets you feel the atmosphere in Sait Faik's works and learn more about his life.
After discovering Burgazada's history, it is time to experience its delightful flavors and magnificent beaches. Our first stop is a selection of delectable restaurants and stunning beaches in the heart of Burgazada. You won't want to miss this delicious experience.
Kalpazankaya Beach and Restaurant
Kalpazankaya Beach is one of the most popular spots in Burgazada. This beach, which you can reach by a half-hour walk or bike from the pier, is famous for its clear waters and unique sunset views. With its 1, it offers a clean and peaceful environment. Kalpazankaya Restaurant, located next to the beach, is famous for its delicious seafood. It's ideal for a romantic dinner and hosts special events such as annual weddings.
Gonullu Street and Mehtap Street Kiosks
Gonullu and Mehtap Streets are a real attraction for those who want to explore Burgazada's historical past. These streets are full of historical mansions decorated with colorful flowers. While walking here, you can breathe in the fresh air of the island and take unforgettable souvenir photos.
Dusler Beach (Dreams Beach)
The Dusler Beach, known as the hidden paradise of Burgazada, is one of the island's most isolated and quiet spots. Reaching this beach near the cemetery can be a bit of an adventure, but its natural beauty and tranquillity are worth it. This beach, an ideal spot to enjoy the sea, deserves to be visited.
We hope you have an unforgettable experience while exploring the beauties of Burgazada!
Tips for Visiting Burgazada
Plan Transportation: Transportation from Istanbul to Burgazada is provided by ferries. Check ferry schedules in advance and plan accordingly.
Timing: If you want to go to the island, especially on weekends and holidays, arriving early can help avoid crowds.
Rent a Bicycle: Since Burgazada is an island near pedestrian traffic, cycling can be pretty enjoyable. There are bicycle rental places on the island.
Nature Walks: The island is famous for its natural beauty. There are walking routes within the island, and you can enjoy the island view on these routes.
Explore the Beaches: Burgazada has various beaches. Don't forget to bring appropriate clothing for swimming.
Lunch Break: The island has many restaurants and cafes serving seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine. Stop by these places to relax and taste local delicacies.
Wear Comfortable Clothing: The island generally has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. You can enjoy the island by choosing comfortable and light clothing.
Sunscreen and Hat: Keep sun protection materials such as sunscreen and a hat with you throughout the day. Especially in the summer months, the sun's effect can be intense.
How to Get to Burgazada?
You can get to Burgazada in about an hour by sea buses or motor boats departing from Istanbul's Kabatas or Bostanci piers.
We hope you had a pleasant time exploring the beauties and rich culture of the island. If the historical and natural charm of Burgazada impresses you, consider exploring other islands. Visiting other Princes' Islands is now much easier with the Istanbul Tourist Pass®. It offers an excellent opportunity to experience Istanbul's history, culture, and natural beauty together. Suppose you want to visit Buyukada and Heybeliada, one of the Princes' Islands. In that case, you can join the Princes' Islands tour offered by Istanbul Tourist Pass® and visit the beauties of Buyukada and Heybeliada with a professional guide. If you want to explore these two great islands individually, Istanbul Tourist Pass® has offers for you. You will have a pleasant time with the Self-Guided Walking Tour with Audio Guides prepared for both Buyukada and Heybeliada.
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