Burgazada, among Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, is relatively rockier and less wooded. Known for its tranquility and natural beauty, Burgazada island offers general information about the island, places to visit, historical sites, activities to do, beaches, popular dining spots, and transportation details in this article.
About Burgazada
Burgazada, less crowded than Buyukada and Heybeliada, is a favorite escape for those seeking peace and a connection with nature. The island is notable for its historical mansions, narrow streets, and pine-covered hills. Since motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, transportation is usually by bicycle or on foot, adding a unique tranquility to the island.
When you step onto Burgazada, the serene atmosphere and fresh air greet you, offering visitors a relaxing experience away from the stress of city life.
With sufficient facilities and opportunities to swim from its shores, Burgazada is especially preferred by Istanbul residents as a weekend getaway spot.
Among the historical sites and must-see places on Burgazada, the mosque located just behind the main square and the nearby church stand out.
Burgazada is also famous for Kalpazankaya and Turkish author Sait Faik, with the latter’s house at 15 Burgaz Çayırı Street turned into a museum open to visitors.
Top Things to Do, Places to See
There are various places to visit and activities to do on Burgazada. One of the highest points on the island, Hristos Hill, offers visitors stunning views. From here, you can watch the magnificent panoramic views of the island and the Marmara Sea. The Aya Yani Church and Monastery located on the hill are also significant historical and religious sites.
Strolling through the streets of Burgazada is a great activity to discover the island’s historical mansions and beautiful gardens. Additionally, you can go on bike tours around the island and take nature walks in the pine forests.
For art enthusiasts, the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is an important spot to visit to learn more about the famous writer’s memories and works. Burgazada also offers numerous beaches and coves where you can enjoy the sea.
Iskele Square
When you step onto Burgazada, the first place you will encounter is Iskele Square. The square is the heart of the island and is known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere. With various cafes and restaurants lined up, it is a delightful spot to enjoy a drink or a meal with a sea view. Additionally, the ice cream shops and souvenir stores in the square offer visitors a wide range of options.
Iskele Square is also an excellent starting point for exploring the island. From the square, you can take walks through the island’s streets and discover the historical mansions and natural beauty.
Barba Yani
Barba Yani is one of the most popular and beloved restaurants on Burgazada. This charming seaside venue is famous for its fresh seafood and mezes. Offering the island’s traditional flavors with modern touches, Barba Yani is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Byzantine Dungeon
One of Burgazada’s historical treasures is the Byzantine Dungeon (Bizans Zindanı), offering significant insights into the island’s past. This historical dungeon was built during the Byzantine Empire and showcases the period’s methods of punishment and imprisonment.
Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum
The house of Sait Faik Abasıyanık, a prominent figure in Turkish literature, now serves as a museum. Located on Burgazada, the Sait Faik Museum reveals many details about the writer’s life and works. The museum includes Sait Faik’s personal belongings, manuscripts, and photographs. While strolling through the peaceful garden, you can feel the nature and atmosphere that inspired Sait Faik’s works.
Mansions of the Island
Burgazada is also famous for its historical mansions. These elegant structures from the Ottoman period are scattered throughout the island and carry important traces of its history. The wooden buildings, large gardens, and ornate balconies are a delight to discover while walking through the island’s streets.
Aya Yorgi Monastery
Aya Yorgi Monastery is one of the oldest religious buildings on Burgazada. Situated on a hill, the monastery is notable for its historical and religious significance. The walk to the monastery, surrounded by the beauty of nature, is soothing and meditative.
Aya Yani Church
Aya Yani Church is another important religious building on Burgazada. This Byzantine-era church is known for its elegant architecture and historical texture. The interior of the church, adorned with icons and frescoes, offers visitors a mystical atmosphere. The church also attracts attention with its religious ceremonies and festivals held throughout the year.
Bayrak Tepe
Bayrak Tepe is one of the highest points on Burgazada, offering visitors breathtaking views of the island and its surroundings. The view of the Marmara Sea and the Istanbul skyline from the hill makes the time spent here unforgettable. Bayrak Tepe is also an excellent spot for nature walks and picnics.
The viewing terraces on the hill are perfect for enjoying the scenery. Especially at sunset, coming here provides visitors with a unique experience.
Kalpazankaya
Kalpazankaya is one of the most popular and beautiful spots on Burgazada. Famous for its sunset views, Kalpazankaya offers visitors a peaceful environment intertwined with nature. You can take a walk around Kalpazankaya and enjoy the sea view.
The Kalpazankaya Restaurant, located here, provides delightful moments with its fresh seafood and delicious meals.
Dining Places on Burgazada
Burgazada also offers a good range of dining options. The island is famous for its seafood restaurants and cafes along the coast. These venues, where you can enjoy fresh fish and mezes with a sea view, provide unforgettable moments with their delicious food and peaceful atmosphere.
Among the most popular spots on the island are Barba Yani Restaurant and Kalpazankaya Restaurant, known for their unique sunset views and delicious meals. The small cafes and patisseries in Burgazada’s market also offer tasty snacks and sweets. These places are ideal for taking a break with refreshing drinks and ice cream, especially during the summer months.
Burgazada Beaches
Burgazada offers its visitors a delightful beach experience with its natural beauty and clean sea. One of the most popular beaches on the island is Kalpazankaya Beach, ideal for both families and young people with its calm sea and wide sandy beach.
Another popular beach is Madam Martha Bay. Surrounded by pine trees, this bay is known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere.
Accommodation on Burgazada – Where to Stay?
Although Burgazada does not offer a wide range of accommodation options, the few available hotels and pensions provide visitors with a peaceful and enjoyable stay. Pyrgos Hotel stands out with its central location and elegant rooms. For those looking for a more economical option, Burgazada Pensions can be an ideal choice.
How to Get to Burgazada?
Reaching Burgazada is quite easy. You can comfortably get to the island with ferry and motorboat services organized from various points of Istanbul. These services, operated by companies like Şehir Hatları Public Ferries, Mavi Marmara, Dentur Avrasya, and Prens Tur, regularly serve Burgazada.
Transportation from Kabataş to Burgazada
There are direct ferry services from Kabataş to Burgazada. The public ferries departing from Kabataş Pier offer a scenic journey, allowing you to enjoy the sea view, and reach the island in approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Transportation from Bostancı to Burgazada
For those wishing to reach Burgazada from the Asian side, the most practical option is the ferries departing from Bostancı. The public ferries and Mavi Marmara ferries from Bostancı Pier provide a pleasant sea journey of about 30 minutes to Burgazada.
Transportation from Kadıköy and Eminönü to Burgazada
There are also public ferry services from Kadıköy and Eminönü to Burgazada. The Şehir Hatları ferries departing from Kadıköy and Eminönü offer a journey of approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes to the island.
In addition, you can also reach Burgazada directly by passenger motorboats from Eminönü, Yeşilköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Bostancı, Kartal, Avcılar, and Yalova.
Public Ferry Lines
- Bostancı – Adalar Ring Line (Bostancı-Kınalıada-Burgazada-Heybeliada-Büyükada-Bostancı)
- Kabataş – Adalar Line (Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada, Bostancı)
- Beşiktaş – Adalar Line (Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada)
You can see the current schedules and times for the city line ferries to the islands at sehirhatlari.istanbul