Published on Oct, 2024
Our family of three (my wife, our 17-year-old son, and I) recently embarked on an e-bike tour of Büyükada, the crown jewel of the Princes’ Islands. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the controlled chaos of Istanbul, this is the perfect day trip—and the e-bikes make short work of the island’s hilly terrain!
Getting to Büyükada is easy, with regular ferries departing from Istanbul’s Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Eminönü piers. The ferry ride offers a scenic preview of the adventure to come, with panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Marmara Sea.
We met our guide, Onur, at the Büyükada dock. With 25 years of island living under his belt, Onur knows every story, shortcut, and hidden gem. After a quick orientation, we hopped on our e-bikes and set off to explore the island at our own pace.
Büyükada is car-free, with electric vehicles now the only form of motorized transport—part of an effort to preserve the island’s charm and serenity. This made the e-bikes not only a fun way to explore but also an essential part of the island’s peaceful vibe.
Our first stops were to admire the 19th-century timber mansions, their facades draped in bougainvillea vines that burst with color. Many of these grand homes now serve as summer retreats for Istanbul’s elite, adding an air of quiet luxury to the streets.
Along the way, we encountered the island’s most charming residents—friendly cats and dogs. Dogs snoozed contentedly in the middle of roads, while curious cats greeted us with a meow or a purr every time we stopped. These encounters made the journey even more delightful and gave the island an unexpectedly warm, welcoming feel.
A special historical highlight was our visit to the ruins of the house where Leon Trotsky lived in exile—a poignant reminder of Büyükada’s intriguing history.
Our journey continued to Yücetepe, the island’s highest point at 203 meters. With the e-bikes doing the heavy lifting, the uphill ride felt effortless. At the top, we parked the bikes and hiked a short but steep path to visit the Greek Orthodox Monastery and Church of St. George.
The church houses a revered icon of St. George, and pilgrims visit twice a year—on April 23rd and September 24th—to seek blessings and honor the saint. Standing at the summit, gazing over the sea and distant islands, we felt a profound sense of peace that only places steeped in faith and history can offer.
Before descending, we took a break at the restaurant just outside the church, enjoying a coffee and soaking up spectacular views of the Marmara Sea and the Princes’ Islands below us. It was the kind of moment that makes you stop, breathe, and realize just how special travel can be.
Our ride continued with a leisurely circuit of the island. We even stopped to visit some retired horses, which once pulled the carriages that served as Büyükada’s primary transport. Now, with electric vehicles in place, the horses live out their retirement in peace, a fitting symbol of the island’s gentle pace of life.
We finished our tour back at the port town of Adalar, grateful for the experience. Onur’s knowledge, passion, and storytelling added layers of meaning to the journey, making it feel less like a tour and more like a conversation with a friend who loves sharing his home.
Büyükada is a welcome respite from the controlled chaos of Istanbul, and this e-bike tour was the perfect way to explore its quiet streets, beautiful views, and rich history. If you’re visiting Istanbul, be sure to hop on a ferry and experience Büyükada this way—you’ll leave with unforgettable memories, new friends (of the feline and canine variety), and maybe even a deeper appreciation for life at a slower pace.
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