📝 Büyükada Travel Guide: Greek Orphanage, St. George & Bike Routes (2026)

⛴️ Getting to Büyükada: Bostancı Pier Location & Ferry Schedule

The most practical and quick departure point from Istanbul’s Asian Side to Büyükada is the Bostancı Pier.

Bostancı City Lines Pier Location: Located on Bostancı Shore Road in Kadıköy, just a 5-minute walk from Marmaray Bostancı Station.

📍 Google Maps Location: Bostancı City Lines Pier - Open on Map

Ferry Times & Frequency:

City Lines ferries and Mavi Marmara/Turyol motorboats run approximately every 30-45 minutes throughout the day.

The first morning departures usually start around 06:30–07:00, while evening return services continue until 22:00–23:00, depending on the season.

Tip: Since ferry schedules are updated according to summer and winter timetables, we recommend checking the latest fare list before you set off.

🚲 Getting Around the Island & Bike Rental Guide

The most enjoyable and iconic way to explore Büyükada is definitely by renting a bike. As you step off the ferry onto the pier square, you’ll see rows of bike rental shops lined up.

💡 Important Tip (Don’t Forget to Haggle!): Before renting a bike, always remember to negotiate with the shops! Especially on weekdays or if you’re renting multiple bikes, you can get better prices.

🗺️ Two Different Bike Routes on the Island:

1. Short Tour Routes (~7-8 km): These cover the flatter, easier parts of the island. Ideal for families and those who prefer a leisurely ride.

2. Long Tour Routes (~14 km): This route circles the entire island, featuring hilly roads and stunning sea views. If you’re confident in your fitness, we highly recommend taking the Long Tour to discover all the hidden coves and scenery the island has to offer!

🚌 Alternative Public Transport: For those who prefer not to bike, İETT’s electric minibuses (Adamini) and Island Taxis depart from the pier and provide service all the way to the island’s central point, Lunapark Square.

1. Büyükada Greek Orphanage (Prinkipo Greek Orphanage)

This mesmerizing structure, which captivates visitors with its grandeur, holds the title of Europe’s largest wooden building and the world’s second-largest.

History: Built in 1898 as a hotel and casino by the renowned architect Alexandre Vallaury, it was later transferred to the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and served as a home for over a thousand orphans until 1964.

How to View: Although entry inside is prohibited for security reasons, you can climb to Christ Hill and photograph this massive wooden architecture from the outside.

🎥 Our Short Video Tour:

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2. Aya Yorgi Kilisesi (St. George Church)

Located at the island's highest point, Yüce Tepe (202 metres), the Aya Yorgi Kilisesi is Büyükada's most sacred stop, with a history dating back to 1751 and breathtaking views.

Dragon Legend & Relief: At the church's entrance and on its icons, you can see the historic relief depicting Aya Yorgi’s spearing of a dragon (St. George slaying the dragon).

Wish Tradition: Especially on April 23 and September 24, thousands of people climb up, tie a ribbon, and make a wish.

🎥 Aya Yorgi Kilisesi Review:

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⚠️ Important Visit Notice: Visiting Hours and Steep Slope!

If you plan to visit St. George Church, you should carefully plan your timing and climb:

Point Where Vehicles/Bicycles End (Lunapark Square): You can reach as far as Lunapark Square by bicycle or the municipality’s electric vehicles. From there, you must lock your bicycle and continue the ascent on foot.

Final 1 km Steep Walk: The approximately 1‑kilometre stone road from Lunapark Square to the church is quite steep and can be climbed only on foot.

Visiting Hours (Closing Time 16:00!): St. George Church closes to visitors at 16:00. Taking into account the climb duration (approximately 25‑35 minutes), you should start your ascent from Lunapark Square no later than 15:00‑15:15.

Recommendations:

1. Be sure to bring water and wear comfortable walking/sports shoes.

2. On hot summer days, try to schedule the climb for early morning hours.

😋 Special Closing for Your Fatigue: Sevda Gazozcusu & Şerbetli Tatlılar

After spending the whole day cycling and climbing the steep slope of Aya Yorgi, it's time to reward yourself on the way back!

1. Nostalgic Sevda Gazozcusu: By visiting the famous Sevda Gazozcusu located in Büyükada's bazaar, you can try hundreds of nostalgic and regional sodas from all over Turkey. With its colorful shop concept, you can take great photos and relieve all your fatigue with a cold island soda.

📍 Google Maps Location: Sevda Gazozcusu Büyükada - Open on Map

2. Sweet Treat Stop at the Pier Square: Before waiting for the ferry, you can end your day with a sweet finish by enjoying hot, freshly fried fried dough balls, ring dessert, or crispy syrup-soaked pastries at the dessert shops in the pier square.

🗺️ Sample Daily Route Plan

1. Morning (09:30 - 10:30): Arrive at Büyükada by ferry from Bostancı Pier. Rent a bike by bargaining at the pier square.

2. Late Morning (10:30 - 12:30): Choose the Grand Tour route according to your fitness level, reach the Rum Yetimhanesi through the pine forests, and enjoy a photo stop.

3. Afternoon (13:00 - 15:30): Arrive at Lunapark Meydanı by bike. Lock your bikes and walk up the steep slope to visit Aya Yorgi Kilisesi (before closing at 16:00!) and enjoy the unique view from the summit.

4. Evening (16:00 - 17:30): Return by bike to the center and drop off. Enjoy a nostalgic soda stop at Sevda Gazozcusu inside the bazaar, then a sweet syrup dessert treat at the pier square, and the return ferry.

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