Where would you take someone who comes to Istanbul for the first time? The Historical Peninsula, Galata or the surroundings of the Bosphorus may be the first places that come to mind, but the Islands offer a completely different Istanbul experience with all their beauty.
The first thing that comes to mind when the Islands are mentioned is Büyükada.. With its admirable elegant mansions, deserted streets where green and blue meet, historical churches and monasteries, Buyukada is one of the frequent destinations right next to Istanbul.
Our paths crossed with Büyükada many times before, but all my visits were daily. I made an island plan with accommodation this time around.. It turns out that there are beautiful corners of Büyükada… The pleasure of a holiday is different when you travel without trying to fit the island into hours and without hurrying to catch the last ferry.
Unfortunately, Büyükada did not allow to leave good memories in the memory of visitors in recent years.. Horse droppings in the streets and the unbearable odor in the summer, along with the tortures inflicted on the horses, drove many people away from Büyükada.. When the Arab influx was added to it, Büyükada was unbearable especially in summer.. But on this trip, I encountered a completely different island view, I gathered energy as if I had a week’s rest in a two-day vacation.
I would like to share a few updated information notes for those who hesitate to come to Büyükada.. As of June 2020, phaetons have been removed from Büyükada. The horses, which were worked for hours in hot weather, were both weakened and subjected to various tortures.. Unfortunately, many of them were also losing their lives.
As of August 2020 13-person electric vehicles were put into use for public transportation in Büyükada.. In addition, electric taxis for 4 people offer service for those who want to go to any point of the island.
- Buyukada Travel Guide
- Buyukada Food and Drink Notes
Buyukada Accommodation Impressions
Buyukada, the largest of the Prince Islands’ It is impossible to fit in one day to discover. If you want to tour the island completely, I recommend you to stay at least one night.. Buyukada is an ideal option not only for sightseeing, but also for getting away from the stress of Istanbul for a few days with your loved ones and enjoying the fresh air. For those who do not want to go away – preferable. Buyukada’ is very rich in terms of accommodation options, and there are many hotels and pensions in different parts of the island.
While researching where to stay in Büyükada, my most important criterion was that the hotel was in a quiet location but within walking distance of the pier. Köşk Orman Hotel has exactly the features I want. I sent a message to Mr. Özdemir, the manager of the hotel, and asked about the availability of his rooms on the dates I wanted.. He replied immediately within a few hours and informed that the hotel was available.. I completed the reservation and started to wait excitedly for the day we will go.
On July 22, we took the ferry from Bostancı to reach Büyükada in 30 minutes.. After getting off the pier, we turned on the navigation of the phone and entered the name of the hotel and we were trying to find the hotel by following the directions, when Özdemir saw us while returning from the market with his electric vehicle, he realized that we were coming to the hotel and called and brought him to the hotel, albeit a short distance, by car.
From Kadiyoran Street. There are few slopes and stairs until you reach the hotel, but the island’s bumpy roads are famous.. During the two days I stayed at the hotel, I went to the hotel at least two or three times a day, I did not get tired despite the summer heat.. When you step into the hotel, such a beautiful view welcomes you that you forget all your tiredness.
Where to Stay in Buyukada?: Kosk Orman Hotel
Kösk Orman Hotel in pine forests on Büyükada 115 years historical wooden mansion. I liked the location of the hotel the most. There are hotels around the ferry port, which are both within walking distance of the center and so calm, but it is impossible to achieve the same calmness.
The two-storey hotel also has a small pool, you can enter if you want.. I hesitated to enter due to the pandemic, but after I toured Büyükada, I did not neglect to rest by the pool..
Mansion Orman Büyükada has three rooms on the ground floor and two rooms on the upper floor.. One of the rooms is deluxe, the interior is almost as wide as a 2+1 house, its garden opens completely to the forest.. You can sit on the swing and watch the sea view.. More crowded groups or newlyweds prefer the deluxe room.
We stayed in the room with sea view on the top floor.. While bird sounds in the morning and the sounds of ferries coming from afar were mixing together, the sea view seen through the pine trees when we opened the window was almost a painting.. And I couldn’t help thinking that it should be seen in winter, because fireplace and wine are my favorite pairs.
The room we stayed in was very clean, a small place was reserved for the toilet and sink, the shower cabin was next to the bed.. Since it is a historical mansion, it is not easy to decorate it the way you want.. There was also a small TV in the room, but we didn’t even need to turn it on.
There was only a young couple other than us in the hotel, and the fact that it wasn’t crowded made us feel comfortable at such a sensitive time.. Breakfast is included in the accommodation fee.. By the way, to mention the accommodation fee, it was 350 TL for two persons per night.. (July 2020) Accommodation fee of course varies according to the period you will visit.
Breakfast was served around 10.00-10.30 in the morning.. Three kinds of cheese, olives, omelettes, spring rolls, tomatoes, cucumbers, salami, honey, cream, as well as jams prepared by Özdemir Hoca’s own hands added flavor to our breakfast.. Especially the taste of strawberry jam, which we had the opportunity to taste on the last day, remained on our palate.
The guests can also have dinner at the hotel, Özdemir Hodja is very successful in the kitchen.. Those who do not want to mingle with the Buyukada crowd can enjoy raki and fish accompanied by crickets.. Prices are more reasonable than restaurants on the Island.
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I say Hoca Özdemir because he is a 35-year-old teacher and a native of Büyükada.. We had the opportunity to talk a lot during the two days we stayed with Özdemir Hoca, who started a hotel business after his retirement, and we got good advice about Büyükada from him.
I liked that he approached us as a guest rather than a customer. That’s why I don’t prefer family businesses in my domestic travels.. I think it is necessary to support such places that value people, instead of businesses that focus on money. owner. If you have never been to Büyükada or if you have come to Büyükada for a day, I recommend you to stay for at least one night.
Witnessing the sunset on the island, sitting by the sea in the evening, having a meal, going for a walk in the fresh air in the early morning. even a cause of happiness in itself! Do not seek peace too far…
