Getting to Burgazada
There are two options for getting to Burgazada. The first is the City Lines ferry, which departs from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. The trip takes around ninety minutes from piers on the European side; it is a thirty-minute trip from Bostancı.
Mavi Marmara boats
The Mavi Marmara boats to Burgazada normally depart from Bostancı. We recommend checking the Mavi Marmara website for the most up-to-date schedule.
Places to visit in Burgazada
Bayrak Tepe and Hristos Monastery
Unlike other islands of İstanbul, Burgazada has just one hill. Formerly called Christ Hill (Hristos Tepesi), it is now known as Bayrak Tepe and is 176 meters high. Atop the hill lies the ruins of Burgazada Hristos Monastery, established by Basil I (Basil the Macedonian). Every year on August 6, the island’s Orthodox residents gather on this hill to celebrate the Transfiguration (Metamorphosis) of Christ Feast Day.
Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum
Sait Faik Abasıyanık was a prominent figure in Turkish literature who resided on Burgazada and frequently referenced the islands of İstanbul in his writings. His former home now serves as the Sait Faik Museum. Opened in 1959, the museum is one of Türkiye’s most visited house museums. It contains photographs, letters and postcards belonging to the writer, as well as other personal objects related to his works.
Since students and schools often visit the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum, an advance booking may be advisable.
The Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum is open from 10.30 AM to 4.45 PM every day except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Church of Hagios Ioannis Prodromos (Aya Yani Church)
Burgazada Aya Yani Church, which is believed to have been built by Empress Theodora in 867 was rebuilt in 1896. The church is notable for its refined architecture. It is located on Takımağa Meydanı Street.
Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery
Built in 1728, the Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery was nearly destroyed by fire in 1741 and restored in 1879. It is an outstanding examples of medieval Byzantine architecture, and features a monastery dormitory accessible via stairs leading down from the church. The monastery was cared for by Georgios Guller, a carpenter from Burgazada and one of the island’s most beloved residents. Add Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery to your list of places to see in Burgazada and remember to greet Mr. Guller if you meet him. ☺
Beaches in Burgazada: Kalpazankaya, Milk Bay (Süt Koyu), Madam Martha and others
Burgazada has a popular yet peaceful public beach, which is about a 25-minute walk from the center of the city. The Çamakya family beach, approximately forty minutes’ walk from the city, is known for its beautiful sunsets.
Calm and peaceful: Kalpazankaya Beach
Kalpazankaya, where Sait Faik spent time, is located at the end of Burgazada and features a spectacular view and a beautiful beach. The beach is about a thirty-minute walk from the city and is one of the island’s loveliest spots. Berths are also available for boats docking in the Kalpazankaya bay. In addition to spectacular sunset views, the beach also has a highly rated seafood restaurant.
True to its name: Milk Bay (Süt Koyu)
Milk Bay (Süt Koyu) is approximately twenty minutes’ by foot from the center and just opposite Yassıada. While most of Burgazada’s beaches are accessible via bicycle, Milk Bay is reached through a steep set of stairs or a dirt path. While the beach is pebbly, its secluded bay is one of Burgazada’s best swimming spots.
A beloved resident: Madam Martha Bay
There are numerous stories about Marta Arat, for whom Madam Martha Bay is named. Marta Arat married into an Armenian family from İstanbul; her namesake bay is in the northwest of Burgazada. While the water is not ideal for swimming, the environment is lovely and there is a restaurant, the Madam Marta Bay café.
