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Perhaps the least visited of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul is Burgazada. For this reason, it’s also my favorite.
Introduction to Burgazada
On my first visit to Burgazada, I was actually on my way to Büyükada but was annoyed at all the tourists on the ferry. I noticed that very few people were getting off at Burgazada, so I decided to stop and explore that island for the day. When I got off the ferry and started walking around town, it felt as if I had the whole island to myself!
Burgazada covers an area of 1.5 square kilometers (0.58 square miles). It’s dominated by one hill, Bayraktepe (Flag Hill), which is 170 meters (558 feet) high. The hill is also known as Hristos Tepesi (Christ Hill). Historically, the island was populated almost exclusively by Greek fishermen and shipowners. The ancient name for the island was Panormos (Πάνορμος), later changed to Antigone (Αντιγόνη) after Antigonus I Monophthalmus (383 BC – 301 BC).
The island became a popular summer retreat after regular ferry service from the mainland began in 1846. Many wealthy citizens of Constantinople built summer homes there. In the early 20th century, Jews began to settle on there. The Greek population was decimated by forced expulsions in 1964, and the following year, the first Turkish-owned shop opened on this island. Only a handful of Greeks live there today.
Today, Burgazada is still a popular getaway but less so than neighboring Heybeliada and Büyükada. You’ll find a pleasant atmosphere and far fewer tourists than at the other islands.
Getting to Burgazada
There’s ferry service from Kabataş and less frequent service from Beşiktaş with the Istanbul City Ferry lines (İstanbul Şehir Hatları). Be prepared for a long journey. It takes about 75 minutes from Kabataş. If you’re on the Asian side, you can catch the Kabataş ferry from Kadıköy, and there are a few ferries from Bostancı that are a bit shorter.
All ferry terminals for departure are current as of August 2025. You can use your Istanbulkart to board. The ferry terminal in Burgazada is located in the center of town.
Getting Around Burgazada
The island is very small and easily walkable, but you can also rent a bike to get around. I always walk.
What to See in Burgazada Town
Burgazada has some of the typical Ottoman homes just like the other Princes’ Islands. There are also a few religious buildings mixed in.
Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum
The main attraction on the island is the home of Sait Faik Abasıyanık (1906-1954), one of the greatest Turkish storywriters and poets. It has functioned as the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum (Sait Faik Abasıyanık Müzesi) since August 22, 1959. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday and admission is free (as of August 2025).
Church of St. John the Baptist
Just downhill from the museum is the Greek Orthodox Church of St. John the Baptist (Ναός του Ιωάννη Προδρόμου / Aya Yani Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi), whose dome dominates the island skyline. It was designed by Nikolaos Dimadis and built atop the ruins of an older church between 1896 and 1899. It also contains a holy spring on the property.
The church was built atop the cell of St. Methodios, who was imprisoned on Burgazada with two murderers for leading a rebellion against the Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Theophilos from 821 to 829. He lived on nothing but fish thrown down through a hole. When he was released, Empress Theodora ordered a church to be built on the site. Methodios ended up serving as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 843 to 847.
Burgazada Mosque
The Burgazada Mosque (Burgazada Camii) is a short walk north of the ferry terminal. It’s the only mosque on the island and wasn’t built until 1953.
Monastery of St. George Karipi
On the outskirts of town to the north is the Monastery of St. George Karipi (Μονή Αγίου Γεωργίου Καρύπη / Aya Yorgi Garipi Manastırı). It was originally built in 1728 and was under the administration of the Monastery of Mega Spilaio near Kalavryta, Greece. In 1776, it was granted to the shopkeepers’ guild. The monastery was destroyed during an earthquake in 1894 and rebuilt immediately after. In 1917, the monastery sheltered White Russians fleeing the Russian Revolution.
Exploring Outside Burgazada Town
Exploring the rest of the island is a pleasure. It can get steep and difficult when you’re climbing the hill in the center of the island, but the views are worth it.
On the south side of the island, you get some nice views of neighboring Heybeliada. Just keep in mind there’s no road or path around the entire perimeter of the island.
My Favorite Spot on Burgazada
I’ll tell you a secret – my favorite spot on the entire island is on the hill above town. Climb up the hill behind town and you’ll find an appropriately placed bench (hopefully it’s still there). Take some snacks, drinks, and maybe a book, and enjoy the view. I always liked to sit there for a couple hours when I visited Burgazada.
Church of the Transfiguration
At the highest point on the island is the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration. It was built in 1868 on the site of the Monastery of Theokoryphotos (Μονή της Θεοκορυφώτου). The monastery existed from the second half of the 9th century until Sultan Murad IV ordered its destruction in 1630. Apparently there’s a very nice woman serving as caretaker who will let you in if you ask. Don’t forget to tip!
Kalpazankaya
On the west side of Burgazada is Kalpazankaya Beach and Kalpazankaya Restaurant, which has been there since 1959. I can’t speak for the restaurant, but skip the beach. I was hoping to go swimming but it smelled of dead fish and there was lots of broken glass. Other than that, locals say this is a great place for a sunset. You can reach Kalpazankaya by electric vehicle or on foot by walking along the north side of the island for about a half hour.
Where to Eat on Burgazada
Next to the ferry terminal you’ll find a row of several fish restaurants.
Barba Yani
I chose to eat at Barba Yani and I couldn’t have been happier. Yani Lorencu opened this typical Greek taverna in 1996. After he and his wife both passed away, his kitchen staff continued operations. They serve excellent fish and seafood dishes.
1 Comment
Thanks for another great tour!