Büyükada
12 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/AskTurkey, r/istanbul16 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Overall, visitors who weigh in lean toward recommending Büyükada, and a few enjoy walking around the island. A few visitors suggest a day out by bike, with bikes taken over on the ferry, while one visitor praises the seafood but advises checking ferry times. A few visitors find it busy, and one says the area around the docks is touristy while the longer island tour is quieter. A few prefer other islands such as Heybeliada or Burgazada, and another visitor found the rental bikes pricey and uncomfortable.
Address
Büyükada, Adalar/İstanbul, Türkiye
At a glance
- Best for
- Walks, Views
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Cycling around the island, Big island tour away from the docks
- Crowds
- Crowded
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/indianfreelancerg in r/AskTurkey · Oct 2025
Says cycling on the island is a refreshing experience, though time is short.
- Recommendsu/jasper_666 in r/istanbul · Sep 2024
Usually visits in spring to stroll around and relax at a restaurant with a good view.
- Recommendsu/Ill_Satisfaction_611 in r/istanbul · Mar 2025access
Suggests taking the ferry there and says the ride itself is enjoyable.
- Recommendsu/cournel42yeet in r/istanbul · Jul 2026
Suggests Büyükada as another hill option.
- Recommendsu/Europatrans-Nakliyat in r/AskTurkey · Sep 2026
Suggests Büyükada as a day trip option.
- Recommendsu/glonyr in r/istanbul · Jul 2026crowds
Recommends the full island tour; docks are crowded, but the longer route is quieter.
- Caveatu/functools in r/istanbul · May 2025crowds
Finds the most popular island less appealing than two alternatives.
- Caveatu/Rurululupupru in r/istanbul · Feb 2024crowds
Says most tourists head to this largest island, implying it is busier than the alternatives.
Show all 16 cited comments
- Recommendsu/wineofparadise in r/istanbul · Jul 2026
Lists the island among hiking spots worth exploring.
- Caveatu/Luciferaeon in r/AskTurkey · Feb 2026crowds
Advises against this island, citing an odd visitor crowd and little worth seeing.
- Recommendsu/LesPaul3419 in r/AskTurkey · Nov 2025
Suggests ferrying bikes over to this island as the preferred destination for a day cycling trip.
- Recommendsu/DefendYogurt in r/AskTurkey · Sep 2025
Describes it as the fanciest island in the group.
- Recommendsu/meyege in r/AskTurkey · Jul 2025
Also recommends Büyükada as a good island to visit next to Heybeliada.
- Recommendsu/invalid-char-array in r/istanbul · Jul 2025
Says the island is a popular spot for cycling and that bikes can be brought over by ferry.
- Recommendsu/Familiar-Sign-8497 in r/istanbul · Mar 2025access
Agrees with the ferry-to-Büyükada suggestion.
- Caveatu/michael_knight in r/istanbul · Jun 2024crowds
Finds Büyükada very crowded and city-like whenever visiting.
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Freshness
Details last checked 3 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.