Island ferry... Another name for nostalgia, bagels thrown to seagulls, tea sipped from slender glasses, the foam left by the ferry on the sea... It takes you from Istanbul and transports you to Büyükada in 45 minutes (maximum). Island passengers enjoy the island ferry ride as much as Büyükada itself. Büyükada is the last stop on the ferry, after collecting passengers from different stops in Istanbul. The joy of Büyükada starts as soon as you board the island ferry. Some take the opportunity of the long journey to read their newspaper, or read a book they’re really into; some prepare bagels in their bags to throw to the seagulls along the way, and some travel to the island at the rear of the boat, taking their tea to the back to watch the trail of foam left by the ferry. After a pleasant sea voyage, as soon as you reach Büyükada, a sweet smelling atmosphere free from the pollution welcomes you. Also known as Prince Island, on Büyükada you cannot see any motor vehicles except some formal vehicles. The island is a favourite destination for the people of Istanbul to get away from the city for a day. However, what makes Büyükada a popular choice is Hagia Yorgi (St. George) Church and Hagia Yorgi Monastery. The monastery, which consists of a small tiled building with two floors, is thought to have been built in 1752. The church was built in 1905, and twice a year is flooded with visitors. Those who are preparing for university exams, or looking for a decent spouse, those wishing for health, a house, a car and many more come here on 23 April and 24 September. In Christian faith, those who go to Hagia Yorgi Church on foot become half-pilgrims. Those who brought their own or bought colorful threads from the booths opened by the island residents near the pier, traditionally walk to Hagia Yorgi by unwinding these threads as they go; and the phaetons forming a long queue, especially on these special days, become part of this colorful festivity. Along with this feature, Hagia Yorgi also rewards those who climbed for half an hour with a unique view from the top of the hill. CYCLE RIDES WITHOUT VEHICLES... Before going to Hagia Yorgi, and as soon as you alight from the ferry, you will encounter restaurants side by side along the coast and colorful ice cream parlours. However, you can save these for after an island tour or a visit to Hagia Yorgi. After thoroughly touring the island, visitors who are hungry tend to linger in these places, forming, at certain times, longs queues in front of them. However, bike shops or phaetons are the first stop once you get to the island. As there are no cars, cyclist can enjoy the roads at leisure, and the different routes available enrich this unique experience. With the phaeton option, it is possible to draw up as far as the ramp; from there you can reach Hagia Yorgi by foot. There are also picnic areas where visitors can take a break. Even though touring the island is an almost irresistible visual feast, Princess Bay Beach is another alternative for visitors. Also, Büyükada is a place to spend the weekend too, and there are many boutique hotels. Residents from Istanbul can find a chance to freshen in the cool waters of Büyükada safely, it being the closest weekend getaway. THE FAMOUS RESIDENTS OF THE ISLAND... Certainly, swimming may not be the only option on the island. You can wander the streets decorated with bougainvillea, oleander trees and the mansions lined up in rows. When you head upward of the pier, Time Square welcomes visitors. Here is Panagia Church, which is also known as Virgin Mary Church. Even though visitors tend to overlook this church in a hurry to walk to Hagia Yorgi, it is worth a short stop. In addition, the island has played host to movie sets and has housed writers and poets. The house of Reşat Nuri Güntekin is located here. The quiet, peaceful side of the island is an inspiration to artists. Even though Trotsky, a famous figure of the Soviet Revolution, was exiled to Büyükada, it is a place that hardly resembles a place of exile. Those who wanted to escape the chaos of Istanbul yet remain just a ferry ride away from the city, set their place of residence on the island. Once they have seen the island’s historical places, walked its streets decorated with flowers, or stopped at one of the restaurants lined up along the coast, tired visitors returning home already begin to think of returning to Büyükada.