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Büyükada Bike Tour: Family-Friendly Adventure
5.0
6 Ratings
Adalar
Pedal through verdant forests, scenic coastal routes, and bustling boulevards on a family-friendly adventure that links the allure of Büyükada with the dynamic energy of Istanbul. Relish the sea views and sunsets while savoring homemade foods and snacks. An exciting biking experience awaits travelers of every age.
Pedal through verdant forests, scenic coastal routes, and bustling boulevards on a family-friendly adventure that links the allure of Büyükada with the dynamic energy of Istanbul. Relish the sea views and sunsets while savoring homemade foods and snacks. An exciting biking experience awaits travelers of every age.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- Buyukada - Upon arriving at Prince Island (Büyükada), the journey begins with a visit to the bike shop to collect bicycles for an exciting tour.
- Buyukada - The delightful streets of Büyükada provide a serene getaway, ideal for cycling. With motor vehicles prohibited, the island’s cobblestone paths meander past historic wooden mansions adorned…
- Buyukada - Upon arriving at Prince Island (Büyükada), the journey begins with a visit to the bike shop to collect bicycles for an exciting tour.
- Buyukada - The delightful streets of Büyükada provide a serene getaway, ideal for cycling. With motor vehicles prohibited, the island’s cobblestone paths meander past historic wooden mansions adorned with vibrant bougainvillea. As one cycles through the tranquil lanes, the only sounds are birds chirping and the gentle whir of the bicycle. Each turn offers new vistas of the sea, hidden gardens, and whispers of history carried by the island breeze.
- Aya Yorgi Church - Situated at the highest point of Büyükada, Aya Yorgi Church offers a serene retreat with stunning views of the Marmara Sea. The ascent is challenging, but the reward is well worth the effort. This modest yet spiritual Greek Orthodox chapel, encircled by pine trees and tranquility, has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for over a century. At the top, a gentle breeze and sweeping views provide an unforgettable moment of peace.
- Buyukada Rum Yetimhanesi - Nestled among the trees on a secluded hill of Büyükada is the Prinkipo Greek Orphanage—one of Europe’s largest wooden structures. Although time has worn its walls, its presence remains powerful and enigmatic. Once a home to hundreds of children, it now stands abandoned, enveloped by nature and echoes of the past. Cycling past its towering structure, one can almost hear the whispers of a bygone era carried by the wind.
- Buyukada - Beyond the bustling town center lies the island’s tranquil backside—where pine forests meet the sea and time seems to slow. Here, the roads are quieter, the air fresher, and the views more expansive. As one cycles along these secluded paths, rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and untouched nature come into view. It’s the perfect spot to take a deep breath, pause, and connect with the island’s essence away from the crowds. A short break can be enjoyed here.
- Hamidiye Mosque - Located near the heart of Büyükada, Hamidiye Mosque stands as an elegant symbol of the island’s multicultural heritage. Constructed in the late 19th century by order of Sultan Abdulhamid II, its graceful Ottoman architecture blends seamlessly with the island’s serene ambiance. Surrounded by greenery and just steps from the sea, it’s a peaceful place to pause, reflect, and appreciate the island’s rich history.
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Buyukada - Street Food Stop at a Local Spot
Nestled in a corner of Büyükada’s bustling bazaar, a small street food stand entices with the aroma of grilled meats and fresh dough. Here, locals queue for succulent chicken dürüms, crispy lahmacun, and oven-hot pide served directly from the stone oven. No frills—just quick, delicious, and satisfying food.
What's Included
- Guide
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Bicycle use
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Other
- Guide
- Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.)
- Bicycle use
- Lunch
- Tea and coffee
- Other
Location
Clock Square in Buyukada
Yirmiüç Nisan Caddesi
We meet at the front of watch tower which is very close to pier. You can recognize from my red bicycle.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
5 stars
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1 star
Anke
Aug 20, 2025
Adventure bike ride full of surprises and hidden beauty of the island - A great bike ride across the island. The route is doable. Only the part to the Monastry is a tough climb.
Mustafa as a resident of the island takes you into the history, culture and nature of the island. He talks with love and passion about the island, its inhabitants, its history and customs.
Away from the crowds and a real adventure. With a visit to the monastry with a beautiful view, a visit to a hidden (pebble) beach.
Along the way we had a picnic with delicious fresh fruit and juice.
Later at the sunset enjoyed a delicious meal (salad and salmon) and a nice wine with it on a beautiful viewpoint during the sunset.
Our children (15 and 18 years) also found it a fantastic experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
X3349wlyvonnek
Jun 10, 2025
Fantastic bike tour with Mustafa on Buyukada - Great private bike ride with Mustafa on his Princes Island. We agreed to meet at Marmary train station from where he would escort us to Buyukada island. He assisted us to purchase an Istanbul card for public transport. We only needed it on the way back for the train because we left it on the island after the trip. What a nice experience to enter a crowded train on a public holiday. The first one was too full so shortly afterwards the next one was taken. As a result, the schedule for the boat was somewhat compromised so after the train trip with accelerated pass to the ferry service to get to the island. It was also very busy there (last day off for the locals). Walked together to the rental shop of the bikes and with 2 bikes on the way to the house of Mustafa (2 min walk) where he picked up his own bike and our dinner. All kinds of goodies were loaded into his panniers after which we left. The first gradient was a challenge for a while and we got used to the acceleration after which we had a say in how we wanted to organize the trip. Obviously with everything in it. First the highest climb to the monastery on hill. Unfortunately not being able to do all the cycling but smart to take the bikes all the way up. The monastery itself was already closed (closed at 4 pm) and we had the ‘evening tour’ (due to the sunset). The view was the reward for the climb. After taking some pictures we went to a large dilapidated country house. This house had a very (Greek) past but the exploitation never got off the ground properly because it was a problem to get fresh water up. It had still served as an orphanage but still the water was a problem. Now it's completely run down and yet there's still a family living there. Time to freshen up so cycled to a beach. A fun climbing trip to get to the water. An idyllic place, especially when people would be picking up their trash. After such a holiday a really dirty gang of both glass, packaging material and everything you can think of. (Take water shoes for the smooth pebbles).
To finish the trip climbed to a high point and ate the meal prepared by Mustafa. Super tasty bulger with a fresh salad and a baklava for dessert. All that with a nice white wine at the setting sun, what more could you want..... Oh yes, in between on the day were already spoiled with a local delicacy cookie and apple.
After the sun went down, nicely squeaked down on the way to the ferry where our adventure would end. Fortunately Mustafa ended our evening with a joint cup of coffee and tea on the municipal ferry that served as a cafe for up to 24 hours.
During that cup of coffee he explained to us how we would end up back at the starting point and took care of our ferry crossing again. After reminiscing on the ferry and in the Asian part made the switch to the train again. Tired and satisfied late back at our hotel.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luuc
May 9, 2025
Great day on Büyükada with Mustafa - We met Mustafa during a bike tour in Istanbul and decided to join him the next day for a tour on Büyükada, where he lives. It turned out to be a great experience.
He helped us rent bikes and showed us around the island in a relaxed and friendly way. At lunchtime, we stopped in a quiet spot among the trees with a beautiful view of the sea, where he shared some homemade bulgur with us — a really nice touch.
After lunch, we hiked up to the highest point of the island for an amazing view. Later, we visited the large abandoned wooden building, which was remote but very interesting to see. Then we continued cycling around the rest of the island. On the way, we even spotted dolphins!
Thanks Mustafa for the great day and for sharing a bit of your island with us. Highly recommended if you’re looking for a different and more peaceful experience outside the city.
Review provided by Tripadvisor