Burgazada

Burgazada, located between Heybeli and Kınalı is the third largest island among the Princes' Islands. It was called “Panormos” in the Byzantine period and was famous as the home of Rum (Greek) minority and a well-known Turkish writer of short stories, Sait Faik Abasıyanık. It has a round shape and measures 1.9 x 1.3 km. It has rocky beaches and the only hill is Bayrak Tepe (Flag Hill). Rums consist of most of the population that is around 2000-3000 increasing to 20000 during summer. It is one of the most popular corners of Istanbul with its climate, picturesque look with its white houses, shores, pine trees and restored elegant pavilions. Burgazada is known for the beauty and grace of its waterside residences and pavilions. The most beautiful wooden pavilions are located on the seaside and the skirts of the hill with a view of Heybeli and Kaşık Islands. The rents and purchase prices for real estate are very high. Mostly famous artists and wealthy upper class people have homes on this this island.

When you go eastwards from the quay you reach the island's old beach. There is a headland towards Heybeli and a lighthouse at the end of it. On the southern part of the beach there is Mezarlık Burnu (Cemetery Headland) and when you turn from the rock you reach the south of the island where a wall-like rock stands and the Hristos Monastery is located. When you continue your tour in the same direction you will reach Kalpazankaya (Counterfeiter Rock) and a cove, popular excursions on Burgazada. Haghia Yorgi Monastery stands on the northwest of Kalpazankaya. One of the oldest sanatoriums in Turkey was built in Burgazada in 1928. In 1953 the first mosque was built on the island, coinciding with the 500th anniversary of Istanbul's conquest.

Enjoy Burgazada
Burgazada is quieter than both Büyükada and Heybeli. Don't look for the vivid life you've seen on the first two islands. As you leave the ferry, on the left side of the port are pastry shops and cafés. The fayton stops are on the right and behind them is a narrow path climbing to Sait Faik's house. It became a museum after his death in 1954 and is open everyday from 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00, Saturdays until 13:00 and closed on Sundays.

The road on the right of the pier leads to Kalpazankaya (Counterfeiter Rock). If you have an adventurous soul or enjoy nature you can take a different route to reach Kalpazankaya. Climb the narrow path (Burgaz Çayırı Street), pass Sait Faik's house and find the footpath between the squatter's houses. This means you are on the right route. At the end of your walk of about 40 minutes you reach Hiristo Hill, the highest point on the island. After seeing the church and the remains of the monastery, looking back you'll be stunned by the incredible view of the pier. And you'll be surprised how quickly you have reached this height.

The football field and a wide meadow are the largest picnic areas of the island. If you walk down the hill to reach Kalpazankaya, you may pick and eat the berries growing on both sides of the path and collect “sweet brooms” as proof of visiting the island. The path joins an asphalt road and you may become disappointed with the bags of trash, not in tune with the otherwise clean green environment, and which have dropped off the backs of garbage vehicles. Try to ignore this view. When you pass this you will reach a path shaded with trees and see the “Kalpazankaya Country Café”. This is a good place to rest, eat and drink. The price is very reasonable.

Just beneath the café lies the Kalpazankaya Beach. Walking on the pebbled beach, along with playful seagulls is highly recommended especially in springtime.

Then its time to return! If you don't have the energy to climb the woods again follow the asphalt road and enjoy the environment surrounding this comfortable route. Wooden pavilions, Cennet Bahçesi (Eden Garden), Haghia Yorgi church, deserted Dimitrakopula pavilion, Öğretmenevi (Teachers' house hotel) … then the pier area again.

The scents of newly baked cakes may draw you to the pastries – this is a great time to have a cup of tea while waiting for the ferry. This will be a good chance for you to reminisce about the pleasant moments spent on the island.

Also See:

Büyükada	Burgazada
Heybeliada	Kınalıada
Other Islands	Centennial Trees
Excursions Near by	Forests and Groves
Fransız Sokağı - French Street	Historical Monuments
Historical Mosques	Moda
Museums & Palaces	Ortaköy
Parks	Pavilions in Green Lands
Places of Worship	Princes' Islands
Seashore	The Bosphorus

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Business Pages

• Hotels in Princes Islands
• Restaurants in Burgazada

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