Nature & Culture Hikes – Active Outdoors

Burgazada is a small, quiet community. Our experience emphasizes low-impact travel to protect the island’s natural environment and residential peace.

To help make the visit sustainable, please:

• Stay on the Paths: Protect the island’s fragile coastal and forest vegetation by sticking to established trails.
• Respect Local Silence: Keep noise levels low, especially when walking through residential neighborhoods.
• Zero Waste: Bring a reusable water bottle and ensure all trash is taken back to the mainland or disposed of properly.
• Support Local: Our breaks focus on independent island businesses to help sustain the local economy.
• Carbon-Positive Travel: We include carbon removal in your booking to offset the ferry journey and support environmental restoration.

• Public Transportation: Accessible via the ferry from Eminönü, which connects to the T1 Tram and Marmaray.
• Terrain: The hike involves unpaved forest paths and some moderate uphill sections that can be uneven.
• Physical Effort: A moderate level of fitness is required for a full day of walking. This route is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with significant mobility restrictions.
• Car-Free Zone: Motorized vehicles are prohibited; the tour is entirely walking-based once on the island.

• Meet with your guide at 09:30 at Dentur Islands Pier in Eminönü
• Ferry Crossing: Depart from Eminönü, leaving the city noise behind for the car-free atmosphere of the Prince Islands.
• Coastal Hike: A guided walk along Burgazada’s peaceful trails, focusing on the unique island scale and maritime scenery.
• Cultural Context: Stops to discuss the island’s famous literary figures, minority heritage, and local traditions.
• Nature Observation: Pauses at key viewpoints to admire the local flora and the distinctive residential architecture.
• Village Walk: A gentle closing stroll through the main settlement, reflecting on the simplicity and identity of island life.

• Car-Free Environment: One of the most unique features of the Prince Islands is that motorized vehicles are prohibited on the islands. This creates a peaceful and serene atmosphere, where the main modes of transportation are bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. The absence of cars and traffic contributes to a relaxed and stress-free environment.
• Historic Architecture: The islands boast a rich history dating back to ancient times and are home to a variety of architectural gems. Visitors can explore Ottoman-era mansions, picturesque wooden houses, and historical landmarks like churches, monasteries, and mosques.
• Natural Beauty: The Prince Islands are blessed with natural beauty, featuring lush forests, olive groves, and pristine beaches. The islands’ landscapes are perfect for leisurely walks and hiking, providing opportunities to connect with nature.
• Escaping the City: For Istanbul residents, the Prince Islands offer an escape from the bustling city life. Locals often visit the islands on weekends to enjoy a relaxing day or weekend getaway in a tranquil setting.
• Cultural Heritage: Each island has its own cultural identity and unique attractions. Büyükada, the largest island, is famous for its historical buildings and charming streets. Heybeliada is known for its religious sites, including the Halki Seminary. Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and quieter, offering a more secluded atmosphere.
• Summer Resorts: In the 19th century, the islands became popular summer resorts for Istanbul’s elite and foreign dignitaries. Many old wooden mansions and villas from that era still stand, adding to the islands’ historical significance.
• Ecotourism and Outdoor Activities: The car-free environment and natural beauty make the islands ideal for ecotourism and various outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and swimming.
• Cultural Events: The Prince Islands host various cultural events, including art exhibitions, music festivals, and theater performances, attracting artists and art enthusiasts from all over.

Prince Island Hiking routes is a project which was created by the Istanbul Chamber of Guides (IRO) in coordination with Istanbul Tourism Platform, a body of IMM (Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality). The Monumental Trees content was provided by the IMM Directorate of Parks, Gardens, and Green Areas, and the cultural heritage content by the IMM Cultural Heritage Department.

As part of our sustainable tourism efforts, we aim to minimize the negative impact of visitor density on natural life and tranquility in the Islands. Our goal is to protect their natural beauty and maintain the cultural fabric.

To make tourism on the Islands sustainable and ensure the continuity of natural areas, please:

• Avoid behaviors that could harm trees, flowers, other plants, and animals.
• Refrain from playing loud music, shouting, and other similar actions to maintain silence in the surroundings.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by avoiding unnecessary plastic packaging and making sure to dispose of your packaging waste in recycling stations.
• Remember the presence of the people living here during your visits and interact harmoniously with other visitors and the local community.

This trip is enjoyable year-round, as each season offers its own unique charm. In spring, the mountains are covered with wildflowers. Summer brings the opportunity to swim in the refreshing waters of the Black Sea. Autumn is the perfect time to pick ripe fruits directly from the trees. In winter, you can enjoy peaceful walks in the snow and then warm up by a cozy wood fire.

This tour is ideal for families with children of any age, as well as small groups of friends. The opportunity to interact with the local women, who have taken their futures into their own hands, is both rewarding and educational. If you are a foodie or believe in empowering women and supporting local communities, this community-based experience is a perfect choice for you.

We will take the water taxi provided by IMM(Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality), which takes 45 minutes and allows us to enjoy the island for the whole day as early as 09:00 am.

• Comfortable hiking or running shoes: The terrain is rocky and uneven in parts.
• Sunscreen and a hat: Essential, as the island has very few trees for shade.
• Sunglasses: The reflection of the sun off the sea can be quite strong.
• Light layers: It can be windy on the ferry and at the island’s peaks, even on sunny days.
• Water bottle: Stay hydrated during the uphill portions of the hike.
• Small backpack: To keep your hands free for the climb and photography.

We meet at 09:30 in front of the Adalar (Princes islands) ferry ticket office. Please find your guide carrying the Hike’n Sail sign.