Buyukada

Büyükada is the largest and most iconic of the Princes’ Islands, known for its car-free streets, elegant wooden mansions, and rich multicultural history. For centuries, the island has been a place of exile, summer retreats, and peaceful island life, shaped by Ottoman, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities. Walking through Büyükada means stepping into a slower rhythm of life — quiet streets, historic houses, churches, monasteries, and hidden viewpoints overlooking the Marmara Sea. Its unique blend of history, architecture, and island culture makes Büyükada the perfect setting for a heritage walking tour.

Splendid Palace Hotel is one of Büyükada’s most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the island’s elegant past. Built in the early 20th century, the hotel reflects the grandeur of Büyükada’s golden age, when the island was a favorite summer retreat for writers, diplomats, and high society. Here, we take a relaxed break for coffee, tea, or a refreshing cocktail while enjoying the hotel’s historic atmosphere. This pause is not only a rest, but also a moment to talk about island life — how people lived, socialized, and spent their summers on Büyükada in the past, and how that lifestyle still shapes the island today.