Büyükada Ecotourism Route and Biodiversity Reserve Area

07:30- Departure from the Hotel
07:30-09:30 Arrival at Büyükada
09:30-13:00 Technical Visit

Information
Büyükada is the largest of the nine islands that make up the “Princes’ Islands” group in Istanbul. With its rich forest cover, climate that transitions between Mediterranean and Black Sea characteristics, and the resulting diverse vegetation, it has become an important destination for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Bicycle Route

• The first nature trail starts from the amusement park square and extends up to the Aya Yorgi Church, with a total length of 1 km.
• The second trail also begins at the same square and continues around Yücetepe in the southern part of the island, forming a full loop with a total length of 4.5 km.

Walking Trail

• The walking route, which also serves as the main bicycle path, starts from the amusement park square and is currently in active use. Its total length is 5.8 km.

The ecotourism plan prepared for Büyükada has been developed based on the sustainability of the island’s natural and cultural resources. The planning was carried out by selecting a route that minimizes potential environmental damage while efficiently meeting user demands.

Due to its significant natural values and ease of access, the area has a high visitor potential.

Flora in Büyükada

In the Islands Forest Sub-Directorate, the main tree species are:
Red Pine (Pinus brutia), Stone Pine (Pinus pinea), Black Pine (Pinus nigra).

In addition to the main tree species;
Plane Tree (Platanus orientalis), Alder (Alnus orientalis), Carob (Ceratonia siliqua), and Strawberry Tree (Arbutus andrachne) are also found in the area.

    
Fauna in Büyükada

The diversity of living species in an area is largely proportional to the presence of different habitats. In this context, the red pine forests and mixed maquis communities within the boundaries of the Islands Forest Sub-Directorate host many species.

In the fauna of the area, mammal species such as Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), Island Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and Hedgehog (Erinaceus concolor) can be observed along with various bird species.

Among the reptiles, there are Tortoise (Testudo graeca), Rock Lizard (Lacerta saxicola), Toad (Bufo viridis), and various snake species.

Bird species such as Black-necked Grebe, Crested Cormorant, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Black-headed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Rock Pigeon, Collared Dove, Common Swift, Willow Warbler, Masked Shrike, Robin, Spotted Flycatcher, Blackbird, White Wagtail, Chaffinch, Black-headed Bunting, and House Sparrow are observed around the islands.

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch
14:00 - 18:30 Cultural Trip

Information

• Hippodrome Square: A historical area known today as Sultanahmet Square, which served as the center of ceremonies and chariot races during the Byzantine Empire.
• Hagia Sophia: A monumental structure built in the 6th century, recognized as a universal cultural heritage site for its architectural splendor and its service to various civilizations over the centuries.
• Sultanahmet Mosque: A historical mosque commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the 17th century, considered one of the most significant examples of classical Ottoman architecture.
• Topkapı Palace: A museum complex that served as the administrative and cultural center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries, reflecting the grandeur of palace life and the magnificence of the state.
• Grand Bazaar: One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, serving as the heart of trade since the 15th century.

18:30 - 23:00 Free Time (Transfer from the meeting point to the hotel after the free time)