The Marmara Sea Region

Burgazada is the smallest of the three main inhabited Islands in a group of 14 known as the Princes Islands. The climate is semi tropical and it can get very warm in July and August although it is re to live in the summer months.

It is a place for slowing down and relaxing, where life passes you by at the speed you choose. Don’t be in too much of a hurry here, as those who cannot afford the time to sip the tranquility of this 19th century traffic free haven will miss the opportunity to experience living in a place once only enjoyed by the nobility of the Ottoman Empire. Now the choice of the wealthy of Istanbul who are lucky enough to own a summer house here. The Princes islands are revered for their beauty and tranquility throughout Asia. They are little known to Europeans who have tended to holiday on the Mediterranean coasts.

The climate here is mild. Days and evenings are warm in late spring, early summer and early autumn. The summers months range from 20 to 28 Celsius. As the Island is surrounded by water the winter temperatures are milder than the mainland. We recently sunbathed and swam in the sea in late October as it was still very warm and sunny.

You are only a thirty minute fast ferry from the center of Istanbul and some of the worlds most beautiful sites and architecture. Places one should visit are Topkapi Palace, Dolamachure Palace, Saint Sophia (The Oldest Church in Christendom), The Blue Mosque, The 4th century underground water storage cistern featured in James Bond 'From Russia with Love'. The Grand Bazaar which must surely be the biggest market in the world, but set aside a bit of time to see it properly. Don't buy the first thing you see, be prepared to haggle about the price as there are bargains to be had. Visit Taxim Square where it is said "if you stand there long enough the whole world will pass you by".

Take a restaurant boat trip along the Bosporus and view the beautiful architecture of the Villas, Palaces and Castles that make this vital Black Sea waterway so vibrant. Istanbul is one of the worlds leading centers of fashion and style. The meeting of two continents and the cosmopolitan liberalism of this Muslim country embracing western cultures, makes this city a popular choice of Europeans, Russians, Asians and Arabs alike. if you like shopping this city is a must to see.


The Istanbul / Princes Islands area

We are all so conditioned to accepting our lives full of traffic and the noise that goes with it, whether or not we live next to a busy road that when you come to Burgazada it is a strange experience to not have any motorized traffic. In 1926 the Islands banned all motor vehicles, apart from a few service vehicles. This single act has made them almost unique in the world and set the islands apart from all other holiday destinations.

Turkish 20th-century writer Sait Faik spent the better part of his life on a hillside mansion on the island overlooking the Sea of Marmara. His Burgazada home was converted to a museum in 1964, 10 years after he died of cirrhosis. It is rumored that Faik was either gay or bisexual, and that the attitude of the island granted him more freedom. In keeping with the island’s laissez-faire character, you gain entry to Faik’s home ringing the doorbell of the museum’s caretaker.

Frequently compared to Mark Twain for their shared penchant for rapier wit and spot-on descriptions of humanity, Faik is considered Turkey’s master of the short story. Twain himself travelled to Turkey, offering this description of Istanbul in “Innocents Abroad": “Its dense array of houses swells upward from the water's edge, and spreads over the domes of many hills.”

Just a five-minute walk away from the Faik museum is the Orthodox Church, St. John the Baptist. A peek inside reveals walls covered with a multitude of gilded icons and a chandelier that gives dimension to the small size of the church’s nave. On the far end of the island is Kalpazankaya, or “Counterfeiter’s Stone.” On the top of the red cliffs lies a cave where forgers used to store their loot. Today, the bay offers the cleanest swimming within Istanbul city limits and a country restaurant reputed to be Sait Faik’s favourite watering hole.

Pick a restaurant, choose a table, and stay as long or as short a time as you want. The welcome is the same everywhere on this Island, you cannot fail to want to slow down and enjoy a glass of Raki, a Turkish coffee or Chi.

Stroll around the traffic free scented roads, lanes and woods that are perfumed in spring with wild lavender and in summer with Jasmine and Bougainvillaea. Gaze on the distant views to Istanbul and the other Princes Islands as storks fly overhead whilst crossing the Bosporus, gaining a bit of lift from the Island thermals as it warms in the sun.
There are beautiful timber framed homes from the 19th century that have stood unoccupied for decades. They wait in silence for their owners to return from shores afar, push open the doors, lift of the dust sheets, pull up the blinds and continue as if they had never left this land.

Sit and watch the Ferries that ply between the islands and the mainland, knowing that you do not have to go anywhere. Watch the sun set over the Sea of Marmara as it heralds then end of a day, welcoming the scented warm evening. You’ll sleep soundly on Burgazada. The air is clear and fresh and the nights are quiet.
Time stands still on Burgazada broken only by the clatter of hooves and the rumble of carriage wheels raisng eyes to see who's arriving or leaving, but curiosity does not last when time is an unimportant measure to us. Change on Burgazada is almost imperceptible and you'll want to return, I guarantee it.

There is a Doctors Surgery and Pharmacy just near the harbour and a small 2 man Police Station. The police meet every ferry visiting the Island and crime is almost unheard of here. Properties rarely come up for sale and as residents know each other they often leave their properties unlocked.

The Yacht Club has bars, restaurants, swimming pool and sea swimming. We can arrange short term membership so please ask our local agent on arrival.

Autumn sees the start of the Blue Fish season and you will see hundreds of tiny boats out on the sea all fishing for this beautiful tasty fish.

Huddled together in the Sea of Marmara, each island has a character of its own and it's very easy to forget the close proximity to one of the world's largest cities.

The Islands can be visited all year round but ferry and hydrofoil services are less frequent in winter. One of the reasons they are so popular is that several of them have beaches and this is the nearest place to the city for bathing.The islands got their name because princes and princesses who had outlived their roles were exiled to the islands during Byzantine times. In the middle of the eighteenth century a ferry service to the islands was established and the islands became a popular place for the wealthy merchant classes to have extravagant villas built. Five of the Island are populated but only four have regular ferry services. the fifth, Sedef (Spoon Island), is privately owned.


Travel Information

Airport: Ataturk International Airport and Sabiha Gokcen: 25 km
Railway: Bostanci on Asian Mainland: 5 km
Ferry: Bostanci: 5 km

There are two airports serving Istanbul. Ataturk International Airport on the European side of the Bosporus and Sabiha Gokcen on the Asian side of the Bosporus.

Budget airlines such as Easy jet and Pegasus fly into Sabiha Gokcen. This is the nearest airport to Bostanci where you pick up the ferry to Burgazada. Sabiha Gokcen is about 30 minutes by bus or 20minutes by taxi from Bostanci. Easy jet can be the cheapest if you book early but try all airlines. We will provide you with details of ferries and buses from your chosen airport.

All major airlines such as AirFrance/KLM, British Airways, Turkish Airlines and lots more fly into Ataturk from most British and European International Airports. This is located 14 miles West of Istanbul center (Taxim square ). We have found Turkish Airlines to be the best carrier for food, service, comfort and reliability. If you buy tickets in advance they can also be very economical. As you fly into Ataturk Airport look out for the Princes Islands lying about 5 km of the Asian Mainland and about 20 Kms from the center of Istanbul.

From Ataturk you can get a bus (Havas) from outside terminal 3 every 30 minutes, direct to Bakirkoy ferry terminal then a fast ferry to Bostanci. From here you can get a ferry out to the island. When we stay there we try to use the slow ferries when not rushing anywhere. They are cheap and you can pass your time with a soft drink, coffee or Chi (local tea) and something to eat. You can see a cross section of Turkish culture and if you have children they can move about more easily on the slow ferries. Turkish people love children so you can feel relaxed in their company.

Please note we can meet you at the airport and escort you to your Island home, brief you on the Island, shops, restaurants, ferries, sight seeing, shopping etc. If you give us notice we can buy some provisions for you and have them there so you can start to relax on arrival. The island shops open early and close late, so you will have plenty of opportunity to buy provisions at the end of a day relaxing in the island or site seeing and shopping in Istanbul. When your holiday is over we will collect you from the island, escort you to the airport and see you safely on your way home.

Car Hire is available at both airports but you'll not it. The Islands banned cars in 1926 so you will not be able to use one on Burgazada which has horse drawn carriages, bicycles and a few service vehicles. Istanbul has one of the worlds best public transport systems consisting of Ferries, Trams, Underground trains and funicular railways plus Taxis and Dolmus (shared taxis). If you do want to drive then we can arrange car hire and return from a ferry terminal. Please tell us or our local agent in advance of your holiday or when you arrive.


Further details indoors:

The apartment is fully equipped for self catering but if you prefer eating out the island boasts numerous high quality restaurants and cafes to suit all tastes. Islanders and shopkeepers are very friendly and willing to help out. Try out your Turkish as this is always appreciated and a great ice breaker. Don't worry if you make a mistake, that's all part of the fun and experience. If you have a problem with anything our local agent lives on the mainland near the Bostangi ferry terminal and is available by phone.

Serenity is about 5 minutes gentle walk from the ferry terminal, shops and restaurants. The apartment block and pool is set in a large garden . It is quiet and very sunny due to its South facing location. You can view it on Google Earth 40° 52.45.30N - 29° 04.02.76E . The Swimming pool is distinctive by it's shape.

You can breakfast on your balcony in full sun or with the awning down before a swim and lunch around the pool. Ice is on tap from the freezer and if you get to hot you can always enjoy the air conditioned apartment. Relax and then have a barbecue on your balcony or stroll down late to the restaurants and eat out overlooking the harbour where you can buy locally caught fish, from the fishermen for your barbecue.

The summers are very warm so the pool water is always very inviting. It consists of large deep swimming area with a shallow area on one side, ideal for young children and non swimmers to sit or paddle in. Visitors are reminded that children and non swimmers must be supervised and watched at all times in or near the pool. The pool is visible from the apartment balcony so parents can keep a watchfull eye when not by the poolside. Please note that the pool is only available from mid June to end of September.



Further details outdoors:

The Gardens are shared with two blocks of apartments each with four apartments. You have your own barbecue on your terrace/balcony and there is a large barbecue area by the pool that can be used by all the apartments. Join in with the neighbours who sometimes get together around the pool and share their food.



Further details about the property:

We ask that you respect the fact that the neighbouring property owners also enjoy the peace and tranquility of the islands. Fun and laughter is to be enjoyed by all but excessive noise and foolishness is for the few so please respect the fact that everyone should enjoy themselves. A cot can be made available if required.


Conditions of Rental:

A refundable breakages, bottled water and electricity deposit of £400.00 will be required. Balance less deductions will be refunded to you within two weeks of your last day after final inspection.
Gas for cooking is included in the rental charges.
A booking fee equivalent to 25% of your rental fee will be required at the time of booking. This is refundable in full up to eight weeks prior to the first day of your holiday booked with us. The balance must be paid to us in accordance with our standard terms and booking conditions. The full booking details and conditions will be supplied to you at the time of confirming dates available.

The apartment is a no smoking area.


Additional Notes:

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

10% Discount on your second and subsequent week or nights after first full week/7 nights.

Linen (sheets/duvet covers and towels) Euros 15.00 per person is payable in cash to local agent on arrival.

A cleaning charge of Euro 55.00 for last day clean is payable in cash to our local agent on arrival.

A deposit of £400 for breakages (hopefully none) and electricity used is to be deposited with the owner 7 working days before arrival. This will be refunded less any costs within 14 days of departure.

An escort service both ways; from Airport (Istanbul) to Burgazada on first day and from Burgazada to Airport on return leg is available. Please ask for a quotation on this as it is party size dependant.