Burgazada (Princes' Islands)

Burgazada is the third of the four main Princes' Islands, and the one that feels least like a tourist destination. It's small enough to walk end-to-end in two hours, and most of the interior is forested — pine, oak, and chestnut on a low hill (Bayrak Tepesi) that gives panoramic views across the Marmara.

The island's most famous resident was Sait Faik Abasıyanık, the Turkish short-story writer who lived here from 1939 until his death in 1954. His wooden house, just behind the waterfront, is now a small museum (Sait Faik Müzesi) with his library, his desk, and changing exhibits about his work. Pilgrims come for the literature; everyone else comes for the quiet.

The waterfront is sleepy — a few tea gardens, two or three fish restaurants, a bicycle rental, and a small grocery store. The best lunch is at one of the fish restaurants overlooking the water; order the grilled mackerel and a salad. If you have a few hours, walk the southern shore trail to the lighthouse, then climb Bayrak Tepesi through the pines.

Ferries from Kabataş take about 90 min; from Heybeliada the inter-island ferry is 10 min. See the [ferries page](/ferries/) for full schedule info.