Burgazada

Şerefe Sait Faik Abasıyanık

The small island of Burgazada is affectionately called ‘Burgaz’ by the locals, which means “fortress”. A relatively rocky and sparsely forested island among the Princes' Islands. It is home to beautiful and popular beaches and numerous historical sites, including the mosque, which is located just behind the square on the island.

On Burgazada, you can visit the hidden beauty spot of Kalpazankaya and the Sait Faik Museum. Sait Faik Abasıyanık, one of Turkey's most famous short story and poetry writers, lived on the island and was inspired by it. At his favourite restaurant in Kalpazankaya, you can also find his bronze statue enjoying the view with a glass of Rakı, which is freshly refilled daily.

The simple wooden tables and chairs of Kalpazankaya Plajı, tucked away to the west of the island, offer stunning views of the sea in the shade of the pine trees. A great place to have a simple lunch while exploring the island or watching the sunset.

At the top of Burgazada rises Flag Hill, from which there is a spectacular panoramic view of all the other islands in the archipelago as well as the Anatolian coast of the mainland.

Another place of interest is the Burgazada Sanatorium, founded in 1928. The sanatorium is one of the oldest in Türkiye. There are also a variety of water sports activities available on the island, around the few rocky beaches and seafronts.