A Hidden Cove in Büyükada

Looking for a day trip to the sea, away from everyone and the coronavirus? If you're someone who can get up early in the morning, you should definitely try Büyükada. It's an island you can reach by one of the early morning ferries, and if you have a bike, you can definitely go by bicycle. This year, when you arrive directly on Büyükada by the 8 AM ferry, the island hasn't yet been overrun by Arabs. And if you're an old resident, you already know the roads and bays! :)

Ferry link: https://www.sehirhatlari.istanbul/tr/seferler/ic-hatlar/adalar-hatlari/bostanci-adalar-ring-hatti-819

The date is June 21, 2020. Upon arriving on the island, we had tea at Yıldız Cafe, grabbed some cold water, and headed towards the main walking path. When you reach the Aya Yorgi slope, continue to the right and you'll arrive at the back of the island. It's only 9:30 AM. I recommend preparing your drinks in a thermos, sandwiches in your bag, and a few pieces of fruit in a bag. Don't forget to put the water in the freezer overnight and keep your sunscreen chilled.

We decided to take a short walk, and encountered some horses along the way. I believe Ekrem İmamoğlu bought and adopted them...🐎🐎

                                  

After a couple of attempts on the winding paths, we finally found one. We tied the bikes to a tree on the uphill section and started descending. Maybe the photo will help, hehe. 😊

And with that pleasant feeling of our efforts paying off, we reached the rocky, empty alley. There really was no one there – an old man with glass-blue eyes, whom I thought was Greek, had been sitting there, but he left too. Clearly, he worked the morning shift...👀

On this pebble beach at the back of the island, where boats pass in the distance, you can lie all day and feel like you're in Ibiza, far away from Covid. Your speaker, your book, or your lover, however you like.

        

After spending hours swimming in the sea 💦, sunbathing 🌞, dancing to music, and sipping the coffee we brought in our thermos, we got a little sunburned because we didn't have an umbrella. Those who knew better started arriving after midday sun. But still, the silence and the smell of the sea were wonderful. And don't forget to bring your water shoes! I don't know if there were sea urchins, but the rocks might sting a little.

       

Before boarding the return ferry, we had a beer and mussels at the famous Fıçı restaurant, reviewed the day, discussed whether we would return, and definitively decided yes.

We got our favorite mint and chocolate ice creams from the Roma ice cream parlor and returned to Istanbul and reality on the not-too-crowded 6:15 PM ferry.