Büyükada (literally meaning "Big Island" in Turkish) is the largest and most famous of the nine Princes' Islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just off the coast of Istanbul. Spanning roughly 5.4 square kilometers, it serves as a historic, car-free sanctuary that offers a stark contrast to the fast-paced energy of the city. Historically a place of exile during the Byzantine era, it later evolved into a cosmopolitan summer resort during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It famously served as the home of exiled Russian revolutionary Leon Trotsky between 1929 and 1933.

Spanning only about 1.3 square kilometers, you can easily walk the entire perimeter of the island in about an hour. Like the other islands, motor vehicles are banned, making its narrow, hilly streets peaceful and pedestrian-friendly. Because of its rocky shorelines, Kınalıada boasts some of the cleanest and clearest swimming waters closest to the city. Popular spots like Kumluk Beach, Ayazma Beach, and the quiet coves around Manastır Bay draw massive crowds of Istanbulites looking to swim during the hot summer months.