The ferry boat ride to the largest island, Buyukada, takes approximately 1 hour. Soon we find that the island looks pretty much like a resort, with hotels, restaurants, tea-houses, shops and other attractions catering to seasonal tourism; used as a summer retreat by the rich Istanbulites, Buyukada displays a splendid panorama of well-kept villas with gardens and even a pool.
The only transportation means on the islands is the horse-drawn carriage and the bicycle. You can hire a bike, take a tour of the picturesque island in a calesh, or simply enjoy a walk on its car-free tidy streets.