The Princes’ Islands in Turkey

Horse hooves echo off cobblestone streets and bicycle tires rustle past Victorian mansions on the Princes Islands. These marvelous islands float peacefully in the Marmara Sea, their car-free boulevards offering a glimpse into a world where the din of machinery is replaced by the rhythm of nature. Summer weekends bring thousands of tourists seeking refuge from the city beat of Istanbul.

Nine emerald stones adorn the waters 13 to 25 kilometers from the shore of Istanbul, but only four welcome visitors to their beaches. The Princes Islands district occupies 11 square kilometers of territory, where Victorian ornamentation houses protrude among dense pine forests. These quiet beaches hide centuries of the past - previously an exile place for Byzantine rulers, then developed into an upscale retreat for Ottoman nobility.

The islands slowly reveal their secrets to travelers who venture beyond the ferry docks. Hidden coves and secret beaches are yet to be found, and historic alleys drive by architectural wonders. Each island has its own character, from bustling Büyükada to peaceful Burgazada, where the traveler can relive history while living sustainable island life. This handbook illuminates the individual charm of each island that can be had, ancient traditions, seasonal delights, and local secrets for appreciating these phenomenal havens.
 

Four Special Islands to Discover

Four jewels sparkle in the blue horizon of the Marmara Sea, every island a chapter in Istanbul's storied past. These havens welcome visitors throughout the year, their individual characters unfolding like book pages.

Büyükada Island

Archipelago queen Büyükada commands respect in its towering Victorian mansions and religious monuments. Perched atop the cliff-high point of the island is the sixth-century Ayia Yorgi Church and Monastery, its ancient stones watching over the glistening waters below. The beautiful Hamidiye Mosque, a testament to Abdul Hamid II's reign, adds its voice to the island's harmony of architecture.

Sandy shores welcome sunbathers to the beach of Büyükada. Halik Koyu unfolds as nature's finest beach melodrama, complete with all the amenities of modern comfort and seashore eateries. Summer afternoons pulse with energy at Aya Nikola's tranquil waters, and Yada Beach Club coordinates weekend bashes with musical beats.

Heybeliada Island

Heybeliada, Turkish for whispering tales of saddlebags, is the second-largest isle. The Naval Cadet School stands watch at the harbor's entrance, welcoming visitors to these storied shores. On its sacred grounds stands Kamariotissa, the final Byzantine sanctuary of Constantinople before it was lost.

Four staunch hills contour the island's outline, with Değirmentepe rising to the heavens to 136 meters. Nature creates her most beautiful canvas here, and thus Heybeliada is esteemed as the green crown of the archipelago. Sitting atop Ümit Hill at 85 meters, historic Halki Seminary - the old 'Priest Hill' - resounds with centuries of erudite piety.

Burgazada Island

Burgazada carries with it ancient memories in its very name, reminding one of the fortress constructed by Demetrius I of Macedon. Literary merit is present here too, in the preserved home-museum of celebrated wordsmith Sait Faik Abasıyanık.

Kalpazankaya decorates the west coast, where pine trees cradle a seafood heaven and the sun performs its daily farewell. On Gonullu and Mehtap Streets, there are old mansions that wear garlands of colorful flowers. At Hristos Hill, also Bayraktepe, the skyline of Istanbul unfolds in a breathtaking panorama.

These sanctuaries have only one precious gem - motor's motor-free streets. Visitors walk through their streets on foot, by bike, or in quiet electric carriages. Time moves according to nature there, offering shelter against city noise.

Kınalıada Island

The smallest of the four main Princes Islands, Kınalıada radiates with its copper-tinged hills, a result of its rich iron and copper deposits. Served as an exile in the past, most notably for Emperor Romanos IV Diogenes, the island today welcomes its visitors with a mix of leisure and history.

Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Armenian Church and Christos Monastery reflect the island's rich religious past, and Kınalıada Mosque adds an element of modern architecture. Its relatively untarnished beauty means less tourist presence, making it ideal for tranquil retreats. By the coast, Kamo Beach Club and Ülker Beach are charming sea retreats, and seaside cafes offer freshly cooked seafood against the backdrop of Istanbul's distant skyline.
 

Seasonal Island Experience

Time passes otherwise on the Princes Islands, every season writing its own story on these timeless shores. Nature's palette transforms from the golden colors of summer to the silver fogs of winter, painting new masterpieces on these car-free paradises.

Summer activities

Golden days cast golden sunshine across the islands, the temperature ranging between 20°C and 30°C. Yörükali Plajı beckons from the beach of Büyükada, offering relief from summer's hot embrace in its crystal waters, as families are greeted to Heybeliada's gentle shore by Değirmenburnu Plajı.

Music wafts over warm summer evenings in the 'Jazz on Princes' Islands' festival in June, as melody chases after in the form of sound through Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada. Weekdays are the choice days of the experienced traveler, to avoid the weekend throngs seeking refuge from Istanbul's sizzling summer center.

Winter charm

Winter whispers its own tales, wrapping the islands in fresh 5°C to 15°C hugs. Büyükada adorns herself with winter finery in elegance, sheltering in intimate boutique hotels and comforting in cultivated dining rooms. Splendid Palace Hotel is an old-fashioned beacon of elegance, its founding family still upholding treasured traditions.

Serena winter mornings invite leisurely exploration of island treasure, including the tenderly gathered collection of island craft at the Köhne Local Store. Pilgrims up to Aya Yorgi Church climb in crisp winter air for 60 minutes, gaining reward in gold-filled sanctuaries and vista views.

The beauty of spring and fall

Spring and autumn offer the most magical portraits of the islands. Gentle spring breezes carry temperatures between 12°C and 20°C, gardens exploding into resplendent blooms. Cycleways and pathways beckon cyclists and pedestrians along the beauty of nature's regeneration.

Autumn is a replica of spring's gentle touch, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, with trees sporting golden headpieces against blue skies. Experience teaches the return visitor:

• Find solitude on weekday beaches
• Greet dawn or dusk from ferry piers
• Reserve afternoon hours for discoveries inside
   

Planning Your Visit

Insight accumulated across centuries of island travels turns spontaneous excursions into fond memories. Such gems of wisdom illuminate less-trodden paths, making the islands' true essence familiar to discerning visitors.

Day trip itineraries

Early morning's first light takes early risers to wait for ferries at Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. Sailors watch Istanbul fade in morning mist on the way to Kadıköy on the 75-minute ferry ride. Eternal wisdom suggests:

• Greetings morning sun from the earliest ferry decks
• Choosing quiet weekday adventures
• Responding to the evening's call before the final boats depart

Where to eat

Island kitchens communicate through centuries-old plates and morning's harvest. Sea-fresh treasures and timeless mezzes produce gastronomic masterpieces. Savory delights await at:

Nissi Restaurant, in which Büyükada's finest seafood graces white-tablecloth tables. Heyamola Ada Lokantası serves up daily vegetable mezze symphonies featuring treasures like sardine casserole. Sahil Restaurant on Burgazada pairs European chic with Mediterranean profusion.

What to bring

Traveling light enhances your island experience, offering comfort and convenience by day. Good walking shoes are a must for rambling cobblestone streets and scenic trails. A refillable water bottle will keep you hydrated and reduce plastic use, as the islands encourage an environmentally friendly mindset.

Sun protection is also a must—bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during the warmer months. If you plan on swimming, a lightweight towel and swimsuits will come in handy, as well as a small dry bag to keep valuables safe. A light jacket or shawl is a good idea for cold evening ferry rides, and a power bank ensures your phone is charged for navigation and photo-taking. Lastly, it's a good idea to bring cash, as some of the smaller venues might not accept cards.

Weathered cobblestones and ancient pines hold the secrets of these amazing islands, where Victorian splendor meets timeless peace. Each shore holds a tale - Büyükada's mansions whisper tales of past glory, Heybeliada's naval school revels in seawind pride, and Burgazada's streets echo literary footsteps.
Island philosophy is patience in discovery. 

Tranquil weekday mornings unveil hidden gems, and seasons paint changing pictures along these shores. Summer days pulsate with vibrant colors, but winter mist holds more secrets for the patient.

Sacred moments are unlocked to their full effect when tourists resist the allure of chasing multiple horizons. One island, one day, a thousand findings for those with the patience to listen. Here, where hoof marks mark time and bicycle wheels trace gentle curves, Istanbul's frenetic tempo fades into the past. These timeless havens remind tourists that life's richest riches are uncovered by those who establish their own pace to nature's own rhythm.
 

FAQs

Q1. What are the Princes Islands?
The Princes' Islands are a group of nine serene isles in the Marmara Sea, offering a peaceful escape from Istanbul’s urban energy. These car-free islands are known for their lush landscapes, historic mansions, and relaxed seaside charm.

Q2. How many Princes Islands are there in Istanbul?
There are nine islands in total, but only four: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada are accessible to visitors. The others remain private or uninhabited.

Q3. How do I get from Istanbul to the Princes Islands?
You can take a ferry from Kabataş, Kadıköy, or Bostancı, with travel times ranging from 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the route and island. Both public ferries and private boats operate daily.

Q4. Can you swim in the Princes' Islands?
Yes, swimming is popular during summer, with several beaches offering clear waters. Many visitors enjoy secluded coves, while designated beach clubs provide facilities for a comfortable seaside experience.

Q5. Which beach is best on the Princes' Islands?
Halik Koyu Beach on Büyükada is a favorite for its crystal-clear waters and scenic setting. For a quieter escape, Değirmenburnu Beach on Heybeliada offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.