Princes' Islands

Istanbul · 1 tour & ticket

Address

Nizam, Büyükada İskelesi, 34970 Adalar/İstanbul

Tours & Tickets for Princes' Islands

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Istanbul

Princes' Islands Full-Day Guided Tour from Istanbul with Lunch

From 28€

27€

About Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands are a small group of islands in the Sea of Marmara, off Istanbul's Asian shore, reached by ferry from the city. There are nine islands in total, but four are the ones people actually visit: Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada. Buyukada is the largest and the most popular, the one most day trips head for. The name comes from the Byzantine period, when members of the imperial family and, later, exiled royals were sent to live out here, away from the capital.

The main draw is the pace. Motorized traffic is heavily restricted, so getting around is done on foot, by bicycle, or in the electric buggies that replaced the old horse-drawn carriages. Buyukada is dotted with large timber Ottoman-era mansions, many dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, set among pine woods and gardens. A climb or ride up to the top of Buyukada leads to the Aya Yorgi (Saint George) monastery, which has wide views back over the water. The islands have long been home to Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities, and you can still see that mix in the churches, synagogues, and old summer houses.

A visit is really a full-day outing from Istanbul. The ferry ride itself takes the better part of an hour depending on the departure point and whether it's a fast or standard boat, so it's worth checking current timetables before you go, as schedules change with the season. Bring swimwear in summer, since the beaches and swimming spots are one of the main reasons locals come. Weekends in warm weather get very crowded and the ferries fill up, so an early start or a weekday trip makes for a calmer day.

FAQs

How do you get to the Princes' Islands?

By ferry across the Sea of Marmara. Boats run from several points in Istanbul, including Eminonu, Kabatas, and Bostanci, and the crossing takes roughly an hour depending on the route and whether it's a fast or standard service. Timetables vary by season, so check current departures before you set out.

Which island should I visit if I only have one day?

Buyukada is the usual choice. It's the largest, has the widest range of things to see, from timber mansions to the hilltop Aya Yorgi monastery, and it's the easiest to reach. Heybeliada is a quieter alternative if you'd rather avoid the biggest crowds.

Can you drive a car on the Princes' Islands?

No, private motor traffic is heavily restricted. Getting around is done on foot, by rented bicycle, or in the small electric buggies that now serve where horse-drawn carriages once did. It's one of the reasons the islands feel so different from the rest of Istanbul.

When is the best time to visit the Princes' Islands?

Late spring through early autumn is the most pleasant, and summer is when the swimming spots come into their own. Weekends in warm weather get very busy and the ferries can fill up, so a weekday or an early start makes for a calmer day.