Table of Contents
- What Are the Princes Islands?
- The Four Main Islands - What to Expect from Each
- Getting to the Princes Islands from Istanbul
- Princes Islands Day Trip - How to Plan Your Day
- Princes Islands Map - How to Orient Yourself
- Princes Islands Beaches - Where to Swim
- Princes Islands in Winter - A Different Experience
- Practical Information
- A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
Just off the shore of Istanbul, sitting in the Marmara Sea, there's an archipelago most visitors never bother with - and that's a genuine shame. The Princes Islands are a cluster of nine small islands in Turkey that have been pulling people away from the city's noise for centuries. No cars, no motorbikes, no traffic jams. Just pine-covered hills, old wooden mansions, bike rides and the smell of the sea. They're also one of the world's more unusual day trips from a major city - a place where the main transport is still a boat or a bicycle.
This guide covers everything - all four main islands, how to get there, what to do, when to go and yes, what it's like in winter too.
What Are the Princes Islands?
The Princes Islands (Prens Adaları in Turkish) are a group of nine islands in the Marmara Sea, about 15 to 30 kilometres southeast of central Istanbul. Only four of them are inhabited and open to visitors: Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kinaliada.
The name "Princes' Islands" goes back to the Byzantine period, when the islands were used as a place of exile for members of the imperial family - princes, disgraced aristocrats and anyone else the emperor wanted out of sight. The Ottoman Empire continued using them in a similar way for centuries. By the late 19th century, the islands had transformed into a popular summer retreat for Istanbul's wealthier residents, and the grand Victorian-style wooden summer houses you'll see on Buyukada are a direct product of that era - built by Greek, Armenian and Jewish families who wanted somewhere quieter than the city.
The one thing that makes the Princes Islands genuinely different from anywhere else near Istanbul is the ban on motorized vehicles. Electric cars are permitted on Buyukada for services and accessibility - and you will occasionally spot a police car or emergency vehicle - but for getting around you're mostly on foot or on a bicycle, the way it's been for well over a century.
The Four Main Islands - What to Expect from Each
Buyukada - The Biggest and Busiest
Buyukada is the biggest island in the Princes Islands group and the one most people visit. With an area of around 5.5 km², it's large enough to spend a whole day on without running out of things to see - and the island's two hills mean there's always somewhere to walk or climb beyond the waterfront town.
One building you'll notice before you even get off the ferry is the Greek Orphanage - a massive abandoned wooden structure sitting on the hillside above the town. Built in the late 19th century, it's said to be the largest wooden building in Europe and it's genuinely striking, even in its current state of disrepair. There have been various restoration debates over the years but as of now it remains empty and closed to visitors.
The island's most-visited spot is Aya Yorgi Church (the Church of St. George), a Greek Orthodox monastery that sits right at the top of the hill. Getting up there involves either a steep walk through pine forest or a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages that wait near the ferry port - though it's worth knowing that horse-drawn carriages on Buyukada have faced significant controversy and restrictions over animal welfare, so check current rules before you go. The views from the top are genuinely good: on a clear day you can see Istanbul's skyline on one side and open sea on the other.
Down in the town, the streets are lined with old Ottoman-era wooden houses painted in faded yellows, pinks and greens. A lot of them are slightly falling apart, which honestly adds to the atmosphere. Near the waterfront there's also a small Luna Park - nothing elaborate, but a good sign of how the island functions as a genuine local resort rather than just a tourist stop. There are restaurants along the seafront serving fresh fish and mezes, plus plenty of cafes if you need to stop and sit for a bit.
Getting around Buyukada: Rent a bicycle at the ferry port - there are several rental shops right by the dock and rates are reasonable. The flat coastal road around the island takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. You can also walk most of it.
Buyukada beaches: The main beaches are on the south side of the island. Yörük Ali Beach is the most popular, though it gets packed on busy weekend afternoons in the sun. There are also hidden coves you can find by cycling or walking along the coast - worth the effort to find them if you want a quieter swim.
Heybeliada - Quieter, Greener, Worth the Extra Trip
Heybeliada (sometimes called Halki) is the second largest island and probably the best balance between things to see and peace and quiet. It's popular with Istanbulites who want a slower day out rather than a tourist experience.
The island has three hills covered in pine forest, a naval academy with fine 19th-century buildings and a few beaches on the north coast. There's a Greek Orthodox theological school up on the hill - the Halki Seminary - that's been closed since 1971 but the building is worth seeing. It's the only Greek Orthodox seminary in Turkey, which gives it a significance beyond just architecture. The waterfront has a handful of Turkish restaurants and tea houses where you can sit for an hour without feeling rushed.
Heybeliada's got a gentler feel than Buyukada - fewer visitors, narrower streets, more locals out walking their dogs. If you've got time, it's a good one to pair with Buyukada on the same day (ferries stop at multiple islands on some routes).
Burgazada - The Literary Island
Burgazada is smaller still and has a bit of a literary reputation - the Turkish writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık lived here for most of his life and the house he lived in is now a small museum. If that name doesn't mean much to you, he's roughly the Turkish equivalent of Chekhov in terms of short story writing - worth knowing about.
The island was historically home to a large Greek community - Greek citizens of the Ottoman Empire made up the majority of the population for much of its history - and the Greek Orthodox church (Agios Ioannis) is still the island's most prominent building. There are some good walking paths and a quieter beach than you'd find on Buyukada. It's not for everyone - there's genuinely not that much to do - but if you want somewhere to wander for a few hours without a crowd, Burgazada delivers that.
Kinaliada - Closest, Most Overlooked
Kinaliada is the closest of the four main islands to Istanbul and, ironically, the one tourists visit least. It's smaller, flatter and has less shade than the others, but it's got a loyal following among Istanbul residents who want to get out quickly without dealing with the crowds on Buyukada.
The island's got a distinctive look - the earth here is noticeably reddish, the result of iron and copper mining that took place across the island's history. There's a rocky coastline rather than sandy beaches, which suits some people perfectly. The island has an Armenian community with a small church. It's not a full-day island - half a day is plenty - but it's a genuinely calm place to arrive at and walk around.
Getting to the Princes Islands from Istanbul
Ferry to Princes Islands - The Main Option
Ferries are the standard way to reach the Princes Islands from Istanbul and they're run by Şehir Hatları (City Lines), the main public ferry operator. The boat journey itself is part of the experience - departing from the Kabataş dock or from Eminönü (past Galata Bridge and the Hamidiye Mosque), you get a proper view of Istanbul's skyline receding behind you as the ships head out into the Marmara Sea.
Ferry departure points:
- European side: Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Eminönü
- Asian side: Kadıköy, Bostancı
Journey times and costs vary by route and ferry type. Regular public ferries from Kabataş cost around 45-50 TL and take roughly 75-100 minutes to Buyukada. Fast seabus options are quicker but more expensive.
Route Departure Point Journey Time (approx.) Istanbul to Buyukada Kabataş or Bostancı 60-90 min (Kabataş), 40-60 min (Bostancı) Istanbul to Heybeliada Kabataş or Bostancı 80-100 min (Kabataş) Istanbul to Burgazada Kabataş or Bostancı 70-90 min (Kabataş) Istanbul to Kinaliada Kabataş or Bostancı 45-60 min (Kabataş)
Kabataş is the most popular departure point for visitors coming from the tourist areas around Sultanahmet or Taksim - it's easy to reach by public transport (tram T1 direct to the Kabataş dock). Bostancı on the Asian side saves time if you're already over there.
You pay with an Istanbul Card (also written as Istanbulkart) - the same city transport card you'd use for trams, buses and the metro. Tickets are cheap and you won't need to queue at a separate window if your card's topped up.
Practical tip: On summer weekends, ferries to Buyukada get packed. Go early - the first ferry of the day will have much more room and you'll beat the crowds at the beaches and restaurants.
Getting to Princes Islands Istanbul - Step by Step
- Get an Istanbul Card if you don't already have one - buy one at the Kabataş dock, ferry terminals or metro stations
- Head to Kabataş ferry terminal (accessible by tram T1, stop: Kabataş)
- Check the current Şehir Hatları timetable - it changes seasonally, so look it up on the day
- Board the ferry and find a seat on the upper deck if you can - the views coming into the islands are good
From Bostancı on the Asian side, take the Marmaray suburban rail or a local bus to Bostancı, then follow signs to the ferry terminal.
Princes Islands Day Trip - How to Plan Your Day
Visiting the Princes Islands from Istanbul as a day trip is genuinely doable and most people's experience of the archipelago - you don't need to stay overnight to get a real feel for island life. Here's how to make it work without feeling rushed.
Sample Itinerary: A Full Day on Buyukada
Early start (depart 8:00-9:00am)
Catch the first ferry out from Kabataş. Early services are noticeably quieter than the mid-morning ones - and you'll arrive at the port while the island's still waking up.
On arrival (10:00-11:00am)
Rent a bicycle at the dock - 10 minutes max, shops are right there. Start with the lower town: cycle along the seafront road, have a look at the wooden mansions, stop for a Turkish tea.
11:00am - 1:00pm
Head uphill to Aya Yorgi Church. It's a solid 30-40 minute walk through pine trees or a shorter ride on a steep path. The monastery at the top is simple but the setting's genuinely impressive. Bring water.
Lunch (1:00-2:30pm)
Head back down and eat at one of the seafront restaurants. Grilled fish, calamari and mezes are the standard order. Prices are higher than the Istanbul mainland but not outrageous.
Afternoon (2:30-5:00pm)
Cycle around to the beaches on the far side of the island for a dip if it's warm enough. Or just keep cycling the perimeter - it's flat enough to be relaxing rather than a workout.
Evening ferry (5:00-6:00pm)
Head back to the dock. There are ferries throughout the afternoon and evening. If you're flexible, the later ones are less crowded.
Two Islands in One Day
If you want to see more of the archipelago, covering two islands in one visit is possible - Buyukada and Heybeliada work well together. Take the early ferry, spend 3-4 hours on Buyukada, then catch an inter-island boat to Heybeliada for the afternoon. Check the ferry schedule before you go - inter-island services don't run as frequently as mainland connections.
Princes Islands Map - How to Orient Yourself
The islands sit in a rough northwest-to-southeast line in the Marmara Sea. From the map, you can see:
- Kinaliada is the closest to Istanbul, furthest northwest
- Burgazada sits next, slightly southeast
- Heybeliada comes third
- Buyukada is the furthest out and the largest - at the southeast end of the chain
On the islands themselves, navigation is simple. Buyukada's ferry dock is at the north of the island - the town spreads out from there, with the hill and Aya Yorgi Church to the south. The coastal road circles the whole island and you won't get lost on a bike. The other islands are small enough that you'll figure them out on foot within 15 minutes.
For a practical Princes Islands Istanbul map, Google Maps has reasonable coverage of all four islands - cycling paths, restaurants and beaches are all on there.
Princes Islands Beaches - Where to Swim
Swimming is one of the main reasons people visit, especially in summer. The Sea of Marmara around the islands is generally cleaner than the Bosphorus, which gets a lot of boat traffic - and the water's clear enough that you can see the bottom from the shore on calm days.
Buyukada Beaches
- Yörük Ali Beach - the most popular public beach, south coast, ideal for swimming in the sun
- Dil Burnu - a quieter stretch on the eastern tip, good for snorkelling
- Hidden coves along the coastal path - best found on a bicycle, worth seeking out on a weekday
Heybeliada Beaches
- Çam Limanı - a small beach on the north side, Turkish pines right down to the water, usually less packed than Buyukada
- Several small inlets accessible on foot from the main paths
Burgazada and Kinaliada
Both islands have rocky coastlines better suited to swimming off rocks than lying on sand - which some people prefer. The water's clear and there are good spots if you're happy to explore a bit.
Water temperature: The Marmara Sea is swimmable from roughly June through September. July and August are warmest (around 22-24°C). Outside those months the boat ride is still worth it - just don't expect to swim.
Princes Islands in Winter - A Different Experience
Visiting the Princes Islands in winter is not the same as in the warmer months, and it shouldn't be. But it's not a bad experience - just a very different one.
Most of the island's restaurants and shops close between October and April. Buyukada keeps a few places open through the year since people do live there permanently - there's a small resident population - but you'll find maybe 2-3 cafes and restaurants rather than 20. The beaches are empty and the ferry runs less frequently.
What you get in winter is quiet. Real quiet - the kind that's actually rare on the islands in the busy season. The pine forests on the hills stay green, the wooden mansions look dramatic in grey winter light and you'll have the cycling paths almost to yourself. It's a good day out from Istanbul if you want fresh air and somewhere to walk without other tourists around.
A few things to know about winter visits:
- Check the Şehir Hatları timetable carefully - winter services run maybe 2-3 ferries per day rather than 6-8
- Ferry services can be cancelled entirely during storms and high waves - this happens more often in autumn and winter than you'd expect, so have a backup plan
- Bring your own food or snacks if you're unsure what's open
- Aya Yorgi Church is open year-round and actually quieter in winter
- Weather can turn cold and wet between December and February - dress accordingly
- Finally, spring (March-April) is a good shoulder option: fewer crowds, some places starting to open, and the island's wildflowers are out.
Practical Information
When to Go
Season Pros Cons June-August Warm, beaches open, full ferry schedule Very crowded on weekends, accommodation pricey April-May Good weather starting, less crowded Some places still closed, sea too cold to swim September-October Still warm, thinner crowds, sea swimmable Some restaurants starting to close November-March Quiet, atmospheric, cheap Limited services, cold, no swimming
What to Bring on a Day Trip
- Istanbul Card (loaded with enough credit for ferry + return)
- Cash (some small cafes and bike rentals don't take cards)
- Sunscreen and a hat if the sun's out
- Water - especially if you're walking up to Aya Yorgi Church
- A light jacket - sea breezes can be cool even on warm days
Bicycle Rental on the Islands
Rental shops cluster around the ferry docks on all the main islands. Prices on Buyukada typically run around 25-50 TL for the day on weekdays - check current rates as prices shift with inflation. Standard bikes, tandems and electric bikes are usually available.
Where to Stay
Most visitors do the Princes Islands as a day visit from Istanbul, but there's a handful of hotels on Buyukada if you want to stay overnight. Each hotel tends to be a Turkish guesthouse or a small boutique place - nothing large-scale. Staying the night means you get the islands in the quiet hours before the first boats arrive and after the last ones leave, which is a genuinely different experience.
Food and Drink
The Princes Islands are known for seafood and Turkish cuisine. Fresh fish restaurants line the waterfront on Buyukada, and grilled fish with salad and bread is the standard Turkish lunch. The islands also have plenty of traditional meyhanes serving raki and Greek-style mezze - a reflection of the islands' multi-cultural history. Tea houses (çay bahçesi) are everywhere and cheap.
Getting Back to Istanbul
Ferries back to Istanbul run from each island's main dock. On Buyukada, the dock is where you arrived - you can't miss it. Check the return schedule before you go out cycling so you don't miss the last boat.
If you're flexible, the early evening ferries back to Kabataş are popular and the light on the water heading back to Istanbul is genuinely good.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Go
The Princes Islands are popular with Turkish and Istanbul residents, not just tourists - which is part of what makes them feel different from a standard sightseeing destination. On busy weekends the main islands (especially Buyukada) get crowded by mid-morning. Weekdays are noticeably quieter - and if you can visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, you'll see a completely different side of island life.
The islands have been a Greek, Armenian and Jewish community centre for centuries alongside the Turkish majority - and that history is visible in the architecture, the churches and the community buildings. It's a more layered place than a quick visit might suggest.
And one more thing: the islands genuinely are car-free. After 10 minutes there you'll notice how strange it is to walk in the road without checking for traffic - and how pleasant that actually is.