What to see on the Princes' Islands
The Princes' Islands are an ideal place for those who want to take a break from the bustling Istanbul and plunge into the atmosphere of rural seclusion. There is no motor transport here, so the air is crystal clear, and the sound of the sea from all sides helps to fully immerse yourself in a relaxed atmosphere.
In this article, you will learn:
In this article, you will learn:
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How many Princes' Islands there are
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How to get to the Princes' Islands
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Where to find the best beaches on the Princes' Islands
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What to see on the Princes' Islands
Before sharing all you need to know about reaching and enjoying the islands, here's important context that will help you better understand this place.
These islands once served as exile sites for Byzantine princes and nobility — hence their name. Later, they became popular retreats for wealthy Ottoman Empire residents, and then European bourgeoisie.
Until recently, horse-drawn carriages were the main transport on the Princes' Islands, creating a special charm. However, due to street pollution from waste, infrastructure overload, and frequent cases of horse abuse and poor maintenance, the carriages were banned. Today, transport on the islands is fully electrified, using eco-friendly electric cars.
As for the horses? They were relocated to the mainland, where they are under veterinary supervision and kept in better conditions, ensuring a more dignified life.
These islands once served as exile sites for Byzantine princes and nobility — hence their name. Later, they became popular retreats for wealthy Ottoman Empire residents, and then European bourgeoisie.
Until recently, horse-drawn carriages were the main transport on the Princes' Islands, creating a special charm. However, due to street pollution from waste, infrastructure overload, and frequent cases of horse abuse and poor maintenance, the carriages were banned. Today, transport on the islands is fully electrified, using eco-friendly electric cars.
As for the horses? They were relocated to the mainland, where they are under veterinary supervision and kept in better conditions, ensuring a more dignified life.
The Architectural Style of the Princes' Islands reflects cultural influences from different eras. The diversity of styles is explained by the islands serving as home to various peoples and cultures over centuries.
Ottomans, Greeks, and Europeans who settled here contributed to the islands' architectural appearance. Ottoman traditions are visible in elegant wooden mansions, Greeks added elements of classical symmetry and simplicity, while Europeans brought the sophistication of Art Nouveau and eclecticism.
Moreover, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands became popular vacation spots for wealthy merchants and officials who built country residences here, inspired by European architectural fashion of the time. This blend of cultures and eras creates the unique atmosphere of the Princes' Islands, which is preserved today thanks to many buildings' protected heritage status.
Now that you know more about their history, let's move on to the most interesting details of your trip!
Ottomans, Greeks, and Europeans who settled here contributed to the islands' architectural appearance. Ottoman traditions are visible in elegant wooden mansions, Greeks added elements of classical symmetry and simplicity, while Europeans brought the sophistication of Art Nouveau and eclecticism.
Moreover, in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the islands became popular vacation spots for wealthy merchants and officials who built country residences here, inspired by European architectural fashion of the time. This blend of cultures and eras creates the unique atmosphere of the Princes' Islands, which is preserved today thanks to many buildings' protected heritage status.
Now that you know more about their history, let's move on to the most interesting details of your trip!
How Many Princes' Islands Are There
The Princes' Islands form an archipelago in the Marmara Sea, just a few kilometers from Istanbul's coast. Of nine total islands, four are open to visitors:
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Büyükada — largest and most popular, featuring beautiful beaches and restaurants
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Heybeliada — known for green parks and tranquility
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Burgazada — ideal for those seeking secluded relaxation
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Kınalıada — closest island, with cozy beaches and ancient churches
Trip to the Princes' Islands
The only way to reach the Princes' Islands is by sea. You can get to the archipelago in two ways: private yacht/boat rental — a fast and comfortable option, or public ferry — an affordable and scenic way to enjoy the Marmara Sea views.
You can take a ferry trip to the Princes' Islands from both the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.
From European side:
You can take a ferry trip to the Princes' Islands from both the European and Asian parts of Istanbul.
From European side:
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Eminönü.Travel time: about 1.5 hours
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Kabataş. Travel time: about 1.5 hours
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Beşiktaş: travel time about 1.5 hours
From Asian side:
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Kadıköy. Travel time: about 1 hour
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Bostancı. Travel time: about 50 minutes
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Kartal: travel time about 40 minutes
Note that travel to the Princes' Islands is only possible with Istanbulkart transport card, which can be purchased at:
- Metro station and ferry terminal vending machines
- Newsstands marked "Istanbulkart Satış Noktası"
The card costs about 70 Turkish lira (as of February 2025). For ferry travel, the card balance must be topped up in advance at the same machines or kiosks.
- Metro station and ferry terminal vending machines
- Newsstands marked "Istanbulkart Satış Noktası"
The card costs about 70 Turkish lira (as of February 2025). For ferry travel, the card balance must be topped up in advance at the same machines or kiosks.
Beaches on the Princes' Islands
The beaches on the Princes' Islands are one of the main attractions drawing tourists here. You'll find crystal-clear water, public beaches, and trendy beach clubs.
Burgazada and Kinaliada have predominantly rocky coastlines with limited entertainment, but two beaches deserve attention. Burgazada Halk Plajı is a peaceful public beach, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from noise — offering just the sea, pontoons with sunbeds, and no music.
On Kınalıada, visit the stylish Noya Beach, which offers relaxed beach time during the day and transforms into a vibrant party venue with DJ and dancing at night.
Burgazada and Kinaliada have predominantly rocky coastlines with limited entertainment, but two beaches deserve attention. Burgazada Halk Plajı is a peaceful public beach, perfect for those seeking tranquility away from noise — offering just the sea, pontoons with sunbeds, and no music.
On Kınalıada, visit the stylish Noya Beach, which offers relaxed beach time during the day and transforms into a vibrant party venue with DJ and dancing at night.
On Büyükada, Nakibey and Yörükali beaches are suitable for family recreation with children, famous for their convenient infrastructure and safe swimming areas.
On Heybeliada, Ada Beach Club is the best choice for family leisure — a beautiful spot with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
For families with children, ideal beaches include Green Beach Club and Asaf Aile Plajı, which feature the only water slides on the Princes' Islands.
On Heybeliada, Ada Beach Club is the best choice for family leisure — a beautiful spot with a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
For families with children, ideal beaches include Green Beach Club and Asaf Aile Plajı, which feature the only water slides on the Princes' Islands.
What to See on the Princes' Islands
The islands offer numerous attractions and places for a pleasant stay. Here's what's worth doing on the islands:
1. Seafood Restaurants — an essential stop during your visit to the Princes' Islands. Along the coastline, you'll find numerous establishments serving fresh seafood, and in the evening, you can enjoy traditional Turkish meze with rakı (anise drink), typically diluted with water or ice.
While most restaurants are similar in quality, we recommend a special place on Büyükada — Milto Restaurant, endorsed by famous Turkish gourmet Vedat Milor.
While most restaurants are similar in quality, we recommend a special place on Büyükada — Milto Restaurant, endorsed by famous Turkish gourmet Vedat Milor.
2. St. George's Church on Büyükada is one of the island's main attractions — located in the scenic Dilber Düzü park, known for its panoramic views.
The park offers bicycle rentals for rides along shaded paths. However, reaching St. George's Church by bike is challenging due to steep, hilly roads — walking is the better option, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
The park offers bicycle rentals for rides along shaded paths. However, reaching St. George's Church by bike is challenging due to steep, hilly roads — walking is the better option, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
3. Sinem Dondurma on Burgazada is a historic ice cream shop where you can try authentic Turkish stretchy ice cream made from natural fruits. The ice cream here stands out with its unique texture and taste. Our recommendation: make sure to try their pistachio ice cream it's a must-try!
4. Büyükada Greek Orphanage is an abandoned building on Büyükada Island, known as the Greek Orphan House. Built in 1898-1899, it was originally planned as a casino-hotel but was never used for this purpose. In 1903, the building was transferred to the Greek community and converted into an orphanage for Greek children.
This massive wooden structure, covering 20,000 square meters, is considered one of Europe's largest wooden buildings and represents an outstanding example of late 19th-century architecture. Today it stands abandoned but remains an important historical and architectural landmark on the island.
This massive wooden structure, covering 20,000 square meters, is considered one of Europe's largest wooden buildings and represents an outstanding example of late 19th-century architecture. Today it stands abandoned but remains an important historical and architectural landmark on the island.
5. The atmosphere of Istanbul's fin-de-siècle is recreated at the Splendid Palace Hotel, where King Edward VIII of England and other representatives of secular Europe stayed at that time.
Special attention should be paid to its beautiful communal living room and bar on the ground floor, which are decorated with exquisite taste. Tea and cakes are served here from 15:00 to 18:00, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient European holiday in the heart of Istanbul.
Special attention should be paid to its beautiful communal living room and bar on the ground floor, which are decorated with exquisite taste. Tea and cakes are served here from 15:00 to 18:00, allowing you to enjoy the atmosphere of an ancient European holiday in the heart of Istanbul.
As you have already understood from this article, the Princes' Islands are a place worth seeing with your own eyes. There is no fuss here, just history, nature and a captivating atmosphere of tranquility in which you really want to stay.
And if you want to fully experience the magic of the Princes' Islands, join our yacht voyage. During the trip, you'll swim in scenic bays, visit historic mansions, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and escape the city bustle.
And if you want to fully experience the magic of the Princes' Islands, join our yacht voyage. During the trip, you'll swim in scenic bays, visit historic mansions, enjoy panoramic viewpoints, and escape the city bustle.