Princes' Islands
Nine car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara an hour's ferry from the city — Büyükada's wooden mansions, pine hills and electric carts, Heybeliada's quiet — Istanbul's favourite summer day out.
Byzantine emperors exiled rivals to these islands; Ottoman Greeks, Armenians and Jews built summer houses; and since the 20th century they have been where Istanbul goes on a Sunday. Cars are banned — since 2020 electric minibuses and carts have replaced the horse-drawn phaetons — so the sound is bicycles, gulls and the ferry horn.
Which island
- Büyükada: the largest and busiest — the Splendid Palas hotel, the wooden villas of Çankaya Avenue, the 45-minute climb to the Aya Yorgi monastery for the view, and a full loop road for cycling.
- Heybeliada: quieter, with the Naval Academy, pine forest and a proper beach club; the local choice.
- Burgazada: small, with Sait Faik's house and a swimming platform.
- Kınalıada: the closest and most residential; least for visitors.
Getting there and timing
Şehir Hatları ferries from Kabataş and Eminönü take 90 minutes to Büyükada with stops; fast sea buses from Kabataş or Bostancı take 35–50 minutes. Istanbulkart works on all, at a higher island fare. Go on a weekday in May, June, September or October; summer weekends mean queues for the boat and every table taken. Take the 10:00 boat out and a 17:00–18:00 boat back for sunset over the water.
Frequently asked questions
Büyükada for a first visit — most to see and the monastery view; Heybeliada if you want quiet and a swim.
