The Princes' Islands: Istanbul's Car-Free Escape
A ferry ride from the city, the car-free Princes' Islands swap Istanbul's traffic for pine forests, Victorian mansions and the clip of bicycle wheels.
Four Islands, One Slow Pace
The Princes' Islands are a cluster in the Sea of Marmara, and four main ones welcome visitors. Büyükada, the Big Island, is the largest and best known, famous for its Victorian mansions, horse-and-cart history and the Aya Yorgi Church crowning its highest hill. Heybeliada, the second largest, is lush and cultural, long associated with the now-closed Halki Seminary. Burgazada draws those who love its literary past, including the home of writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık, now a museum. And Kınalıada, the smallest, stands out for the reddish tint its iron- and copper-rich soil lends the land.
The name itself is a clue to the islands' history: Byzantine princes and royalty were once exiled here, and in Ottoman times the islands became a fashionable summer retreat dotted with ornate wooden houses.
How to Get There and Around
Ferries run regularly from the Kabataş, Kadıköy and Bostancı piers, with the journey lasting somewhere between an hour and ninety minutes. Once you arrive, leave the engine noise behind: cars are off-limits aside from essential services, so everyone moves by bike, on foot or in electric carts. Rental bikes are plentiful if you'd rather pedal than walk.
Making a Day of It
Spend your time swimming, hiking the scenic trails, wandering past the old mansions, or visiting a church or monastery. The seafood and Turkish cuisine along the waterfronts are a highlight, and there are art exhibitions and cultural events through the warmer months.
Aim for spring through autumn, roughly April to October, and pack sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes and a camera. Give yourself a full day to do one island justice; visiting is free, with costs only for the ferry and any activities. A few guesthouses on Büyükada and Heybeliada mean you can even stay the night.
FAQ
How do I get to the Princes' Islands?
Regular ferries depart from Kabataş, Kadıköy and Bostancı. The crossing takes roughly 60 to 90 minutes depending on your starting pier and the type of ferry.
How do you get around once you're there?
Motor vehicles are banned except for emergencies and municipal services, so you explore on foot, by bicycle or in an electric cart. Bike rentals are easy to find near the piers.
Which island should I choose?
Büyükada is the largest and most popular, with grand mansions and the hilltop Aya Yorgi Church. Heybeliada is greener and quieter, Burgazada has literary charm, and Kınalıada is the small, reddish-soiled island closest to the city.