The "Princes' Islands" name tells us about this archipelago's fascinating story. These islands, more than a millennium old, served as exile spots for Byzantine royalty who lost their power. Deposed emperors, troublesome princes, and political enemies found themselves banished here during Constantinople's stormy past.
The Byzantine Empire chose these islands as secure spots to exile their political opponents. Emperor Romanus IV Diogenes could see Hagia Sophia's dome from his exile on Kınalı Island after the Turks defeated him at Manzikert in 1071. His successors later ordered him blinded.
The Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453 didn't change the islands' role as places of isolation. The Ottoman sultans' family members also ended up here in exile. These islands slowly evolved from punishment spots into peaceful retreats.
The 19th century brought an amazing change. Istanbul's wealthy elite turned the Princes' Islands into their favorite getaway. They built Victorian-era cottages and houses throughout the islands. Many of these buildings still stand today, especially on Büyükada, the largest island. Ottoman royalty picked these islands as their retreat for good reasons - they were cooler than Istanbul's hot summers, away from the city crowds, and had luxurious royal accommodations.
The islands' population was quite diverse before the 1950s. The Ottoman General Census of 1881/82-1893 showed 7,937 people living there:
Greeks dominated the population in 1912 with 10,250 people compared to just 670 Turks. Religious diversity flourished here, too. Heybeliada Island's Halki seminary, founded in 1844, served as the Eastern Orthodox Church's Ecumenical Patriarchate's main theological school until 1971.
Everything changed after World War I and the Ottoman Empire's collapse. Population exchanges between Turkey and Greece reshuffled the islands' cultural makeup. The islands became more Turkish, starting with the British Yacht Club on Büyükada becoming Anadolu Kulübü for Turkish parliamentarians in the 1920s.
Today's Princes' Islands give us a unique window into Ottoman Istanbul's multicultural past. The archipelago earned protected status in 1984 as a "natural, urban, archeological, and historical preservation site," with 899 registered monuments, mostly on Büyükada.
These islands act as living museums that protect history for future generations. Continuous work to protect historical sites helps keep the cultural heritage and stories alive as essential parts of the islands' character.
A visit to the Princes' Islands today reveals an incredible mix of Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern influences. Monasteries, churches, and Victorian mansions dot the islands, telling stories of exiled royalty and wealthy summer residents from past centuries. This rich architectural heritage combines with natural beauty to create more than just a peaceful escape from Istanbul - it's a journey through fascinating layers of history.
The Princes' Islands create a stunning archipelago in the Sea of Marmara. This chain of nine islands sits 13 to 25 kilometers from Istanbul's mainland, with only four islands having permanent residents. These beautiful islands stretch from northwest to southeast, making a unique geographic formation.
Büyükada, which means "Big Island," stands out as the crown jewel of the archipelago at 5.46 square kilometers. The island's two main areas each have their own charm - Nizam draws people with its restaurants, while Maden showcases its beautiful historic mansions.
You'll find Aya Yorgi Hill dominating the island's landscape. At 203 meters, it's the highest point across all the islands and rewards visitors with spectacular views of both the island and Istanbul's skyline in the distance.
The island's rich history shines through its landmarks. The sixth-century Ayia Yorgi Church and Monastery, Ayios Dimitrios Church, and Abdul Hamid II's Hamidiye Mosque tell stories of the past. The old Greek Orphanage, a massive wooden building on Hristos peak, now serves the community as the Prinkipo Environmental Center.
Heybeliada, meaning "Saddlebag Island," is the second largest at 2.4 square kilometers and holds deep religious significance. The Halki Seminary, which opened its doors in 1844, was the Eastern Orthodox Church's Ecumenical Patriarchate's main theological school until 1971.
This historic seminary rests at the island's highest point, inside an 11th-century Greek Orthodox monastery. The Naval Cadet School near the jetty houses two remarkable treasures: Kamariotissa, Constantinople's last Byzantine church before its fall, and Elizabeth I's ambassador Edward Barton's final resting place.
Burgazada might be overlooked by tourists, but locals love this 1.5-square-kilometer gem. Bayraktepe (Flag Hill) rises 170 meters above the island, which offers a peaceful escape from its busier neighbors.
The island's literary heritage lives on through famous Turkish writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık's home, now a museum. His bronze statue sits at Kalpazankaya on the western shore, his favorite spot, where restaurant owners keep his glass of rakı full every day.
St. John the Baptist's Greek Orthodox Church's dome defines the island's skyline. Nikolaos Dimadis designed this architectural masterpiece, built between 1896 and 1899. Kalpazankaya beach draws visitors with its amazing sunsets and excellent seafood.
Kınalıada sits just 12 kilometers from the mainland, making it the perfect starting point for island exploration. This 1.3-square-kilometer island gets its name "Henna Island" from its reddish soil, rich in iron and copper.
Three hills shape the island's profile: Çınar (115 meters), Teşrifiye (110 meters), and Manastır (93 meters). Unlike its greener neighbors, Kınalıada has few trees. About 2,000 people call it home year-round, but summer brings waves of 20,000-30,000 visitors.
The five uninhabited islands each tell their own story. Sedef Adası ("Mother-of-Pearl Island") spans 0.157 square kilometers and remains mostly private, with strict two-floor building limits.
Sivriada ("Sharp Island") and Yassıada ("Flat Island") were once Byzantine exile spots. Yassıada still keeps four underground prison cells from that era. The archipelago's tiny treasures, Kaşık Adası ("Spoon Island") and Tavşan Adası ("Rabbit Island"), measure just 0.006 and 0.004 square kilometers.
You can only reach the Princes' Islands by ferry, which adds to its charm. Several operators run services from different points in Istanbul, making the islands available throughout the year.
Şehir Hatları runs the main public ferry service to the Princes' Islands in Turkey. These conventional ferries move more slowly but run more reliably, with regular schedules and stops at all four main islands. Both tourists and locals use them because they're affordable and frequent.
IDO's sea buses (fast ferries) give you a quicker trip. These vessels run at irregular times and mainly serve commuting locals. You'll find other options from private operators like TurYol, Dentur Avrasya, and Mavi Marmara, especially during the summer months.
The European side's most frequent ferries leave from Kabataş, which connects well with public transportation. Beşiktaş and Eminönü serve as other departure points. Staying on the Asian side? Kadıköy and Bostancı offer easy access points, and Bostancı gives you the shortest ferry ride to the islands.
European Side departures: Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Eminönü Asian Side departures: Kadıköy, Bostancı, Maltepe, Tuzla, Pendik
Your travel time depends on where you start and which ferry you take. Regular ferries from the European side take about 100 minutes to reach Büyükada (the last stop). Sea buses make the same trip in about 55 minutes.
Right now, Şehir Hatları ferry tickets cost around 114.57 TL (about $2 USD) for a one-way trip[174]. Using your Istanbulkart gets you a discount. IDO sea buses cost a bit more at about 10 TL per person one-way.
Morning ferries work best for visiting the Princes' Islands in Istanbul. You'll want to catch one of the first departures to make the most of your day and dodge the crowds. Weekdays give you a more peaceful experience than weekends and holidays, which draw many more visitors.
The seasons affect visitor numbers a lot. Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) give you the best mix of nice weather and manageable crowds. Summer weekend ferries fill up fast—get there 15-30 minutes early to grab good seats.
Note that ferry schedules change with the seasons, so check departure times before you visit. The last ferries back to Istanbul get very packed, especially on weekends—you might want to plan an earlier return trip.
The Princes' Islands in Turkey welcome you to a car-free paradise with plenty to see and do.
The islands have banned motorized vehicles, so bikes and electric vehicles are the best ways to get around. E-bikes make it easy to handle the hills. Regular bikes cost about 80-100 Turkish lira per hour. Electric shuttles are also ready to take you around if you don't want to cycle.
The islands have amazing religious sites waiting to be found. The Monastery of the Transfiguration (Hristo Monastery) on Kınalıada was once home to exiled Byzantine Emperors in the 11th century. Today, many tourists visit this monastery despite its rocky past of being torn down and rebuilt.
Beach lovers should head to Nakibey Plaj, which has its own boat service from Grand Paddle. The water quality gets mixed reviews, but you'll find warm showers, cabins, and sunbeds. Yoruk Ali Beach is another great spot that has won Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice award.
Büyükada's Prinkipo Greek Orphanage is Europe's largest wooden building and the world's second largest. This massive 20,000-square-meter structure served as an orphanage from 1903 to 1964. The building needs repairs, but work continues to save it and turn it into an environmental center.
The islands' shores are lined with excellent seafood spots. Fresh fish and traditional mezes are the stars of local menus. Nissi Restaurant & Cafe, Palya Teras Balık, and Secret Garden Restaurant rank among the best. Prices near the docks run high, so try the side streets to find better deals.
A trip to Aya Yorgi Church rewards you with amazing views and spiritual peace. This 6th-century Greek Orthodox church sits at Büyükada's highest point. The path starts at Lunapark Square and climbs about 750 meters, taking 20-30 minutes. Inside, the church's peaceful atmosphere showcases beautiful frescoes and religious icons.
Good preparation will give a smooth experience when you visit the Princes' Islands in Turkey. Let me share what you need to know to make your trip enjoyable.
A swimsuit, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are essential to navigate the hilly terrain. The evenings can get breezy, especially when you have the ferry ride back, so pack a light jacket. Many small shops won't take cards, so keep cash handy.
Büyükada offers several great places to stay overnight. You can think over these options: Splendid Palace Hotel (historic luxury with sea views), Ada Palas Boutique Hotel (romantic atmosphere), or Mimoza Hotel (family-friendly value). Book your stay early since summer weekends fill up fast. No. 16 Ada stands out with its clean, authentic property and tasty breakfast.
Weekday visits help you dodge the weekend crowds. Harbor restaurants tend to charge more - better value awaits inland, or you could bring a picnic. Check prices before you sit down because some places add surprise "taxes".
Electric buses circle the islands for 34 TL per ride, whatever the distance. Bike rentals cost 25-50 TL daily, depending on weekday/weekend rates. Electric taxis that fit three passengers give more flexibility but cost more. Note that islands connect only through scheduled ferries - there are no shuttle boats between them.
The Princes' Islands are Istanbul's hidden gems that blend history, natural beauty, and peaceful retreat just a ferry ride away from the busy metropolis. These car-free havens take you back in time with breathtaking views of the Sea of Marmara, historic architecture, and delicious seafood.
Each island has its own unique charm. Büyükada amazes visitors with Victorian mansions. Heybeliada draws people to its seminary. Burgazada shows off its literary heritage. Kınalıada welcomes everyone to its beautiful beaches. The islands feel refreshing without motorized vehicles, and bicycle bells create a peaceful atmosphere instead of car horns.
Your experience will be better if you visit on weekdays rather than weekends. The weather stays pleasant with smaller crowds during the spring and fall months. Going beyond the harbor areas lets you experience authentic island life and better deals.
Most people enjoy day trips, but overnight stays reveal the islands' true magic after the crowds leave. The sunrise and sunset feel special with just a handful of people around. These islands are the perfect escape from Istanbul's fast pace. Their story from exile destinations to exclusive retreats adds an interesting layer to your visit. A ferry ride across the Marmara, a rented bicycle, and winding paths show why generations of locals and tourists love these islands. No trip to Istanbul feels complete without visiting this peaceful archipelago where time slows down enough to enjoy every moment.
Q1. How do I get to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul?
You can reach the Princes' Islands by ferry from several points in Istanbul. The main public ferry service is operated by Şehir Hatları, departing from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Eminönü on the European side, and Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. The journey takes about 100 minutes on regular ferries.
Q2. Are cars allowed on the Princes' Islands?
No, the Princes' Islands maintain a car-free environment. The only modes of transportation on the islands are bicycles, electric vehicles, and horse-drawn carriages. This contributes to the islands' peaceful and unique atmosphere.
Q3. What are the must-visit attractions on the Princes' Islands?
Key attractions include the Greek Orphanage ruins on Büyükada, the Halki Seminary on Heybeliada, and the Aya Yorgi Church for panoramic views. You can also enjoy swimming at beaches like Nakibey or Yoruk Ali, and explore historic monasteries and churches scattered across the islands.
Q4. When is the best time to visit the Princes' Islands?
The ideal times to visit are during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant and crowds are manageable. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. It's advisable to catch early morning ferries to maximize your day and avoid crowds.
Q5. Can I stay overnight on the Princes' Islands?
Yes, you can stay overnight on the islands, particularly on Büyükada. There are several accommodation options ranging from luxury hotels to boutique guesthouses. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during summer weekends when the islands are most popular.