Princes' Islands, Istanbul

There are nine islands on Marmara sea close to the city of Istanbul. These islands are called Princes' Islands, because in the old days the princes used to be exiled in these islands. Four of these nine islands are inhabited. There are mostly the summer houses of the inhabitants of Istanbul. These islands are called Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Buyukada. To drive cars, trucks or motorcycles are banded on the islands. The Princes' Islands are considered attractive because their total lack of cars (horse-drawn carriages) and the natural and scenic beauty. For a long time they were used as hideaways for Ottoman royalty.

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Taking a break from the hustle and bustle of istanbul is well advised, and you can achieve this by getting your tickets from the docks near the dolumbace palace. It is certainly an all day events, but will promise out door fun. I rented a bicycle and actually rode around the entire island, uphill, until i finally reached the pinacle circling around the inlet where you can have the panoramic view of the mountainous islands this place is famous for.

It is truly idyllic to ride your bike along oceanside roads, and immerse in the blue water under the heavenly canopy of sky. There are many sights here as well, like the miliitary base, and the beautiful homes cascading along the hills, dotting the landscape. its a huge island, and there is much to see, but more to enjoy, so have a picnic or just take in the beauties of mother nature and the amazing climate.

There are small islands called Kinali, Heybeli, Burgaz,Buyukada,Sedefadasý which are too close to Istanbul.You can go there by city ships.There are no motor vehicles : only phaetons, bicycles,trees, birds , flowers and of course the marmara sea.
There are especially summer houses , and also few people who lives in summer and winter.

They are amazing places for the citizians who want to escape from the noise of city.

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Buyukada is one of the biggest islands in the sea of marmara where royalty were exiled during the byzantine times and later during the Ottoman period , no cars are allowed and various ferries leave from the Asian side and European side to the Island however the boat trip is cut to half the time or less if taken from th Asian side of Istanbul as it takes almost an hour and half to reach from European side ,Eminonu. A good day out to walk around ,take a horse carriage around the Island ,have a nice meal in the many restaurants along the shore and enjoy it`s tranquility & homes.Last ferries leave at a particular schedule to both sides of istanbul so keep this in mind or else you `ll have to swim back.

Hi all!

First of all, I want to thank you all for the help and advices!

I just came back and I would like to share my impressions with those who are on the way from Istanbul to the Prince's islands.

Actually, I didn't check if the Eminonu station was now working or not. The guy from the reception of my hotel said that I should go to the Besiktas station in order to catch the ferry to the Prince's islands - they call the islands "Adalar". So, there is a tram going from Aksaray, Laleli, Sultanahmet area, etc. to Besiktas. The tram ticket is 1,4 TYL. And it stops right next to the Besiktas station - there is no chance to miss it. The journey is quick too - may be not more than 15-20min.

From Besiktas there are a number of ferries to the islands. So get a jeton (token) - it is 2,80 TYL one way. When the boat comes, people get on. Be prepared to survive in the crowd :) And go there earlier if you want to get a nice seat. The boat was very comfortable - there were also snacks, tea, coffee and WC on board ;) Something very important - get yourself some jacket, because it gets quite chilly when the boat is in the sea. And of course, don't forget the sunscreen and the camera ;)

The trip is very pleasant, one can enjoy the beautiful views and the fresh sea breeze.

The boat stops at most of the small islands on the way and at the end - at the biggest one - Buyukada. As far as I know you can get off at some of the smallest islands, but I am not sure if your token would be still valid for the trip to the next island. And besides, there are no shuttles between the islands - you can move from one island to another only by using the boats coming from Istanbul.

The trip from Istanbul to the Buyukada (the last stop) lasts 1,35h.

Ah, yes, and we used a IDO boat.

Enjoy the peaceful islands and don't forget to ask about prices of everything you are about to buy there, including food. For example, there was ice-cream, and the sign said that one ball was 1,5 TYL. When I ordered an ice-cream with 2 balls (which should be 1,5 x 2 = 3 TYL), I received an ice-cream with 3 balls for 12 TYL!!! :(

Hope it was useful for you. Enjoy your trip! :)

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The group of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara is known as the Princes' Islands and is only an hour away from the city. There are regular boat services to four of the islands from the entrance of the Golden Horn,Kabatas Pier and also from Bostanci.These four islands are Buyukada,Heybeliada,Kinaliada and Burgazada..Buyukada is the biggest one.

There are no cars on the island (except for the police,ambulance etc)..Transportation is done on coach..In Turkish it's called ''fayton''..There are two horses and you can sit at the back and enjoy..Also a lot of people ride bikes.You can also rent a bike to wander around the island.

The houses of the island are also very beautiful..Please check my pictures..

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This is one of the Prince's Islands, the biggest one. You can get there with the ferry. I'd recommend you to spend there a whole day. There you may rent a bike or a cab (similar to the Fiakers in Vienna).
Take some food to feed the the birds.

These islands are off the south shore of the Asian side of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. They are attractive with neat little towns such as Buyukada, where no cars are allowed. There is a lot of architecture from around 1890-1914 and 1923-1935, as well as some older buildings. The islands are used as recreation spots for Istanbulis so there are many places to eat and relax.

The boat ride also gives a neat view of the city and the surrounding area, and allows one to see other parts which a Bosphorus boat ride doesn't cover. One gets to see the south shore of the Asian side of Istanbul, much of which is newer and covered with suburbs, etc., in addition to the 1908 Haydarpasa rail station; "Leander's Tower"; some of the city's extensive docks; and a different view of Sultanahmet/Saray Burnu.