A car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, with nine islands known for Victorian mansions, pine forests and horse-drawn carriages along narrow streets.
The Princes' Islands float in the Sea of Marmara, just 25 minutes by ferry from Istanbul. On Büyükada, you'll walk past Victorian-era mansions with ornate wooden balconies and climb to the white-domed Aya Yorgi Monastery. The islands are completely car-free - you'll hear only the ring of bicycle bells as you cycle past century-old fig trees and stop at stone beaches for a swim in the clear waters.
Getting to the Islands
Regular ferries depart from Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı ports in Istanbul. The fast ferry (seabus) takes 25 minutes while regular ferries need about 40 minutes to reach the islands. During spring and autumn, rough seas can sometimes cause ferry cancellations.
Moving Around the Islands
You won't find any cars on the islands. Electric minibuses connect the main points, and since 2020, electric taxis have replaced the traditional horse carriages. You can rent bicycles from shops near the ferry terminals to explore at your own pace.
Büyükada Island
Pine trees and century-old mansions dot the steep hills of the largest island. As you walk up Çankaya Street, you'll pass wooden houses with wrap-around porches and detailed trim work, including the yellow mansion where Leon Trotsky lived in exile. The Aya Yorgi Monastery sits at the highest point, its white walls and blue domes visible across the Sea of Marmara.
Heybeliada Island
The second largest island has kept its natural landscape of pine woods and hidden coves. Dirt paths wind through the forest to small beaches. The white marble Halki Orthodox Seminary rises on one of the hills, its bell tower visible across the water.
Burgazada and Kınalıada
On Burgazada, small fishing boats bob in the harbor and cats nap on the steps of 19th-century wooden houses. Kınalıada, the closest island to Istanbul, has several stone platforms for swimming along its rocky shore. These two smaller islands see fewer visitors than Büyükada and Heybeliada.
Best Times to Visit
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) bring mild weather ideal for walking and cycling. Summer weekends get crowded with day visitors from Istanbul. Winter months are calm but some restaurants and shops may close.
Food and Drinks
Restaurants along the water serve fresh fish from the Marmara Sea. You can sit on outdoor terraces and watch ferries cross between the islands. In the town centers, small cafes serve Turkish coffee and börek pastries.
Historical Background
Byzantine emperors used the islands as a place of exile for deposed rulers and unwanted royal family members. In the 19th century, wealthy Istanbul families built summer houses here, establishing the Victorian-era architecture that defines the islands today.
