Istanbul Princess Islands escape from hustle to paradise relaxation + Complete Travel Guide

If you want to run away from Istanbul’s endless hustle and nostalgic nature for hours, the Prince islands are the best destination for you. This dreamy assembly in the heart of the Marmara Sea, with streets where the sound of bicycles or horses is rang, old wooden houses that come along the old trees, and cozy blessings whose blue waters are slowly moving towards the Black Sea. It is not unbelievable that these quiet islands were once the exile of princes and political figures such as Leon Trotsky. During the Byzantine era, this remote point was the believer in the exiles of the aristocratic, but today it has become a hearty paradise for the lovers of calm and classical architecture; Where the summers in its countryside smell of history and life are in the smell of life. Here we introduce the attractions of the Istanbul Princess Islands.

Where are the Prince Islands located?

The Prince islands are twenty kilometers from Istanbul and are also known as Adalar, which in Turkish means “assembly”. This not -so -small island has less than 5 people. The largest island, Boyuk Ada, has an area of ​​five square kilometers; Interestingly, the princess islands of Istanbul are separated from other parts of the world and have no motor vehicle or digital media. The neighboring islands of this area include Hibli Ada, Borguzadeh, Kineral Ada, Sadaf, Yassa Ada, Taian, Kasik and Cyrus Ada, which are the last two islands.

A brief overview of the princess islands

The Istanbul Princess Islands, also known in Turkish as Adlar, are a group of nine small islands located in the Marmara Sea, just on the coast of Istanbul, Türkiye. These islands have a rich history and offer a unique place to escape the hustle of urban life. Of these nine islands, there are only four residential islands.

Each island has its own charm and personality and has made them popular for locals and tourists. The four main islands that are open for visitors include Boyuk Ada (largest), Hibli Ada, Burgaz Ada and Killer Ada. It is easy to access these islands by ships from the ports of Kabatash, Besiktas or Bostanji Istanbul.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Princess Islands is their car -free environment. Motor vehicles are not allowed to travel except for some service vehicles on these islands.

This creates a relaxed atmosphere where visitors can surf or rent a bike or a horse named phyton. To Lian, by visiting the Princess Islands, it seems as if everything was much easier!

The Prince islands, apart from their natural beauties, have a rich history to discover. During the Byzantine era, these islands were used as the exile of emperors and princes, which is why they are known as this. Later, in the Ottoman era, wealthy Istanbul built summer houses on the islands to escape the heat of the city.

Today, the Prince islands offer an unique escape from Istanbul’s crowds. Visitors can enjoy calm walks on well -trails, swim in clear waters, eat delicious seafood at beach restaurants, or rest in one of its attractive cafes.

Read more: The best family recreation in Istanbul

Which princess Istanbul Islands are visited

There are only four islands from nine islands from Istanbul: Boyuk Ada, Hibli Ada, Borguzada and Kileali Ada. It is possible to travel to other islands after entering the Algerian Assembly, though these islands do not have many sights for tourists and are virtually private and belong to a group of people where they have a home. But on the Istanbul Tour you can visit the five more famous islands.

Introducing Prince Tourism Islands

The prince islands are visible on Jalata Istanbul on a clear, sunny day. They are about 1.5 hours away from Istanbul. However, some of the fast -paced Katamaran services will get you there in a shorter time. Istanbul’s princess islands, located in the middle of the Marmara Sea, provide complete peace and silence.

Of the 2 islands, you can visit four islands. The largest island, Boyuk Ada, is far the most visible because it is easier to access (the closest to Istanbul) and larger, so there is more things to see and do. Of course, each of the islands is different and all have stunning landscapes. Below each one check:

Boyuk Ada

A statue of a mermaid sitting on rocks near water, located on the island of Boyuk Ada near Istanbul; A great place for a one -day trip to discover beautiful scenery and enjoy the beach.

Bok Ada is the largest and most popular island of Prince islands known for its beautiful beaches, historical mansions and horse carriage used as the main transportation of the island.

Hibli Ada

The island is famous for its greenery and pine forests. Hibli Ada is the host of several monasteries and churches that add to its beauty. The island is also recognized as a favorite place for picnic and hiking enthusiasts. Most of the ships traveling from Istanbul to Boyuk Ada also stop in Hibley Ada.

Read more: Introducing Istanbul Tourist Attractions – Türkiye

Burgaz Ada on the Istanbul Princess Islands

Burgaz Ada attracts visitors with the charming mood of its fishing village, weird streets with colorful houses and seafood restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The island offers stunning landscapes of Istanbul’s horizon from various locations and also holds one of the best beaches close to Istanbul.

Kinealiada

Knhaliada, known for its sandy beaches and crystalline waters, is a popular destination for swimming and sunbathing in the summer. This place has a quiet space with cozy cafes where you can enjoy a cup of tea or Turkish coffee and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Things you can do on the Princess Islands

If you have chosen the city of Istanbul to spend your holidays and want to experience a completely different Turkish tour. We suggest you experience these amusements on the Istanbul Prince islands:

Boyuk Ada on the Istanbul Princess Islands

The Turks often make the most of the weekend and go to the surrounding islands to escape the bustle and bustle of Istanbul to enjoy the beach, the breeze, the amazing landscapes, and the walking through the forests and hills. Boyuk Ada, the largest island of these nine islands, is full of historical villas, churches and monastery, and its architecture takes you to a historic journey in Turkey.

Princess Islands

There are public and private beaches around the island, some are sandy and others are stone. Here are some of these beaches:

• Ski Bag: This private beach in the south of the island is 5 minutes away from the port.
• Halik Quio: The largest and cleanest beach on the island. It has sunscreen, umbrella, shower and restaurant.
• Is Nikola: It is usually very busy in summer because it is a public beach and has some of the quiet waves.
• Princess Quio: The private beach of the Princess Boutique Hotel has a taxi-carvings for traveling to different island coasts.
• Yada Beach Club: This private beach club offers live music and a wide range of sushi on weekends. Its owner also owns a restaurant in Istanbul.
• Nakki Big: This family beach is ten minutes walk from the city center.
• Eurok Ali: The island’s most sandy beach and a great place for families with children.

Walking routes on the Istanbul Princess Islands

It is forbidden to use motor vehicles on the Istanbul Prince islands, so surfing the island on foot is a great experience. We recommend following a circular hiking route that climbs the hill and covers the main attractions.

On this charming hiking route visiting the old watch tower in the Market Square of the Catholic Church of San Pacifico; Hamidiyeh Mosque, the largest mosque in the Assembly; The magnificent Orthodox Church of Ayus Duitrius; Hassad Lu Avram synagogue, a beautiful yellow building with details around the windows; Sabonkakis mansion; And do not miss the largest wooden building in Europe.

On the way you can stop to eat in an old amusement park at Luna Park Restaurant and continue the route to St. George’s monastery, also known as Ai Yurgie, where you can watch a spectacular sunset. As you go down to the historic center of the island, you can see the Kun Pasha Casco Mansion, the historic and devastated home of Trotsky and the Armenian Church of Surp Aseudzadzin.

Prince Island Restaurants

Do not leave Boyuk Ada without eating fresh fish in one of the small restaurants by the beach or trying Rocky, anchon’s flavored drink for Türkiye. We recommend the lively restaurant of the Puinkippo MiSni that has live music on Fridays and Saturdays. This Rocky restaurant has a Greek taste and a wide range of traditional foods.

If you would like to enjoy the natural scenery while meals, go to the restaurant and landscape of the Gazinoso Joucheh on top of the hill, Yurgie, next to the monastery. This restaurant has traditional cuisine and delicious dumplings. Skobagh’s terrace is located above the rock and offers remarkable landscapes. If you are looking for a regular brush with fresh fruit, jam, brushing and tasty tastes, this is a great place and the barbecue and fresh fish are served.

If you are a pastry, don’t miss Büyük Ada Pastanesi. We recommend drinking a tea (ordinary tea) and order some Turkish sweets, biscuits or any of their homemade pastries.

Read more: Where is Istanbul’s Babek neighborhood? Acquaintance and complete introduction

Experience horse riding in the prince islands

If you are tired of hiking and cycling, why don’t you turn to the island with horses and carts, which is a local public transport form? In this interesting tour, you can discover the mansions and tourist attractions with the gentle breeze that you eat, just like a member of the Ottoman royal family.

Travel by ship from Istanbul

The princess islands are from Istanbul with a ship of 1.5 hours. The fastest and cheapest way to get there is from the Cabatash dock in the busy Besiktas neighborhood. The boats also move from the Kadiko, Bostanchi and Aminono docks. Cabatash has two stations, one local and the other for tourists. The local station is next to the subway entrance, it is much cheaper and you can buy the ticket from the device using Istanbul card. If you prefer another option, go to a booth that is offered in English and you are even offered different patrols. Keep in mind that the fastest and latest ships have very few stops and are more expensive.

Ways to Access to the Princess Islands

There are services to the princess islands of Istanbul all year long, though in the winter months, you will not find much to see and do. Climate can also challenge surfing, especially in a rainy or cold day. Remember, Istanbul’s climate in the winter can be very unpredictable, so summer or in the middle of the year are better time to plan to visit the Prince islands.

There are regular and planned wrestling services that leave several ports in Istanbul every day, and it is a good idea to check online before planning, as these services change regularly and actually depending on the season.

Cabatash, Besiktas, or Bostanchi are on the Asian side of a settlement that provide planned services to the Prince islands, and you will also find one -day tours that move from these ports. You can book your ticket online, or you can visit the port and book in person.

The ships move regularly throughout the day and stop on all four residential islands. The first ship usually travels from Cabatash at around 9:30 am and the last return from Boyuk Ada is about 9pm. But as before, check the times according to your visit because these times will change depending on the season and days of the week and weekends.

Final speech

Traveling to the Istanbul Princess Islands is not just a short recreation in this city; It is an exceptional experience that takes you to a world that is slower at the time, sounds softer, and life has a more pleasant color and smell. In the screwdriver of the paved streets, between the old wooden houses and under the shadow of the tall trees, you feel that the past is still alive and breathing with you. Every bike bell, every horseshoe on the pavements, and every reflection of the sun in the glittering waters of the Gulf tells you a story of history, exile, resistance, and ultimately peace. Whether looking for poetic silence, or in search of history or just wanting to run away for a few hours, these islands will welcome you with a kind and kind spirit.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly are the Prince Islands?

The Prince islands are a group of nine small islands located in the Marmara Sea near Istanbul, Türkiye. These islands are known for their natural beauty, historical importance and their quiet atmosphere.

How can we go to the princess islands of Istanbul?

Reach from Istanbul to these islands. The ships move regularly from different parts of Istanbul, such as Kabatash, Besiktas and Aminono. Depending on which island you want to visit, the trip usually takes about one to two hours.

Which island can be visited?

Each of the princess islands of Istanbul has its own unique attractions and attractions. Boyuk Ada is the largest and most popular island with its beautiful beaches and historical mansions. Hibli Ada is known for his greenery and hiking paths. Burgaz Ada offers stunning landscapes from Istanbul’s horizon, while Kineral Ada is famous for his flower therapy baths.

Can the night stay in the islands?

Yes. Most of these islands offer a wide range of accommodation options, including boutique hotels, guesthouses and rented houses. Spending a night on the islands allows you to enjoy the quiet atmosphere after daily passengers.