If you are looking for peace and quiet and are tired of the noise of vehicles, travel to the islands of Istanbul; Islands where cars are prohibited and replaced by electric buses, electric carriages and bicycles.
The only sound in this space is the sound of pedals and the bell of bicycles. In this article from Alibaba magazine, we are going to introduce the famous islands of Istanbul that attract the attention of travelers every year.
If you are planning to travel to Istanbul and are looking for a place full of peace, do not miss reading this article.
What are the islands around Istanbul?
There are a total of 10 islands around Istanbul. Some of these islands are uninhabited or privately owned and cannot be visited.
Is it possible to stay in the islands of Istanbul?
yes You can stay in hotels or rented houses on the islands of Istanbul.
What are the most famous islands in Istanbul for tourists?
Buyuk Ada Island, Hibli Ada Island and Kinali Ada Island are the most famous islands and you can go to all three islands by using one boat.
Introducing the islands of Istanbul
These islands are among the most important sights in Istanbul. Because of the unique weather and nature, many travelers and tourists travel to these islands every year. Each of Istanbul’s islands have unique characteristics and are known as the most special islands.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
An interesting point about the islands of Istanbul is that some of them are private and their properties are not sold to non-Turks. To learn more about each of these islands and the conditions for entering them, stay with us.
Istanbul Prince Islands (Kızıl Adalar)
Prince Islands, which is located in the Asian part of Istanbul, consists of four islands in the Sea of Marmara:
- Buick Ada (Big Island)
- Hibli Ada
- Burgas Ada
- Kinali Ada (Hina Island)
Photo from: Filgezi site
In the past, these islands were the place of exile of Ottoman princes. Buyuk Ada, Hibli and Kinali Ada islands are among the sightseeing islands of Istanbul that are free to visit.
Clean and unique air has made these islands a safe and calm area for recreation. Due to the ban on vehicles, there is no pollution or traffic on the islands.
Let’s learn more about the islands of Istanbul:
1. Büyükada
We can introduce Buyuk Ada Island as the most historical Prince Island. This quiet island is full of historical monuments. Ayayorgi Church is the most famous and dates back to 600 years ago. Buyuk Ada Island is a good place for sunbathing and swimming.
Location of Buyuk Ada Island on Google Map
Photo from: Dailysabah site
How to go to Buyuk Ada Island?
You can go to Buyuk Ada Island by ferry from Kabatash, Emin Uno, Kadikoy and Bastangi piers. If your hotel is near Taksim Square, you should travel to the island from Kabataş Pier. The distance from Buyuk Ada Island to Taksim Square is about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The departure time of the ships is from 9 am to 7 pm. In order not to get involved in crowds, it is better not to travel at the end of the day.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
Amenities and entertainment facilities of Buyuk Ada Island
Saat Square is the main square of the island, surrounded by a bazaar with facilities such as various shops, restaurants and cafes. You can rent a bicycle from this square and go around the island (coastline) for an hour. Most tourists go to beach restaurants to serve food; We suggest the same to you.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
Sights of Buyuk Ada Island
- Adalar Museum
- Hamidiyeh Mosque
- Church of Aios Demetrius
- Greek orphanage
- Prince Islands Museum
- Buyuk Ada Nature Park
- Historical mansions of the island
- Church of St. George Kodonas
- pine forest
- Buick Ada Beach
- Biking and buggy riding on the island
Photo from: Bizevdeyokuz site
2. Burgaz Ada Island
If you are looking for a quiet island with numerous restaurants and coffee shops, choose Burgas Island. Gardens with colorful fruits and boating in the Sea of Marmara are among the entertainments of this island.
Due to its colorful nature and pristine weather, Burgas Eda is on the list of the most visited Prince Islands. This island was the residence of Greeks in the 20th century, and after some time the people of Istanbul moved there and changed the conditions.
Photo from: Filgezi site
Location of Borgazada Island on Google Map
How to go to Borgazada Island?
You can travel to Borgazda Island and any of the Princes Islands by metro, tram, and docked ferries. The distance from Borgazada Ada Island to Taksim Square is about two hours.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Amenities and entertainment of Borgazada Island
If you travel to this island, be sure to try walking in its back alleys and visiting cafes. Boating in the waters of Marmara and sightseeing in the fruit gardens are other entertainments of this spectacular island.
Sights of Borgazada Island
- Faeq Abbasnik site museum
- Burgaz Ada Mosque
- Kalpazan Kaya beach
- Spectacular mansions on Voluntary and Mehtab streets
- Edgon Burgaz Ada sweet shop
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
3. Galatasaray Islet
Galatasaray Island is a small island in the Bosphorus and belongs to the Galatasaray Sports Club and is accessible to members of this club. This island is located near Kuruçeşme and you will see some really spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
A large swimming pool, sunbeds and a luxury restaurant are among the facilities of this sports club. The free ferry service that departs from the shores of the European side will take you to the island in just two minutes.
Remember that if you plan to go to Galatasaray Island for dinner, reserve your table the day before.
Location of Galatasaray Island on Google Map
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
4. Heybeliada
If you travel to Istanbul, never miss to see Hibli Ada Island. Tours of this island are usually held for one or two hours, and after visiting the island, the passengers return to Istanbul by ship.
Photo from: Sealandtrip site
Hibli Ada coastline presents a stunning view of Istanbul. Sunrise and sunset create a wonderful picture that attracts the attention of every traveler and tourist.
It is interesting to know that no houses and villas are sold to non-Turkish people on Hibli Ada Island.
Hibli Ada Island location on Google Map
Photo from: Filgezi site
How to go to Hibliada Island?
You can go to the docks and travel to the desired island by ship to reach any of the Prince’s islands such as Hibli.
The distance between Hibley Ada Island and Taksim Square is about 2 hours, like other Prince Islands.
Photo from: Enuygun website
Comfort and entertainment facilities of Hibleyada Island
You can relax on the beach, walk on the island, or visit the historical monuments and places of interest on the island.
Since the movement of vehicles is prohibited in the Princes Islands, you can use island carriages to get around Hibli Ada.
Sights of Hibli-Ada Island
- Hibli Ada Monastery
- Hibli Ada Church
- Naval Historical School
- Picnic in Hibli Ada Heights
- Biking and sledding on the island
- Swimming and fitness clubs
- Outdoor concerts on the island
- Resting at Hibli Ada overnight hotel
Photo from: Enuygun website
5. Kaşık Island
Kashik means spoon in Turkish. This island is shaped like a spoon and is considered a private property. Kashik Island belongs to the Danon family and you need permission from its owners to go to the island.
Photo from: The intanbul guide site
With the permission of the Danon family, you can visit this island as a group tour. Sandy beach and green space are among the attractions and sights of this island.
Location of Kashik Island on Google Map
Photo from: The intanbul guide site
6. Sedef Adası
Another private island in Türkiye is called Sadaf Island. Oyster Island was known as Andircuithos or Androvitha in ancient times. This island is located in the Adalar region of Türkiye.
Buildings with white color and a beautiful view have made this island beautiful. To preserve the beauty of the area and protect the environment, building more than two floors is prohibited.
Photo from: Go turkiye site
Due to the beauty and whiteness of the buildings, this island is also known as the White Island or Mother of Pearls. Pine trees planted by the property owner form the vegetation of the area. Sadaf Island has a population of about 20,000 people; But this figure approaches 500,000 people in summers.
The location of Sadaf Island on Google Maps
How to go to the oyster island?
Go to Cabatash European Beach to go to the Oyster Island. In this beach, there are ships and public vehicles that you can use to travel to the island. The distance between Sadaf Island and Taksim Square is about 40-60 minutes.
Comfort and entertainment facilities of Sadaf Island
High-quality restaurants, well-equipped hotels, water sports and pristine nature are among the reasons for the popularity of this region. Half a day is enough to visit all amenities and entertainment facilities.
Photo from: List.istanbul site
Sights of Sadaf Island
- Historical and religious places
- Blue and quiet beaches
- Varied and lush vegetation
- Colorful and attractive curtains
- Recreations and water sports
- High quality and cozy restaurants
7. Kinaliada Island
Kinali Ada is the third most popular island in Istanbul’s islands. When you go to Prince Islands from Karakoy Pier, the first island is Hibli Ada, then Kinali Ada and the third is Buyuk Ada.
Photo from: Le-de site
Various mines of copper, iron and clay have made this island one of the most valuable islands in terms of minerals.
Visiting this island is possible only on Fridays or with tours licensed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism.
Location of Kinali Ada Island on Google Map
Photo from: le-de site
How to go to Kinali Ada Island?
To go to this island, go to Karakoy pier and travel to the island by public ferries. The distance between Kinali Ada Island and Taksim Square is about 2 hours.
Amenities and entertainment on the island
Kinali Ada is a recreational and touristic place that attracts many travelers every year. Restaurant, club and sea beaches are among the leisure facilities of Kinali Ada Island.
Photo from: Tripadvisor site
In addition to the unique nature and weather, Kinali Ada has many shopping centers. Those who are interested in sightseeing can visit this beautiful island.
8. Tavşan Island or Hare Island (tavşan adası)
Tavshan Island is an island near Istanbul that is small in size but has a unique nature. Tavshan is the place where rabbits live and its name is derived from this. Rabbit Island is also known as Asar.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Ancient churches and various flora and fauna have contributed to the beauty of this area. The ruggedness of the region has made tourists not choose this region for travel. Turkish people also travel to Tavshan Island to perform spiritual ceremonies and rest.
Location of Tavshan Island on Google Map
How to go to Rabbit Island?
To go to Taushan Island, you can board a ferry from Aminono or Catabash Pier and travel to the island. Ferries usually depart every hour. It is better to check their departure time which is attached on a sheet on the wall of the pier, so that you don’t have a problem getting back.
Photo from: Wikimedia site
Sights of Rabbit Island
Walking along the coastline of the island, watching the scenery of Gumushluk and seeing the rabbits of the island is a fun activity for people, especially for children.
Photo from: Adalar site
9. Yassıada Island
Yasi Ada, also known as Democracy and Freedom Island (Demokrasi ve Özgürlükler Island), has an area of about 0.5 square kilometers and is one of the islands of Istanbul.
The turbulent history of this island is interesting in its own way. This island was originally a place of exile for the Romans and was used for similar purposes until 1857. Finally, the British ambassador bought the island for personal residence and settled it a little.
Photo from: Serbestiyet website
With the establishment of the Republic of Türkiye, the island came under the control of the government and then the navy and became a university. But the strong wind on the island made life difficult for the students and finally the classes were moved to another place.
The island was returned to the government in 2015 to be used for tourism purposes.
Location of Yasi Ada Island on Google Map
Photo from: Birgun site
How to go to Yasi Ada Island?
If your hotel is near Taksim Square, go to Kabataş Pier and from there take ferries bound for Yasi Ada Island. The distance between Yasi Ada Island and Taksim Square is approximately 60 to 75 minutes.
Amenities and entertainment facilities of Yasi Ada Island
To go to this tourist area, you can buy a round-trip ferry ticket. The cost of the entrance ticket to the museums of this island is charged separately from the passengers.
Photo from: Jazirat Istanbul site
You can go to nearby restaurants and coffee shops for lunch or tea. If you want to use the recreational facilities of this island, you have to pay a separate fee.
Sights of Yasi Ada Island
- Gardens and historical buildings of the Ottoman Empire period
- Remains of the church from the Roman Empire
- Yasi Ada Island Art University
- Swimming, boating and water sports
Photo from: Jazirat Istanbul site
10. Sivriada-Hayırsızada Island
Siori Ada Island with an area of half a square kilometer is known as the smallest island in the Prince Islands complex. Its other name is “useless”. Basically, this island is not useless and has recreational and welfare facilities as well as beautiful nature. Travelers go to this island for picnics, boating and hiking.
Photo from: Adalar site
Due to the massacre of stray dogs in this area, people are not happy about this island. If you overlook this painful event and its history, Siori Ada is one of the beautiful Prince Islands to enjoy.
The location of Sewri Ada Island on Google Maps
Alibaba recommendations for visiting the islands of Istanbul
In this article from Alibaba magazine, we learned about the famous islands of Istanbul. Keep the following points in mind when traveling to Türkiye and Prince Islands:
- A one-day trip to the islands of Istanbul is one of the most popular plans when traveling to Türkiye.
- To relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can choose one of Istanbul’s islands to stay.
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