Nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, 20 kilometres from Istanbul's European shore. No cars. Pine forests. Belle Époque wooden mansions. Monasteries on hilltops. Horse carriages on cobbled lanes. The Princes' Islands are the most peaceful place within an hour of a city of 15 million people.
Which Island?
There are nine islands but most visitors choose between four. Büyükada is the largest — most to see, widest range of restaurants, the famous Aya Yorgi Monastery at the summit. Heybeliada is quieter and favoured by those seeking genuine escape. Burgazada has a strong literary tradition. Kınalıada is the smallest and least touristic.
For a first visit: Büyükada. For a second: Heybeliada.
Getting There
Ferries depart from Eminönü and Kabataş on the European side, and from Bostancı on the Asian side. The slower Şehir Hatları ferries take about 1 hour 45 minutes to Büyükada and are more scenic and atmospheric — watch the city recede, the sea open up, and the islands emerge. The faster IDO sea buses take about 35 minutes but you see less. Buy an Istanbulkart or a single-journey token at the pier.
On the Island
No motor vehicles exist on the main islands — emergency services excepted. Transport is by horse carriage (fayton), bicycle, or on foot. Bicycle rental is available near the ferry pier, typically for 150-200 TL for the day. The fayton circuit around Büyükada takes about 45 minutes and gives you a strong sense of the island's geography and the remarkable late 19th-century wooden mansions.
The Aya Yorgi Monastery at the summit is a steep 30-minute walk or a longer fayton ride. The views from the top take in the entire Sea of Marmara on clear days.
When to Go
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal — warm enough for the beach, cool enough to walk all day, significantly quieter than summer. July and August are extremely busy, particularly on weekends when day-trippers from Istanbul fill every ferry. Winter is genuinely quiet, the mansions are more visible through the bare trees, and the island has an elegiac, off-season atmosphere that many visitors prefer.
Practical Notes
Cash is essential — many island restaurants and shops don't accept cards. Bring sunscreen and water in summer. The ferry timetables change seasonally. On busy summer weekends, return ferries fill quickly — arrive at the pier early for the evening return. The island restaurants are good but tourist-priced; the best value is a simple fish lunch at one of the smaller spots away from the main pier.
Experience Istanbul with a private guide
Every article we write is something our guides live and share every day. If you'd like to see Istanbul through their eyes — personally, privately, at your own pace — we'd love to arrange it.
Book a Private Tour