The Princes’ Islands in Istanbul (Adalar) is a picturesque archipelago located in the Marmara Sea. It is one of the most popular places for an unforgettable beach holiday and educational tours. They provide an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Even a trip for one day allows you to relax on islands with beautiful nature and quiet streets.
Inhabited by Jews, Greeks, Armenians, and Turks over the centuries, the islands offer a unique cultural experience. Take a ferry from Istanbul and discover the fascinating history behind their various names, including Divided, Public, Red, Holy, and Spirit Islands. Ferry service has been operating since 1846.
History of Islands
The history of the Prince Islands in Istanbul dates back to ancient times. In the Byzantine period, the islands were used as a place of exile for political prisoners and members of the royal family who fell out of favor with the ruling powers. During the Ottoman Empire, the islands became popular summer retreats for the wealthy and powerful.
In the 19th century, the islands began to attract foreign residents, particularly Greeks, Armenians, and Jews, who built grand villas and mansions on the hillsides. These communities flourished until the early 20th century when political upheaval and wars led to the displacement of many residents.
During World War II, the islands were used as a military base by both the Axis and Allied forces. After the war, the islands reverted to civilian use, and the old mansions and villas were converted into hotels and holiday homes.
Today, the Prince Islands remain a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. They offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Istanbul, and visitors can explore the islands’ rich cultural heritage, including historic churches, monasteries, and mosques. Visitors can also enjoy the islands’ stunning natural beauty, such as lush green forests and picturesque beaches.
Local Culture in the Princes' Islands:
The Prince’s Islands in Istanbul have a unique local culture that is shaped by their history, geography, and community. Here are some aspects of the local culture that visitors might experience on the islands:
- Architecture: The islands are known for their beautiful Ottoman-era mansions and villas, many of which have been restored and converted into hotels or restaurants. Visitors can take a stroll through the charming old neighborhoods and admire the unique architecture.
- Transportation: Cars are not allowed on the islands, so visitors must get around on foot, by bike, or via horse-drawn carriages known as faytons. The use of faytons is a long-standing tradition on the islands and adds to the relaxed pace of life.
- Religious traditions: The islands are home to several historic religious sites, including churches, monasteries, and mosques. Many of these places of worship have played an important role in the local community for centuries and are still in use today.
- Local festivals and events: The islands host several cultural events throughout the year, including the Festival of St. George in April, the Hidrellez Festival in May, and the Feast of St. Dimitrios in October. These events offer visitors a chance to experience the local culture firsthand and participate in traditional customs.
- Lifestyle: Life on the islands is generally slower-paced and more relaxed than in the city. Many residents are artists, writers, or retirees who enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the islands. Visitors can soak up this laid-back lifestyle by taking a leisurely walk, sipping tea at a cafe, or enjoying a picnic in one of the many parks.
Which islands are worth visiting?
The archipelago consists of 9 islands. Only 4 of them receive guests and are inhabited by local residents – these are Heybeliada, Buyukada, Kinaliada, Burgazada. Sivriada and Tavsanadasi are mostly uninhabited, and Kasikadasi and Yassiada are private territories. Half of Sedefadasi is not available for visiting.
The largest island is Buyukada: 5.4 square kilometers.
In fact, a thousand years ago, there were 10 islands in the archipelago, but one of them, called Vordonisi, went under water after a major earthquake. When shooting from the air, you can see this sunken island.
There is mainly ferry service between the islands and Istanbul. Water transport runs according to the schedule.
ferry to prince's islands istanbul
From the Asian part of the city you can get to the Princes’ Islands by ferry from the Bostancı, Kadıköy and Kartal berths. From the European part of the city you can get there from the Eminönü pier.
Transportation is carried out by several companies:
Şehir Hatları and Dentur. What are the differences between these carriers? First of all, their schedule is slightly different from each other. Şehir Hatları has large ferries resembling old steamers with buffets inside, so that during the trip you can drink tea/coffee, chew simit and enjoy the views of Istanbul. As for the Dentur carrier, they have smaller and slightly newer ferries, there is also a buffet where you can drink tea or salep in the cold season, and freshly squeezed orange juice in the hot season. But if you are going to the islands for the first time, then it is worth taking a ride on a large steamer, like the Şehir Hatları — this will add impressions to the trip.
Prince Islands’ Tips for visitors:
The movement of motor vehicles is prohibited on the islands, and one of the features that makes the streets of the island so attractive is the absence of traffic noise and exhaust. Phaetons (horse carts), which were one of the trademarks of the islands, are gradually being replaced by electric bicycles and scooters due to the objections of animal rights activists. The police and ambulance go around Buyukada on electric cars. Walking has its advantages: you can admire beautiful mansions and villas, gardens full of bright flowers and lush trees. Everyone who visits these places for the first time dreams of having a house here and living on these beautiful and quiet streets.
Buyukada
On Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands (5.5 km²), you can visit the Museum of the Islands, which was established in 2010. This exhibition contains collections of various objects and things related to the history of the islands: archival photos and documents, interesting things and videos are collected here. They bring together the entire history from the beginning of the geological formation of the archipelago to the present day. Part of the museum is located on the site of the old helicopter hangar (Aya Nikola Hangar Muze Alanı), part on the territory of the Adaevi Çınar Muzesi Museum. It is open from 10:00 to 18:00. The entrance is 20 lire. The most popular buildings of Buyukada are the Church of Aya Yorgi (Aya Yorgi Kilisesi) and the now empty Greek orphanage (Rum Yetimhanesi). After climbing the difficult slope to the church of Aya Yorgi, tourists make wishes, tie a wish ribbon to trees, relax and enjoy the view in the restaurant next to the church. The Greek orphanage is known as the world’s largest wooden monolithic building. Nizam Beach and Aşıklar Kır Casino in Buyukada also attract attention of travelers.
Heybeliada
The Greeks called the island Halki (“copper”) because of the former copper mines, referring to Aristotle. In Turkish, Heib means “saddlebag”, the shape of the island resembles it. The area of the island is 2.5 km². There are 4 hills on the island (1-2 must visit, 3-4 are optional): Umit Tepesi (85m) – Hill of Hope, where the building of the Theological School is located, and the opposite hills; Degirmen (136m) — convenient for walking; Koy (128m); Baltacioglu (98m). Heybeliada is the greenest island. Forests, a picturesque Pine Bay, 2 picnic areas and several interesting objects. There are no crowds of tourists, as on Buyukada, but still do not expect privacy as on Burgazada. The Halki Theological School (Rum Ortodoks Ruhban Okulu) was founded here in 1844 at the monastery. The patriarchs of Constantinople and hierarchs of Orthodox churches were trained there. In 1971, the seminary was closed by the Turkish authorities and negotiations on its opening are still underway. There is a beautiful garden on the territory with rare species. There is also the Trinity Church and a unique library with 120 thousand books. In the courtyard there is an aviary with animals and a huge chess board with figures. You can get to the territory from 9.00 to 15.30 (until 12.00 on weekends) by registering in the log of visits at the entrance. It’s a pleasure to walk here, don’t miss it. There is also a Kamariotissa on the Heybeliada, the only Byzantine church of the islands, but there is no access there. The house where the famous writer Hussein Rahmi Gurpinar lived was also turned into a museum and opened (?) to visitors. The rows of restaurants on the seashore of Heybeliada and the sanatorium in Cam Harbor at the back of the island are among the main attractions of the island.
Burgazada
It is the second largest island: 1.5 km². Unlike other islands on Burgazada there is only 1 peak of Hristos Tepesi (170m), and there is no circular road around the island. Its southern part is covered with forests. This is the wildest of all the islands. Away from civilization, where the residential development ends, there is a restaurant Kalpazankaya, popular among locals. A little closer is the wild bay of Madame Marta Koyu, where Istanbul youth puts up tents, swims at night and sings songs to the guitar near the campfire. The way to the temple and the former monastery is incredibly picturesque, and at the top you will find a mysterious temple, a Greek cemetery and a wonderful pine forest. But keep in mind that the climb is difficult. You will have to climb 160m uphill from the level of the pier. There is also a monument to the writer Sait Faik and his house museum on the island. He was living on the island for the last 20 years. He wrote about the island, its inhabitants, fishermen and their way of life. A museum was opened in the house where he lived in 1959 (open from 10:30-17:00, except Mondays and Tuesdays). Admission is free. It is interesting to look not so much at the author’s personal items, but at the life of a middle-class resident in the 20th century. After all, in general, you can only see such mansions today from the outside. There are no chain stores on Burgazada, so you will have to buy food and wine in small local shops. The prices are slightly higher than in Istanbul, but the difference is not critical. As for restaurants, locals usually gather in fish cafes (meyhane) near the pier and a little further under the mosque in the popular Yasemin Restaurant. Kalpazankaya restaurant is also located here – a fine restaurant on the edge of a cliff with incredible views and a beach at the foot. Wooden tables in the shade of pine trees and a pleasant meal at sunset. It’s worth a try.
Kinaliada
The smallest of the 4 islands available to tourists is 1.3 km². The name means in Turkish “Henna Island” because of the reddish-colored soil rich in iron and copper. There are 3 peaks on the island: Cinar Tepesi (115m), Tesrifiye Tepesi (110m), Manastir Tepesi (95m). And a walk around the island on foot will take only an hour. The Armenian church Surp Krikor Lusarovic, the Greek Orthodox Church and Hristos Monastiri are the places worth visiting in Kinaliada. Jarden Gazino Even on such a tiny island there are 2 places where concerts take place in the evenings during the season. If you are not in a hurry to leave the island after dark, this may be a fantastic experience: Jarden Gazino A restaurant with a beautiful garden inside. Excellent breakfasts and lunches are served here. As for dinner you will have a cultural program. Take a look at their webpage before visiting to find out the repertoire. It is located on the opposite side from the beach and Teos restaurant, in the southern part of Kinaliada. Pera Kinaliada This restaurant with a concert venue is located on the territory of the Water Sports Club in the northern part of the island. Quite popular Turkish artists perform here on weekends. Tourists come to this island primarily because of the beaches. There is a wide choice of easily accessible beaches, where you will hardly meet a single tourist. The island is not popular among them.
Sedef
Since most of Sedef Island is privately owned, opportunities on this island are limited. But you can enjoy a beautiful nature walk on Sedef Island, which is the farthest and most peaceful island, and then you can sunbathe and swim all day on a public or private beach.
