Nature and Tourism of Turkey

Guide Of Istanbul Prince Islands | Introduction Of 4 Islands

Islands Near Istanbul

Istanbul has many tourist attractions, of which Prince Istanbul Islands is one. You need a whole day to visit these beautiful islands. If you want to know what is in the islands or are trying to decide to visit Istanbul Prince Islands, read this article. 

In the Marmara Sea near Istanbul are 9 small and beautiful islands called Istanbul Prince Islands. The Prince Islands in Istanbul were the place of exile of the princes during the Byzantine period. Now, they have become a tourist and recreational destination for the people of Istanbul and other visitors.

Out of the 9 islands, only 4 can be visited, namely Buyuk Ada, Burgaz Ada, Heybeliada, and Kinali Ada. 5 private islands include are Qashiq Ada, Tavshan Ada, Yassi Ada, Siori Ada and Sadaf Ada.

Buyuk Ada is the largest and most popular island of this complex. The name of Prince was chosen because of the history of princes’ exile in these islands.

What is special about Princess Island?

What is special about Princess Island
What is special about Princess Island

The Istanbul Prince Islands have unique peace and beauty. No vehicles are allowed to enter these islands. You can only hear the sound of bicycles and horse hooves in this place, so you must use bicycles or rickshaws to move around these islands.

If you go to these islands, you will find yourself among narrow streets, pine trees, and Victorian wooden cottages. This island has kept its recreational areas green and cool with cypress and palm trees.

The island’s forests with the Sea of Marmara have created a beautiful landscape. In this place, you can also see the beautiful houses and historical places in Istanbul, which used to be the residence of famous people.

How to go to prince island Istanbul?

How to go to prince island Istanbul
How to go to prince island Istanbul

You can use the subway to the pier from Taksim Square. To do this, take the F1 line from Taksim Square metro station to Kabatash station. Of course, if you are in the old European part, such as Aksaray and Laleli, you can take the T1 tram line to this pier.

To travel to Istanbul Prince Islands, you need to take a Cruise. There are various boats and Cruise that you can choose from according to your taste. Speedboats go faster, and it is better to use them to go to the island to have more time. On weekends, if the weather is good, the boats get crowded, and you have to wait in long lines to get on the boat.

You are at sea for two hours in a Cruise, and seagulls may follow you and take food from you. When you reach the island, you will see many restaurants and cafes that serve famous foods of Turkey. You can rest there and relieve your fatigue.

Introducing the Prince Islands of Istanbul

Buyukada Island

Buyukada Island
Buyukada Island

Buyukada is the largest and most popular island among the 9 Istanbul Prince Islands. This beautiful and famous island is located near Istanbul. On this island, no car except police and municipal cars can travel, making the island pollution-free. This island has many attractions you can enjoy it.

Heybeliada Island

Heybeliada Island
Heybeliada Island

Heybeliada is the second largest island in the Prince Islands of Istanbul in the Adalar district. This ancient island has various historical monuments, such as the historic naval school, the old church that was built before the conquest of Constantinople, and the grave of Edward Barton, who was the second British ambassador and came to this island to escape the plague. This island has a cold climate; its population is around 3 thousand people in winter and doubles in summer.

Burgazada Island

Burgazada Island
Burgazada Island

This island, located west of Heybeliada Island, is the third tourist island in the Prince Islands of Istanbul. Burgasada Island has a unique calmness. This island was inhabited by Greek people who later migrated to Istanbul. Sit Faik, one of the writers who lived on this island, mentioned the island’s peace in his works. Barak hill is one of this island’s green and spectacular areas, located in front of Burgazada.

Adalar Museum, a contemporary urban museum, shows the history and events of this island in the form of text, photos and videos. The historical monastery of St. George Kodonas, which includes 6 churches and 3 places of worship, is located at the highest point of this island. This monastery was built at the beginning of the 20th century, and of course, it was renovated later. Yoja Tepe is one of the beautiful hills of this island.

Kinaliada Island

Kinaliada Island
Kinaliada Island

The name of this island means “red land”, which was given this name due to the presence of copper and iron mines and red soil. On this beautiful island, various shopping centers and markets can be attractive to those interested in shopping.

History buffs can visit an ancient monastery left over from the Roman Empire. The beaches of this island are also a good place for sunbathing. Kinali Ada Island is one of the Prince Islands of Istanbul.

Istanbul Prince Islands restaurants

Istanbul Prince Islands restaurants
Istanbul Prince Islands restaurants

Istanbul Prince Islands has a variety of restaurants and delicious food that can satisfy different tastes. These restaurants serve seafood, Turkish, Greek, French and Asian cuisines, accompanied by beautiful views of the islands.

Some of the famous and popular restaurants in Prance Islands are:

  • Nisi restaurant Buyukada
  • Secret Garden Restaurant Buyukada
  • palia terrace balik restaurant
  • Balochi Suleyman Buyukada

Istanbul Prince Islands hotels

Istanbul Prince Islands hotels
Istanbul Prince Islands hotels

Istanbul Prince Islands has stylish and comfortable hotels that can provide a good stay for travelers. These hotels have different stars and prices and are designed with different architectural and decoration styles.

Some of the famous and popular hotels in Prance Islands are:

  • Ada Palas Boutique Hotel
  • Serguzest Otel
  • Mimosa Hotel Buyukada
  • Anastasia Meziki boutique hotel

At the end of the line

These islands are 20 kilometers away from Istanbul and can be reached by boat. These islands have a rich history and culture and have been the residences and entertainment of many famous people and officials since the Byzantine era.

These islands have beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, churches, monasteries, museums and historical villas. Istanbul Prince Islands are tranquil due to the lack of car traffic, and the only vehicles available are bicycles and horses. Many tourists travel to these islands in the hot seasons to enjoy their beaches, restaurants, hotels and recreational activities.

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Sina

Hi there! I'm Sina and I love to travel and write. I travel to discover hidden gems in different countries. In this site, I will share with you all the experiences I have gained during my travels. To learn more about me, read the About Us page.

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