Why are Princes’ Islands worth-visiting?

The sound of solitude is the most distinguishing element of any of the Princes’ Islands. All fuel-powered vehicles are prohibited, making the islands a peaceful haven. Bicycles, electric buses, and electric taxis are the primary modes of transportation. Since 2020, the latter has been replacing traditional horse-drawn carriages. Bicycle bells and footsteps are the only sounds you’ll hear. But that isn’t the only thing that distinguishes the Princes’ Islands. Walking or cycling along tiny lanes flanked by either unspoiled pine forests or magnificent, wooden Victorian houses is a common occurrence.

The Best Princes’ Islands Tour

One of the most conspicuous travel and tours organization – Travel Store Turkey – offers a one day Princes’ Islands tour making your journey entertaining and memorable.

Day 1

The transfer will pick you up from your hotel at 8:30 a.m. and take you to the waterfront. The Prince Islands archipelago consists of nine islands of various sizes. Buyukada is the largest and most delightful of the islands.

Cars are not authorised, and the only modes of transportation are horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and electric bikes. Many lovely 19th century timber mansions with overhanging balconies can be found on the island. The apartments are now largely used as vacation residences.

From Istanbul, you’ll take a ferry to the Islands. You will be treated to a one-hour horse-drawn carriage (phaeton) tour around the island when you arrive. Lunch will be served in a fish restaurant with a spectacular view of Istanbul’s Asian side.

After lunch, you’ll have a couple of hours to roam around and visit the island’s stunning nature, as well as the many old churches and monasteries. You will return to Istanbul by ferry at 7:00 p.m. and then be driven to your hotel by bus.

Princess Island Tour

What is Offered?

• Transfer from your hotel to ferry and back
• Lunch
• Vegetarian meals Available
• Professional tour guide
• Taxes

Princes’ Islands Turkey

Princes’ Islands Istanbul are the finest option for anyone who want to get away from the city throng; all they have to do is pick an island and board a ferry. It is feasible to move rapidly from one island to another and to visit several islands in one day. On these islands, there are various buildings that date back to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods and were used as places of exile. On all four islands, bicycles and electric vehicles are the only modes of transportation; automobiles are prohibited.

The Princes’ Islands Turkey are unique in that they are a true ethnic and cultural melting pot, with each island having a predominant religious group. Knalada was a holiday resort for Armenian bishops and Armenians from Istanbul, Burgazada was a Greek fishermen’s village, Heybeliada was the island of Constantinople’s Turkish and Greek “bourgeoisie,” and finally, Büyükada, the largest island, was prominent among Jews and Europeans from Istanbul, despite the presence of each community on the island. Many functioning synagogues, churches, and mosques may still be found on all of the islands. Let’s now spotlight the four main islands:

Buyukada Island

The largest and most well-known of these islands is Buyukada. There are a number of tiny hotels where visitors can spend the weekend. Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery, founded in the 6th century, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery, and Hamidiye Mosque, built by Ottoman Sultan Abdulhamit II, are just a few of the historical structures. When renting a horse drawn carriage, you can choose between a long or short route to see the island. The northern section of Buyukada, in contrast to the tranquil and forested southern part, is a densely populated residential area near to the pier, hence most private boats anchor on the southern point. The Dil promontory is a popular picnic site.

Heybeliada Island

In addition to its lush greenery, Heybeliada, one of the eye-catching Princes’ Islands Turkey, is home to lovely wooden cottages, a Greek Orthodox monastery on top of the island, and the Halki Institute of Orthodox Theology, a high education institution dedicated to theological training of Orthodox clergy.

Princess Island Tour

Burgazada Island

The Burgazada Island is known for the home of Sait Faik Abasiyanik, a well-known Turkish fiction writer from the early twentieth century. His home has been turned into a museum, and in Kalpazan Kaya, a spot he frequented, there is now a cafeteria with spectacular sunset views. There is a good sailing and water sports club on the island, as well as many rocky beaches, but there aren’t many places to stay overnight.

Kinaliada Island

Knalada is the smallest and least vegetated of the archipelago’s four main islands. Knaliada is a combination of the words island (ada) and henna (kna), referring to the colour of the island’s waters. Only on Fridays is the monastery available to the public. Along the pier, there are various restaurants and cafeterias, as well as a highly contemporary mosque to the left. There aren’t many options for staying overnight on the island.

Bosphorus Boat Cruise Tour – Dolmabahce Palace

Princes’ Islands Map

How to Get to Princes’ Islands Turkey

From Kabatas, Kadikoy, or Bostanci, visitors can take a ferry or a sea bus to the Princes’ Islands. Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Buyukada are all served by ferries in the following order: first Kinaliada, then Burgazada, Heybeliada, and finally Buyukada.