The Adalar (Prince’s Islands) district, which is within the borders of Istanbul, consists of an island team of 9 large and small islands. These islands are called the Princes’ Islands or the Red Islands, also with its former name the Prinkipos islands. Only four of them are suitable for settlement and touristic trips. These islands are Büyükada, Burgazada, Kınalıada and Heybeliada. It is possible to reach the islands by ferries departing from Kadıköy, Bostancı, and Beşiktaş. Other uninhabited islands are Sedef Island, Tavşan Island, Vordonos Island, Yassıada, Sivriada, and Kaşık Island.
How to get to the Princes’ Islands?
It is possible to reach the islands by ferries departing from Kadıköy, Bostancı, and Beşiktaş. You can check the hours on the “Şehir Hatları” website. Other uninhabited islands are Sedef Island, Tavşan Island, Vordonos Island, Yassıada, Sivriada, and Kaşık Island.
The best way to discover the Princes’ Islands is a full-day tour which you can easily book from Istanbul.com.
Büyükada
Büyükada, the largest of the 4 islands, is also the most well-known and most visited island. It is a place rich in history, culture, and natural beauty; with its pine trees, historical mansions, beaches, and scenic hills. Sometimes it can feel like you are in an Aegean town, not in Marmara. When you come to Büyükada, you can take a bike tour, windsurf, enjoy the scenery, or visit countless nostalgic mansions. Here are the places you must see:
- Aya Yorgi Hill
- Splendid Palace Hotel
- Büyükada Greek Orphanage
- Adakule
- Trotsky’s House
- Islands Museum
Kınalıada
Among the islands, Kınalıada is the closest to Istanbul. It is also the smallest of the four major islands. It takes at most half an hour on foot to walk around the entire island. Many Istanbul residents have their summer houses here. Some people live here in summer and winter. You can swim from anywhere on the island. For this reason, it gets very crowded, especially in summer. Places to see in Kınalıada:
- Dönüşüm (Conversion) Monastery
- Surp Krikor Illuminator Church
- Kınalıada Mosque
- Christos Hill
- Christos Monastery
- Panagia Greek Orthodox Church
Heybeliada
Heybeliada, the second largest island of the Prince Islands, has become a place preferred by many young people and artists living in Istanbul for permanent residence in recent years. While visiting the historical sites of this small island, you can find traces of Turkey’s cosmopolitan and culturally rich texture.
- Greek Orthodox Seminary
- Süslü Mezar
- Nicholas Church
- Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery
- Bet Yaakov Synagogue
- Değirmenburnu
Burgazada
The name Burgazada comes from the Greek word “Pyrgos” meaning tower, later it was translated into Turkish and turned into “burgaz”. This place has been the subject of many paintings and literary works in history and has hosted important names. Here are some places you should visit to witness the cultural richness of Burgazada:
- Aya Yorgi Garibi Monastery
- Kalpazankaya
- Jesus Hill
- Christos Monastery
- Aya Yani Church
- Burgazada Mosque
Discover the Prince’s Islands: Exclusive Boat Tours with Istanbul.com
If you want to discover the beauty of the Prince’s Islands with ease and convenience, Istanbul.com has two exclusive offers for you. Prince’s Islands Tour takes you on a scenic journey through the Sea of Marmara, passing by picturesque islands and capturing stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline. During the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the charming streets of Büyükada, the largest of the Prince’s Islands, and immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and culture. Through Istanbul.com, you can book this tour in advance and enjoy exclusive discounts. For a more unique and off-the-beaten-path experience, consider the Prince’s Islands Full Day Tour. This tour takes you on a scenic journey to the Prince’s Islands, with stops along the way to explore hidden gems and lesser-known landmarks for a full day.
