This is the fastest entrance to the shortest way to the Princes' Islands that includes also a valid ticket for the return as well. Book your place with this flexible ticket and only think about your plans in the beautiful nature of the islands in Istanbul. From gastronomy to sightseeing, you will find great options to feel the local way of life in Istanbul.
The so-called Princes' Islands are the largest 4 pieces of an archipelago off the southern coast of Istanbul. They have been loved by locals as an escape from the city since the antiquity. There are no large buildings and no motor vehicles on the islands. Therefore the environment seems like a heaven after an hour of ride from the metropolitan Istanbul.
The colorful wooden houses are definitely spectacular aligned through old-fashioned streets full of green. You can walk, rent a bike or use electric carts to explore the further parts of the islands where you end up in small woods, usually pine groves. Once you land, you may see several shops with bikes in front of their doors to rent.
Chasing fresh seafood is one of the must-do things in the islands! The seafood admirers in Istanbul follows the passage of seasons for seasonal fish. You may ask the staff of fishermen restaurants and greek-style taverns about their suggestions at the time of your arrival. On the other hand, do not be surprised if the famous cold-appetizers of Turkish cuisine steals the show. Thanks to high-quality olive oil and vegetables, the vegetarian kitchen is simply delicious.
If it is early for a dinner, or just after the meal, you may try an ice-cream shop, which would be a favorable stop of Istanbulites there. More than ice cream actually, it resembles to Italian Gelato to be fair.
What's more? Why not a cup of coffee? This should be the finest complementary touch at the end, if you like it.
Eventually, a trip to the Princes' Islands usually promises the travelers fresh air and peaceful time. You would love to read, listen to music or just watch the sea while enjoying one of the most colorful corners of Istanbul.
A bief list of things to do in the Princes' Islands in Istanbul:
You can see the departure times from Eminonu, across the Egyptian Spice Bazaar in the heart of the old town.
The departures start 10:40am at weekends and 11:40 during the weekdays. Then, the following boats repeat hourly until 13:40. In 50 minutes you will reach to the islands area. You can land on the last and biggest one, Büyükada, at the end usually in 70 minutes.
With these digital tickets, you may take any of our departures from our Eminönü Pier. Regarding to the returns from the islands, the most up-to-date time table could be seen on the pier on the island when you arrive there. The return ferries usually depart from afternoon hours until evening time.
Please, come 15 minutes early to the embarkment point marked on the map. Your boat will be ready to depart at the time announced.
The name of the Princes' Islands comes from the exiled members of the imperial families since the antiquity. As Istanbul was the city of dynasties, hence a stage for harsh political competitions. When there was a winner for the crown, there had to be a place to lock the losing members. These islands were great to keep them close an under surveillance but also disconnected from the capital, the power and the palace. In the past, groups of monks were forming another inhabitant communities of these islands. Because of the distance to the eartly urban lives, the islands were mostly suitable for the monasteries looking for isolation.
The crucial change happened after the industrial revolution. After the steam engine was integrated into the ships, the islands became reachable effortlessly in just an hour or two. So they turned to be residential quarters full of summer cottages. Thus, the pretty streets and cute houses filled the already beautiful landscape.
How long does it take from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands?
It takes between 50 and 75 minutes from first to the last island.
How many Princes' islands are there? Do they have different names?
There are 4 main islands. Their names are Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada.
Which island is the best one to visit?
Büyükada, literally translates "Big Island", is the largest one and having most of the facilities like nice restaurants, cafés with good views, prettiest houses, and of course the largest area for hiking or biking. Still, if you would prefer a calmer and smaller one (for example; during the highest season), you may think about the other ones.
