The Princes’ Islands (Turkish: Adalar) are a set of islands in the Sea of Marmara. Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada are the archipelago’s four main islands. Princes’ Islands Turkey can be reached by ferry from the European side via Beşiktaş, Eminönü, and Kabataş, and from the Asian side by Kadköy and Bostanc.
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.
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.