Istanbul's car-free islands
The Princes'
Islands
Nine islands in the Sea of Marmara — no cars, no traffic, just ferries, pine forests and Belle Époque mansions. Here's how to spend a perfect day on Büyükada and beyond.
Free to visit · one ferry from the city · no car needed
2026
The crossing · Kabataş to Büyükada
Choose your island
Four islands, four moods
From busy, beautiful Büyükada to the quiet pine lanes of Burgazada — pick your pace.
The big oneBüyükada
The largest island and the main event — Aya Yorgi hilltop, mansions, beaches and bikes.
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Green & calmHeybeliada
Pine forests, the Halki Seminary and quiet coves — the relaxed second island.
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The quiet oneBurgazada
Far from the crowds — the literary island, home of writer Sait Faik.
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Closest & sunniestKınalıada
The nearest island, ringed by beaches, with distinctive red hills.
ExploreWhy go
A slower Istanbul, out on the water
A car-free escape
No engines, no horns — just bicycles, footpaths, electric shuttles and the sea. The horse-drawn phaetons retired in 2020; the quiet stayed.
Aya Yorgi & the view
Climb to Büyükada's hilltop monastery (about 203 m) for a sweeping panorama over the Marmara and the city.
Mansions & history
Streets of Belle Époque timber villas, Greek monasteries and echoes of exile — from Byzantine princes to Trotsky.
Beaches & bikes
Swim in clear coves and pedal the pine-shaded coast road — the classic island day, at your own pace.
The easy way
See the islands without the logistics
Piers, ferry lines, İstanbulkart, timings, lunch — a guided day trip handles all of it. And half the pleasure is the cruise itself, gliding out of the city past Topkapı Palace and the Maiden's Tower.
- 1
Hotel pickup & a scenic cruise
Door-to-door transfers and a Bosphorus-and-Marmara boat ride to the islands.
- 2
Free time on Büyükada
Wander the mansions, ride a bike, or climb to Aya Yorgi — at your own pace.
- 3
Lunch & a second island
Most full-day tours include lunch and a stop at Heybeliada or Kınalıada.
Book online
Popular island tours & cruises
Live availability and prices for the best-reviewed Princes' Islands experiences.
Plan your trip
Everything you need to know
Getting There
Which pier, which ferry line, fares and timings — from Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy and Bostancı.
Ferry guideThings to Do
Aya Yorgi, the beaches, bike rides, the mansions and the island museum.
See highlightsVisit Guide
Best time to go, how long you need, a day-trip plan and practical tips.
Visit guideGood to know
Frequently asked questions
By ferry. Şehir Hatları (the official city line, cheapest with an İstanbulkart) and private operators such as TurYol, Dentur and Mavi Marmara sail from Kabataş, Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Karaköy on the European side and Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. Büyükada is roughly 1.5 hours from the central European piers, and much less from Bostancı.
Choose Büyükada — the largest island, with the most to see: the Aya Yorgi hilltop monastery, grand mansions, beaches and bike routes. If you start early you can add a second island, usually Heybeliada.
Correct — there are no private combustion cars. You get around on foot, by bicycle, or on the municipality's electric shuttles. The famous horse-drawn phaetons were retired in 2020.
Spring and autumn are ideal — mild and less crowded. Summer is beautiful but very busy; winter is quiet with many places closed. Whatever the season, go early on a weekday and avoid the packed last ferries back.
The islands are free to enter — you only pay the ferry (about ₺135, roughly €2.50, one way with an İstanbulkart as of 2026). Extra costs are optional: bike rental, beach clubs, lunch, and any guided tour you book.
Yes. Full-day tours include hotel pickup, a boat cruise past Istanbul's landmarks, free time on Büyükada (and often a second island) and lunch. See our tours page for live options and prices.
Where they are
The Princes' Islands on the map
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch — the easy way to see the Princes' Islands.