Heybeliada — the Green Island

By the Princess Island Guide editors · Last updated August 2026

Heybeliada — "Saddlebag Island," the second-largest of the Princes' Islands — is greener and calmer than Büyükada: pine forests, hilltop monasteries, a naval-school history and quiet coves. It's the natural pairing for a two-island day.

The Halki Seminary (Ruhban Okulu)

Heybeliada's most famous landmark is the Halki Seminary — the Theological School of Halki — on the hill of Ümit Tepesi. Founded in 1844, it was the pre-eminent Greek Orthodox theological school, and twelve Ecumenical Patriarchs — including the current Patriarch Bartholomew — studied here. It was closed in 1971, when a change in Turkish law placed private higher education under state control and the seminary declined to be nationalised; it has stood without students ever since, a long-running issue in Turkey's relations with the Greek Orthodox world.

The story is moving again: the historic building has been restored (nearing completion in 2025–26) and a possible reopening has been discussed at the highest levels, with the 2026–2027 academic year floated. Its teaching status remains unresolved as of late 2025 — confirm the latest before planning a visit. The grounds and the chapel are usually open to visitors (reportedly daily except Sundays, free), while the library and upper floors are restricted; ask before photographing interiors. It's a steep walk or bike ride up from the pier.

Aya Triada Monastery

The seminary sits within the Aya Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery on Ümit Tepesi ("Hill of Hope"), Heybeliada's highest point. Its roots are Byzantine — an early monastery here is linked to St. Theodore the Studite, exiled to the island in the 9th century. Rebuilt in 1773 (partly with an endowment from Tsar Peter the Great), damaged in 1821, it was rebuilt and turned into the theological school in 1844. The U-shaped complex wraps around a 17th-century chapel and looks out over pine forest to the sea.

The Naval School & İnönü's house

As you leave the ferry, the large campus on the left is the former Naval High School (Deniz Lisesi) — naval training on Heybeliada dates back to 1773; the higher Naval Academy moved to Tuzla in 1985, and the remaining high school was closed in 2016 (with all Turkish military high schools). The poet Nâzım Hikmet trained at the naval school here as a young man (1913–1918).

Nearby is the İsmet İnönü House Museum — the preserved summer home of Turkey's second president (and first prime minister), in the family since the 1930s and open as a museum with its original furnishings. Reported open daily except Mondays, roughly 10:00–17:00, free entry — verify before visiting.

Beaches & nature

For swimming, the favourite is Alman Koyu ("German Cove"), a clear-water bay reached by a walking loop from town. On the island's north is Değirmenburnu Nature Park (a 12-hectare pine peninsula with picnic grounds, rentable barbecue grills and a swimming spot) — a classic Heybeliada afternoon. Much of the island is Mediterranean pine forest, threaded with quiet walking and cycling lanes.

Getting there & around

Heybeliada is the ferry stop just before Büyükada, which makes the two an easy pairing. Like all the islands it's car-free — get around on foot, by rented bicycle, or on the electric buses. Full ferry guide →

On the map