Things to Do
Beaches & Swimming
Where to swim across the four islands — the free coves, the beach clubs, the season and roughly what it costs.
Key facts
- Beach season
- ~June–late September
- Büyükada flagship
- Yörük Ali Plajı
- Family beach
- Nakibey
- Free swim
- Kınalıada Beach · public coves
- Typically included
- Sunbed · umbrella · shower · cabin
- Bring
- Sea shoes for pebbly coves
The Princes' Islands are ringed with beaches and coves — a mix of free public strands and paid beach clubs with sunbeds. The clubs run roughly from June to late September; here's where to swim on each island.
Büyükada beaches
The flagship is Yörük Ali Plajı on the Nizam (west) side, reached by a free shuttle boat from the town (included in the entry fee); the fee covers a sunbed, umbrella, shower, changing cabin, locker and wifi. Nakibey, on the south coast, is a long-running, more family-oriented beach at a lower price, and Aya Nikola lies on the east side near the island museum. You may also see Blue Beach (Nizam) and the quieter Eskibağ.
Beach-club entry fees change every season and jumped sharply in 2026 — expect roughly ₺800–1,000 at the flagship clubs and less at the family beaches, with children often free or half-price. Confirm on the day.
Kınalıada
The closest island is a beach island first and foremost. Kınalıada Beach is free with clear turquoise water, while Ayazma Beach is a serviced, paid option; coves wrap much of the short shoreline. More on Kınalıada →
Heybeliada & Burgazada
On Heybeliada, Alman Koyu ("German Cove") is prized for its clear water, and there's a swimming area at the Değirmenburnu picnic park. Burgazada has quiet rocky coves, including around Kalpazankaya — better for a dip and a sunset than a full beach day.
Tips for a beach day
- Beach clubs run roughly June–September; outside that, swim at free public coves.
- Entry usually includes a sunbed and umbrella — you don't pay extra for loungers.
- Bring sea shoes — several coves are pebbly or rocky.
- Go on a weekday; summer weekends are packed.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Yörük Ali is the flagship club (reached by a free shuttle boat from town); Nakibey is more family-friendly and cheaper; Aya Nikola is handy for the island museum. All are beach clubs with a seasonal entry fee.
Some are — Kınalıada Beach and various public coves are free. The main Büyükada beach clubs (Yörük Ali, Nakibey, Aya Nikola) charge a seasonal entry fee that usually includes a sunbed and umbrella.
As of 2026, roughly ₺800–1,000 at the flagship Büyükada clubs and less at the family beaches; children are often free or half-price. Prices change every season, so confirm on the day.
Comfortably warm from about June to September (peak July–August); the beach clubs run roughly the same window. May and early October can be swimmable on sunny days but cooler.
Kınalıada — it's the most beach-focused, sunniest and closest to the city, with both free and serviced beaches around its shore.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.