Plan & Practical
Accessibility on the Islands
An honest rundown of ferry access, what's flat and easy, what's hilly, and what to skip.
Key facts
- Ferries
- Ramps & accessible areas (varies)
- Best pier
- Bostancı / Kadıköy (short crossing)
- Flat & easy
- Harbour · main square · shore road
- Hard
- Hilly interior · cobbles
- Not accessible
- Aya Yorgi climb
How accessible are the Princes' Islands for wheelchair users, those with limited mobility, or anyone with a stroller? Here's an honest rundown.
The ferries
Şehir Hatları piers and most ships have ramps, accessible restrooms and wheelchair areas, though features vary by boat — confirm with pier staff before boarding. Choose Bostancı or Kadıköy for the shortest, easiest crossing.
On the islands
The harbour, main square and shore road are fairly flat, but surfaces are often cobblestone, and the islands' interiors are hilly. The electric Adabüs buses serve the lower and mid areas and help those with limited mobility get around.
What's not accessible
The climb to Aya Yorgi is a steep, roughly 1 km cobbled path with ~150 m of ascent — not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, and no vehicle goes to the summit. Plan a shore-and-square day instead, which still takes in the harbour, mansions and a beach.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Partly. Ferries and the flat harbour, square and shore road are manageable (surfaces are cobbled), and the Adabüs electric buses help; but the hilly interiors and the steep Aya Yorgi climb are not accessible.
Bostancı or Kadıköy on the Asian side — the shortest crossings — and most Şehir Hatları boats have ramps and wheelchair areas (confirm with staff).
No — the ~1 km climb is steep, cobbled and unpaved in places, and no vehicle reaches the summit. Enjoy the shore, squares and a beach instead.
On the flat shore road and via the Adabüs electric buses, which serve the lower and mid areas; the hilly interior is harder.
Ready for the islands?
Book a guided day trip with a boat cruise, free time on Büyükada and lunch.