Princes' Islands — Frequently Asked Questions

An archipelago of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara off Istanbul's Asian coast, forming the Adalar district. Four are inhabited and visited by tourists — Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada — known for car-free streets, pine forests, historic wooden mansions and beaches.

In the Byzantine era the islands were used to exile princes, empresses and other royals, often to island monasteries. The name stuck. Later they became a beloved summer retreat for Istanbul's Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities.

By ferry. Şehir Hatları (the official city line, cheapest with an İstanbulkart) and private operators (TurYol, Dentur, Mavi Marmara, Prenstur) 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.

As of 2026, about ₺135 (≈ €2.50) one way on Şehir Hatları with an İstanbulkart or the private fast ferries, and around ₺280 on the faster İDO sea bus. Fares are charged per crossing (not round-trip) and change with inflation, so check before you travel.

If you only have one day, choose Büyükada — the largest, with the most to see. For quiet and nature, pick Burgazada or Heybeliada; for beaches and the shortest crossing, Kınalıada.

No private combustion cars. The islands are effectively car-free — you get around on foot, by bicycle, or on the municipality's electric shuttles. The famous horse-drawn phaetons were retired in 2020.

They were banned in 2020 after a disease outbreak among the horses and animal-welfare concerns. The city replaced them with electric vehicles for public transport around the islands.

Climb to the Aya Yorgi (St. George) monastery for panoramic views, wander the streets of Belle Époque mansions, rent a bicycle, relax on the beaches, visit the Museum of the Princes' Islands, and see the house linked to Trotsky's exile.

A hilltop Greek Orthodox monastery at Büyükada's highest point (around 203 m), with a stone church from 1909. From the Luna Park square it's a steep roughly 1 km climb (about 20–30 minutes on foot). Entry is free; it's busiest on 23 April and 24 September.

Yes — Leon Trotsky spent his first years of exile on Büyükada (1929–1933) after being expelled from the Soviet Union, and wrote his autobiography and History of the Russian Revolution on the island.

Spring and autumn are ideal — mild and less crowded. Summer is lovely but very busy; winter is quiet with many places closed. Any season, go early on a weekday.

A full day is right for Büyükada. If you start on an early ferry you can add a second island. Many visitors do it as a guided day trip from Istanbul that bundles the boat, free time and lunch.

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 on board. There are group tours, private tours, and Bosphorus-cruise combos.

Yes — car-free lanes, beaches, bikes, boat rides and open space suit families, though the Aya Yorgi climb is steep. Bring water, sun protection and comfortable shoes.

Yes — there are beaches on Büyükada (Nakibey, Yörük Ali, Aya Nikola), around Kınalıada, and coves on Heybeliada and Burgazada. Some are paid beach clubs with sunbeds; fees vary by season.

On Büyükada, seafood-and-meze restaurants line the harbour (Milto, Prinkipo Meyhanesi), there's köfte with a view at Yücetepe by Aya Yorgi, and the famous thick Turkish ice cream at Roma Dondurma. Heybeliada and Burgazada have quieter waterfront fish spots.

On a budget, roughly ₺1,000–1,400 (≈ €18–25) per person including ferries, a casual lunch and snacks; a mid-range day with a seafood lunch, a beach club and the museum runs about ₺2,600–3,200 (≈ €47–58). These are 2026 figures and prices change fast.

Partly. Ferries and the flat harbour and shore areas are manageable, but the interiors are hilly and cobbled and the climb to Aya Yorgi is steep and not accessible. The Adabüs electric buses help with the lower and mid areas.

Yes — car-free lanes, beaches, bikes, boat rides and open space suit families. The Luna Park area and Nakibey beach are kid-friendly; bring water and sun protection for the hills.

Take public transport or a taxi/transfer to a ferry pier — Bostancı or Kadıköy on the Asian side are closest to the islands — then the island ferry. From SAW the Asian-side piers are the easier connection; from IST it's a longer cross-city trip.

Kınalıada is the most beach-focused and sunniest, with free and serviced beaches around its shore. Büyükada has the biggest beach clubs (Yörük Ali, Nakibey); Heybeliada's Alman Koyu is a clear-water favourite.

The historic Greek Orthodox seminary hasn't taught students since 1971, but its grounds and chapel are usually open to visitors. A reopening has been discussed for 2026–27 — confirm the latest before planning a visit.