Princes’ Islands Day Trip Guide in Istanbul

Most tourists who come to Istanbul spend their time only in Sultanahmet, Eminönü and the Grand Bazaar areas. However, there are the Princes’ Islands where you can take a day trip and escape the crowds in Istanbul. In fact, it is possible to see these islands from many points of Istanbul when you look out.

Being this close to the city and still so calm is really a big advantage. It’s a great route where you can go in the morning and come back in the evening, get some sea air, take a walk and even swim if you want.

Which Island Should You Go To?
The Princes’ Islands consist of 4 islands.
• Büyükada → The most popular one. There are more restaurants, cafes and places to visit. If you’re going for the first time, it’s the most logical choice. I personally don’t prefer Büyükada much in the summer because it can get too crowded. It’s amazing in spring and autumn. If crowds are not a problem for you, you should definitely go to Büyükada. (Still less crowded than Istanbul)
• Heybeliada → Quieter, ideal for nature walks and peace. I usually go to Heybeliada in the summer. There are fewer businesses here, I prefer it more for walking and swimming.
• Burgazada → Small and cozy. A very good spot for sunset. It’s one of the islands where summer houses are common. I’ve been there once, you wouldn’t miss much if you skip it.
• Kınalıada → The closest island, less green but many people prefer it for swimming. I’ve been once and I liked the sea in Heybeliada more.

So if it’s your first time, I definitely recommend Büyükada.

How to Get There?
Getting to the islands in Istanbul is really easy. Ferries or sea buses depart from Eminönü, Kabataş, Kadıköy and Bostancı. If you go with the public ferries, it’s a bit slower but much cheaper. I always prefer ferries and enjoy a great journey together with the seagulls. If I remember correctly, the ticket price was around 140 TL.

If you want, there are also private boats, they are faster and a bit more expensive. To be honest, I don’t prefer them so I don’t know the current prices.

On average, it takes around 60–90 minutes if you go from the European side. If you take the ferry from the Asian side, you can reach the islands in about 30–60 minutes.

Going early in the morning is important, otherwise it gets crowded and the day feels shorter.

What to Do on the Island?
I really like going to the islands during the first weeks of a new relationship. I think it’s a great choice for the beginning of a relationship or the middle of a flirt. So what can you do on the islands?

• Rent a Bike or Walk
There used to be horse carriages but they were removed because the horses were not well taken care of. (Thankfully they were removed) Now there are electric carriages. But my recommendation is to rent a bike or walk along the coast. If you rent a bike, don’t forget that you will have to go uphill, it’s an island after all.

• Breakfast / Coffee by the Sea
As soon as you get off the ferry, you can drink tea or coffee by the seaside and have a simple but practical breakfast with simit. The view is already amazing.

• Go Up to Aya Yorgi Church
The most famous spot of Büyükada. It’s a bit uphill but the view is incredible. Of course, you won’t go up there at noon. You will time it for sunset and you should have a bottle of wine and 2 glasses with you. Trust me, it will be a very beautiful Istanbul memory.

• Go Swimming
There are beach clubs or free areas. Especially Kınalıada and Burgazada are more comfortable for this. But I still don’t really recommend swimming in Istanbul. I personally don’t prefer it.

My recommendation is to go on a weekday instead of the weekend. Especially in summer, weekends get very crowded and it becomes harder to experience that charming island vibe. Keep some cash with you, in rare cases some places may not accept cards. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking because you will walk a lot. Bringing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat would be very good for you. Other than that, don’t carry too many things, unnecessary weight will tire you out faster.

If you have any questions about the islands or Istanbul, you can ask me by sending an email or writing in the comments. I wish you enjoyable trips.