The Princes' Islands of Istanbul

The Princes' Islands are located in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul, and consist of nine islands in total. These islands are renowned for their beautiful natural landscapes, car-free streets, and wooden houses. The main islands include Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Gökçeada.

The Princes' Islands, known as "Adalar" in Turkish, are a group of nine islands located in the Sea of Marmara, near Istanbul, Turkey. Imagine a place where time seems to have stopped. The Princes' Islands are a peaceful group of islands just off the coast of Istanbul. It's a paradise on these islands, where history and natural beauty come together to make a great getaway for anyone looking for peace and adventure.

Cost of Traveling to the Princes' Islands

Traveling to the Princes' Islands (Prens Adaları) is an extraordinary and relaxing holiday experience. However, it is advisable to gather information about how to get to the islands. Generally, transportation to the islands is carried out by passenger ferries that regularly operate from Istanbul to the Princes' Islands. Using Istanbul's public transport system is very convenient and affordable, and you won’t encounter any problems in this regard.

You can also reach the islands by sea taxi, a new service introduced by the Istanbul municipality. These sea taxis, functioning like private boats, are naturally more expensive than passenger ferries but offer a higher level of comfort. This way, you can travel between Istanbul and the islands at any time and choose your ferry departure time.

How to Get to the Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands are located on the Asian side of Istanbul, about two hours from the city center. This journey not only provides an opportunity to see the beautiful scenery and pristine nature of the islands but also offers an enjoyable experience of ferry travel and using Istanbul's public transport.

Interestingly, no motorized vehicles are allowed on these islands. To reach Büyükada, the most popular island, you can follow this route from Taksim Square:

·         Step 1: From Taksim Square to Kabataş

First, take the F1 metro line from Taksim Square and get off at Kabataş station. This short and quick journey will get you to your destination in no time.

·         Step 2: From Kabataş to the Princes' Islands

Next, buy a ferry ticket at Kabataş station. It’s best to use an Istanbulkart for payment, which is a rechargeable card used for public transport payments in Istanbul, available at any metro station or authorized store.

·         From Kabataş to Büyükada

Then, find the ferries that regularly depart from Kabataş to the Princes' Islands. The ferry ride takes about an hour, during which you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea and coastline.

·         Other Options to Reach the Princes' Islands

If you are staying on the European side of Istanbul and cannot access Kabataş, you can use the T1 tram line, which will take you to Kabataş. Additionally, other piers like Kadıköy and Bostancı also have ferries to the Princes' Islands. Whichever route you take to these piers, you can easily access the Princes' Islands.

Visiting the Princes' Islands in Winter

Visiting the Princes' Islands in winter offers a unique and attractive experience. Unlike Istanbul, these islands have milder weather. From December to March, strong northern winds can lower the temperature, but sunny winter days are ideal for exploring the outdoors. Summer also has its charm on these islands as the weather is cooler than in Istanbul, allowing you to enjoy the pristine nature more comfortably.

Additionally, with fewer tourists in winter, the islands are more peaceful, providing an excellent opportunity to experience local life and authentic Turkish culture. You can also enjoy local cafes and restaurants with warm food and drinks, and the tranquil sea views. Moreover, costs are lower during the off-peak season. If you plan a long-term stay, renting a furnished house in Istanbul can be more economical.

These houses often come with great amenities like pools, barbecue areas, daily cleaning services, and more, offering comfort comparable to large hotels while providing more personal space. For a different and relaxing experience in Istanbul, visiting the Princes' Islands in winter and staying in such homes can be an excellent choice.

Hotels on the Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands have a variety of hotels offering comfortable and memorable stays for travelers. These hotels range from luxury five-star establishments to budget-friendly accommodations, catering to different needs and budgets.

Luxurious hotels on the islands provide excellent amenities, but there are also affordable options with similar or even better facilities, depending on your preference, budget, and expectations. Some well-known hotels include the Splendid Palace Hotel and Ascot Hotel, offering unique accommodation experiences.

However, these hotels are not necessarily cheap. Furnished rentals should not be overlooked, as they offer facilities like pools, barbecues, fully equipped homes, and access to local attractions. These rentals are perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for a comfortable and memorable stay, with proximity to tourist attractions such as churches, monasteries, and hiking trails.

Beaches of the Princes' Islands

The beaches of the Princes' Islands provide easy access to the shores, allowing tourists to enjoy the sunny and marine climate of the region. Every year, both local and foreign tourists are attracted to the beaches of the Princes' Islands. You can enjoy a relaxing time by riding horse-drawn carriages or resting in small, cozy restaurants on these beaches. Some of the top beaches on the Princes' Islands are:

·         Yörükali Beach (Yörükali Büyükada Plajı)

This private beach offers facilities like umbrellas and sunbeds, professional lifeguards, private rooms, private showers, restaurants, and bars. The entrance fee (first half of 2024) is around 250 liras during the week and around 350 liras on weekends and holidays.

·         Nakibey Beach (Nakibey Plajı)

Another private beach is Nakibey Beach, with facilities such as a beautiful beach, professional lifeguards, restaurant, cafe, bar, barbecue, breakfast, 24-hour heated pools, wireless internet, and satellite TV. The entrance fee is similar to Yörükali Beach, around 250 liras during the week and around 350 liras on weekends and holidays.

·         Aqua Beach Club

For a public and free beach, Aqua Beach Club offers sports and recreational facilities, making it an excellent choice for families and friends, ensuring a memorable and unforgettable trip.