There is something almost disarming about stepping onto Heybeliada Istanbul for the first time. You arrive expecting another busy stop on the Princes Islands, but the island greets you with pine scented air, soft light filtering through old wooden mansions and the kind of quiet you notice in your chest before your ears.
Many travelers rush straight to Buyukada because it is the biggest and the most talked about. Yet the surprising truth, repeated often on TripAdvisor and Reddit, is that Heybeliada Island is the calmer, greener and more restorative choice for first time visitors.
Here, time feels slower. Streets curve gently between pastel homes and gardens full of Judas trees. The roads are free of private cars, so you move by bicycle, electric shuttle or simply your own pace. Locals will tell you that Heybeliada is where Istanbulites go when they want nature without leaving the city.
One walk toward Değirmenburnu Hill is usually enough to understand why. You see the Marmara Sea on both sides, hear only birds and wind in the pine trees, and for a moment it feels like the city is days away.
According to GoTürkiye, Heybeliada is considered the greenest of the Princes Islands, and it shows in every direction you look. The island’s shape, its forested hills, its hidden coves and its quiet monasteries all give it a gentler rhythm than its larger neighbor.
Istanbeautiful Team: When we want a real break, we choose Heybeliada. No crowds, no noise, just breathing room.
Our guide is for travelers who want that feeling. It brings together everything you need for your first visit, from ferry routes and walking tips to the best places to swim, eat and explore. If you are searching for a day that feels like a soft reset, Heybeliada has a way of giving exactly that.
Our Quick Guide for First Time Visitors
First time visitors often arrive on Heybeliada Island with one question in mind: what makes this place different from the rest of the Princes Islands? The answer becomes clear within minutes.
The island feels softer, greener and more personal than Buyukada. You hear bicycle bells instead of traffic, wind in the pine trees instead of city noise, and the whole pace of the day shifts into something you can finally keep up with.
According to long running TripAdvisor threads, Heybeliada is the island people choose when they want nature without effort. You do not need to plan a complicated route. You simply start walking.
The streets from the pier lead you into neighborhoods lined with old wooden mansions, many from the late Ottoman era. Even on busy weekends, these inner streets remain quieter than anyone expects, which is why many locals prefer Heybeliada over the larger islands.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want green views, quiet beaches and a day that unfolds slowly, Heybeliada is the better first step into island life.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Where is Heybeliada and what makes it different?
Heybeliada sits right beside Buyukada, just a short ferry ride from Kabataş, Kadıköy or Bostancı. Ferries arrive frequently, and according to Şehir Hatları schedules, the trip is usually around 50 to 70 minutes depending on your pier. The island is smaller, greener, and noticeably more walkable than its neighbors. Because there are no motor vehicles, the atmosphere stays calm even in peak season.
Is Heybeliada worth visiting on your first Istanbul trip?
If you want crowds, nightlife or big beaches, no. If you want forests, calm water, history and slow walking, absolutely yes. Many Reddit travelers say they wished they chose Heybeliada first because it feels more like a retreat than a tourist attraction.
Who will love Heybeliada?
Travelers who enjoy quiet streets, coastal walks, modest beaches, monasteries and viewpoints. It is ideal for families, couples and solo travelers who want a slower island with plenty of nature.
If you start your Istanbul island journey here, the rest of the Princes Islands make more sense. The day sets its own pace, and you follow it without rushing.
Heybeliada At a Glance
Before you start walking, it helps to see Heybeliada Island as a whole. The island is compact, green, and shaped by gentle hills rather than flat promenades. That single detail explains a lot of visitor experiences. You walk a little more here. You pause more often. And you notice the views.
Istanbeautiful Team: Heybeliada looks small on a map, but it unfolds slowly. Give it time and it gives you space back.
Map, hills, and neighborhoods
Heybeliada is the second largest of the Princes Islands, yet it feels intimate. Four low hills define the landscape, with Değirmen Hill being the most visited thanks to its open sea views.
Between these rises, you find shaded valleys, wooden mansions, and quiet residential streets that still feel lived in. Many travelers expect beaches first. What surprises them is how much of the island is forest.
These hills create natural walking routes that feel cooler even in summer, especially under pine cover. That is why mornings here are magic.
No private cars, only slow movement
Private motor vehicles are banned on Heybeliada Istanbul. You get around by walking, bicycle, or electric shuttles that loop the island on set routes. This changes the entire mood. Streets stay quiet. Air feels cleaner. Conversations carry. TripAdvisor reviews often mention this as the main reason Heybeliada feels calmer than Buyukada.
Electric shuttles help with hills, but most visitors mix walking and short rides without stress.
A short sense of history
Heybeliada was long known as Halki. Over centuries, it became a place of monasteries, education, and healing. The Halki Seminary, the former sanatorium, and the Naval High School shaped the island’s identity. According to the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the island played a key role in Orthodox education while also serving as a retreat from city life.
Today, that layered past remains visible. You feel it in the buildings, the silence, and the way the island asks you to slow down rather than rush ahead.
How To Get To Heybeliada From Istanbul
Reaching Heybeliada Istanbul is simple once you know which pier fits your itinerary. Most first time visitors spend far too long comparing ferries, but the truth is this: all major routes are easy, affordable and scenic.
According to Şehir Hatları and Adalar Municipality schedules, ferries depart throughout the day from Kabataş, Kadıköy, Beşiktaş, and Bostancı, with seasonal increases in spring and summer.
The journey itself becomes part of the experience. You leave behind the dense skyline of the city and watch the Marmara Sea open slowly. Seagulls hover, coastal neighborhoods drift by and the air changes. By the time you arrive at Heybeliada Island, your mind has already slowed down.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want the quietest ride, catch the early morning ferries. The sea is calm, and the island feels like it just woke up.
Ferries from Kabataş, Kadıköy, Besiktas and Bostancı
- From Kabataş, ferries typically take around 60 to 70 minutes. This route is ideal if you are staying near Taksim or Karaköy.
- From Besiktas, ferries typically take around 90 minutes. This route is ideal if you are staying near Besiktas or Ortakoy.
- From Kadıköy, expect roughly 40 to 55 minutes depending on the line. Many locals consider this the most comfortable departure point.
- From Bostancı, the trip can be as short as 25 minutes, making it the fastest route for travelers staying on Istanbul’s Asian side.
According to frequent TripAdvisor feedback, the Kadıköy and Bostancı departures tend to be smoother on busy summer weekends.
You choose your own timing, stay as long as you want and pay a modest fare using your IstanbulKart.
- Bostancı – Adalar Ring Line (Bostancı-Kınalıada-Burgazada-Heybeliada-Büyükada-Bostancı)
- Kabataş – Adalar Line (Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada, Bostancı)
- Beşiktaş – Adalar Line (Beşiktaş, Kadıköy, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Büyükada)
You can see the current schedules and times for the city line ferries to the islands at sehirhatlari.istanbul
Private Motorboats: Mavi Marmara, Dentur Avrasya, Prenstur
Besides public ferries, you can reach Buyukada via private operators.
- Mavi Marmara runs direct services from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Yeşilköy, Kabataş and Bostancı.
- Dentur Avrasya offers routes from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Avcılar and Yalova, with weekend variations.
- Prenstur provides fast connections between Kartal, Buyukada and Heybeliada, usually in 25 to 35 minutes.
These boats are popular with travelers who want more direct connections or who prefer avoiding the larger crowds at cityline ferries.
Best times to travel
Morning ferries are your friend. Not only is the journey quieter, but you also reach the island before midday visitors arrive. On summer weekends, early departures can make the difference between a peaceful day and an overly crowded one.
Tours vs DIY: When a Tour Makes Sense
Most travelers choose the DIY ferry because it is inexpensive and flexible. But tours make sense in a few cases: very tight schedules, older travelers who prefer guidance, families who want hotel pickup or winter visits when ferry frequency drops. Guided tours usually include lunch, but the experience is more structured.
Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
You’ll have about 75 minutes ferry ride to the Princes’ Island, the Buyukada. While you have a fantastic Bosphorus ride, you can admire the beautiful skyline of Istanbul at the open air deck, enjoy refreshments from the kiosk or listen to the stories about the Bosphorus from the audio guide app on your smartphone.
You can pick one of the best ones below
- Round-Trip Ticket for Princes’ Island Ferry & Audio Guide
- Princes’ Islands Cruise w/Music, Lunch & Transfer
- Full-Day Princes Island Tour with Lunch from Istanbul
Top Things to Do, Places to See
Heybeliada does not ask you to chase highlights. It works best when you let the island pull you along. Still, a few experiences define what Heybeliada Island does better than anywhere else in the Princes Islands.
Istanbeautiful Team: Heybeliada rewards curiosity. Take one turn off the main road and the island shows its real beauty.
Walk from Heybeliada Pier into the old streets
The moment you leave Heybeliada Pier, the rhythm changes. Cafés fade behind you. Narrow streets take over. Wooden mansions sit quietly behind garden walls, many painted soft pastels that catch the light just right.
This walk is not about distance. It is about noticing details. Flowered balconies. Cats asleep on doorsteps. The sound of bicycles passing slowly.
Değirmenburnu Hill and picnic area
Değirmenburnu is where most first time visitors fall in love with Heybeliada Istanbul. The path climbs gently through pine trees, opening to wide views over the Marmara Sea.
According to repeated TripAdvisor feedback, this is the spot people wish they stayed longer. The picnic area below is shaded, breezy, and ideal for a long break. Bring water. Sit. Watch the ferries move like toys.
Visit the Halki Seminary
The Halki Seminary sits above the island, calm and dignified. Founded in 1844, it trained generations of Orthodox clergy. Even when closed, the grounds feel reflective. According to the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the site remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks in the islands. Many visitors describe the view from here as quietly powerful.
Explore Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery
Set on a hillside, the Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery dates back to the 16th century. The walk there passes pine forests and open sea views. The building itself is simple, but the setting stays with you long after.
Swim, cycle, slow down
In summer, swimming becomes part of the day. Small beaches and coves offer calm water, especially in the morning. Cycling around the island is easy and deeply satisfying. No traffic. No horns. Just movement at your own pace.
Heybeliada rewards slowness. The more you rush, the less you see.
Historic and Religious Sites You Should Not Miss
Heybeliada’s calm is not accidental. For centuries, people came here to retreat, study, heal, or step away from the city. That history still lives quietly across the island, often just a short walk from the main paths.
Istanbeautiful Team: History on Heybeliada doesn’t announce itself. You notice it when things suddenly feel still.
Halki Seminary and Aya Triada Monastery
The Halki Seminary, formally known as the Theological School of Halki, is the island’s most influential landmark. Founded in 1844 on the grounds of Aya Triada Monastery, it trained generations of Orthodox clergy.
Even when the school buildings are not open, the setting matters. Pine trees, wide steps, and open views create a reflective atmosphere that visitors often underestimate. According to the Culture and Tourism Ministry, the site remains central to the cultural identity of the Princes Islands.
Aya Nikola Church
Built in the 19th century, Aya Nikola Church sits quietly within the island’s residential area. Step inside and the tone changes immediately. Icons, soft light, and a sense of continuity give the space a grounded feeling. Local ceremonies still take place here, keeping the church part of daily life rather than a static monument.
Panagia Kamariotissa
This small Byzantine era church is one of the island’s oldest religious structures. It does not impress with scale, but with presence. Visitors who enjoy early Christian history often cite this as one of their most memorable stops on Heybeliada Island.
Bet Yaakov Synagogue and Heybeliada Mosque
Heybeliada’s layered past includes Jewish and Muslim communities as well. The Bet Yaakov Synagogue reflects the island’s once vibrant Jewish population, while the island’s mosque stands as a reminder of Ottoman era coexistence. According to local sources and long running travel forum discussions, this mix of religious sites is what gives Heybeliada its quiet depth.
Terk i Dünya Monastery
Tucked into pine forest on the southeast side, Terk i Dünya Monastery was built for monks who withdrew from worldly life. The walk there feels meditative. No signs. No noise. Just forest and sea.
Museums and Story Filled Houses
Heybeliada has a habit of telling its stories quietly. You won’t find large museum complexes or crowds lining up for tickets. Instead, history lives inside modest houses, personal rooms and everyday objects that once belonged to people who shaped Turkey’s cultural and political life.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want to understand the island, step inside its houses. That’s where the real stories are.
Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar House Museum
For literature lovers, this stop matters. Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar spent many years on Heybeliada Island, writing novels that captured everyday Istanbul life with humor and honesty.
His house, now a museum, feels remarkably personal. You see his writing desk, shelves of books, handwritten notes and everyday belongings. It is easy to imagine him pausing mid sentence to look out at the trees. Visitors often say this museum feels less like a display and more like a visit.
İsmet İnönü House Museum
The former summer residence of İsmet İnönü, Turkey’s second president, offers a different perspective. The house presents photographs, documents and personal items from İnönü’s political and family life.
According to official cultural sources, several objects were gifts from Mustafa Kemal Atatürk himself. What makes this museum special is its setting. History here is surrounded by gardens, sea air and quiet streets, which softens even serious political narratives.
Heybeliada Sanatorium
The sanatorium is not always open to visitors, but its presence still shapes the island. Founded in 1924 at the request of Atatürk, it treated patients with long term illnesses, especially tuberculosis, until 2005. Writers like Rıfat Ilgaz stayed here during treatment. Even viewed from outside, the building tells a story of healing and retreat that fits Heybeliada’s character perfectly.
Naval High School
Founded in 1773, the Naval High School remains one of the island’s most striking landmarks. While access is limited, the scale of the campus and its seaside position make it impossible to miss. It stands as a reminder of the island’s long connection to education and discipline.
Beaches and Swimming Spots on Heybeliada
Swimming on Heybeliada Island feels different from the mainland. The water is calmer, mornings are quieter, and the experience leans toward nature rather than beach clubs. If you come expecting long sandy stretches, you may be surprised. If you come wanting clear water and breathing room, this island delivers.
Istanbeautiful Team: The secret here is timing. Early swims feel like you have the island to yourself.
Değirmenburnu Beach
This is the easiest and most popular swimming area on Heybeliada Istanbul. It sits just below the picnic area, framed by pine trees and open views of the Marmara Sea. The beach has basic facilities, shaded areas and calm water that works well for families. According to TripAdvisor reviews, arriving before 11:00 makes a huge difference in both space and water clarity. By early afternoon, it fills up, especially on weekends.
German Bay
German Bay feels more hidden and untouched. The walk down is steeper, which keeps crowds away. That effort pays off. The water here is often clearer than other spots, and the setting feels secluded. Reddit travelers often mention this as their favorite swimming place on the Princes Islands, though they also warn about rocky entry points. Water shoes help.
Small coves and informal spots
Part of Heybeliada’s charm is discovering unofficial swimming areas along the coast. Locals know these spots well. Visitors usually find them by following walking paths and watching where others enter the water. These areas have no facilities, but they offer quiet and a stronger connection to nature.
When to swim
Late morning and early evening work best. Midday sun can feel intense, especially in July and August. According to local municipality updates, water quality stays best after calm weather days with little wind.
Where To Eat in Heybeliada
Eating on Heybeliada Island follows the same rhythm as the rest of the day. Slow. Unfussy. Built around the sea. Most first time visitors expect flashy restaurants or long menus. What they find instead is something better. Simple food, good ingredients, and tables placed where the breeze does half the work.
Istanbeautiful Team: On Heybeliada, don’t chase the “best restaurant.” Sit where locals linger and you’ll eat well.
Around Heybeliada Pier
The area near Heybeliada Pier is where many people start and end their day. It’s perfect for breakfast, tea, or a light lunch before exploring. Small cafés serve fresh pastries, gözleme, simit and strong Turkish coffee.
According to recent Google Reviews, morning hours stay calm here, even in summer. Afternoons get busier once ferries unload day trippers.
This area works best if you want something quick without committing to a long meal.
Seaside restaurants for fish and meze
Walk a little farther along the waterfront and you’ll find classic island seafood restaurants. Tables sit close to the water, menus focus on fresh fish, seasonal meze and simple grills. Prices are higher than cafés but fair for the setting.
TripAdvisor visitors often note that sunset dinners feel special here, especially midweek when the island quiets down again.
Ask what’s fresh before ordering. It makes a difference.
Inland cafés and local favorites
Some of the most relaxed meals happen away from the sea. Inland streets hide small family run spots where locals eat lunch or gather in the evening. Portions tend to be generous, flavors straightforward, and prices noticeably lower. These places don’t advertise much. You find them by wandering.
What to expect price wise
A light breakfast stays affordable. Lunch ranges depending on location. Seafood dinners cost more, mostly because of fish prices rather than island markup. Reddit travelers often say Heybeliada feels less expensive than Buyukada for food, especially once you leave the pier area.
Where To Stay on Heybeliada
Most visitors treat Heybeliada Island as a day trip, then quietly regret leaving too early. Staying overnight changes the entire experience. When the last ferries pull away, the island exhales. Streets empty. Pine trees move louder in the wind. And suddenly, Heybeliada feels like it belongs to you.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you can stay one night, do it. Evening and early morning are when the island feels most real.
Should you stay overnight or visit for the day
A day trip works if your time in Istanbul is tight. You can walk the island, swim, eat well and return by evening. But if you want to see Heybeliada without crowds, an overnight stay is the difference. According to repeated TripAdvisor reviews, mornings before 10:00 and evenings after 19:00 are the most peaceful moments on the island.
Small hotels near the pier
Staying close to Heybeliada Pier makes logistics easy. These small boutique hotels and family run guesthouses suit travelers who want short walks, café access and simple comfort. Rooms are usually modest but clean, with balconies or garden views rather than luxury extras. This area works well for first time visitors who want convenience.
Pensions and houses in the hills
For a quieter stay, head uphill. Small pensions and historic wooden houses sit among pine trees and gardens. These stays feel more personal and often come with generous breakfasts. The trade off is walking uphill, though electric shuttles help. Many Reddit travelers say these hillside stays feel closer to the “real” island life.
When to book
Summer weekends fill quickly. Spring and early autumn offer the best balance of availability and atmosphere. Winter stays are quieter still, ideal if you value silence over swimming.
Suggested Itineraries for Different Travelers
Heybeliada works best when you match the day to your energy. The island is small, but the hills, beaches and quiet corners mean one plan never fits everyone. Below are realistic routes we’ve tested ourselves, shaped by ferry timing, shade, and how long people actually enjoy walking.
Istanbeautiful Team: The biggest mistake we see is trying to “do it all.” Pick a rhythm. The island rewards that.
One perfect day on Heybeliada
Arrive on a morning ferry, ideally before 10:00. Start at Heybeliada Pier with tea or coffee, then walk slowly into the old streets. Let the houses and gardens set the tone.
From there, head toward Halki Seminary, taking breaks as the views open. Late morning is perfect for Değirmenburnu, where you can picnic, rest under the pines, or swim if the weather allows.
Have a late lunch near the water. Keep it simple. In the afternoon, visit Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar House or İsmet İnönü House Museum, then take an electric shuttle back toward the pier. End the day with a seaside dinner as the light softens and ferries begin to thin out.
Easy half day for relaxed travelers
If you have limited time, focus on one side of the island. Walk from the pier through the historic streets, visit Aya Nikola Church, then continue toward Değirmenburnu for views and a short swim. Eat near the pier and return mid afternoon. This avoids hills and keeps the day light.
Kid friendly and low effort route
Families do best staying close to the pier and Değirmenburnu. Walk short distances, use electric shuttles, and plan one main stop. According to TripAdvisor family reviews, shaded picnic areas and calm water matter more than checking off sights.
Heybeliada vs Other Princes Islands
Choosing between the Princes Islands can feel harder than it should. On paper, they sound similar. In reality, each island offers a very different kind of day. Knowing where Heybeliada Island fits helps you choose with confidence.
Istanbeautiful Team: We think of the islands like moods. Buyukada is social. Burgazada is casual. Heybeliada is reflective.
Heybeliada vs Buyukada
This is the comparison most first time visitors struggle with. Buyukada is bigger, busier, and packed with options. You get more restaurants, more beaches, more people. If you want variety and don’t mind crowds, Buyukada delivers.
Heybeliada Istanbul feels lighter. Fewer visitors. More trees. More silence between places. TripAdvisor discussions often describe Heybeliada as the better choice for travelers who want nature walks, quiet swimming spots and a slower pace. You won’t find the same scale of entertainment, but you gain breathing room.
Heybeliada vs Burgazada and Kınalıada
Burgazada is intimate and neighborhood like. It suits travelers who want cafés, local beaches and a lived in feel.
Kınalıada is smaller and more exposed, with less greenery and faster visits. Many Reddit travelers say Kınalıada works for a quick swim but feels limited for a full day.
Heybeliada sits between these options. Bigger than Burgazada. Greener than Kınalıada. It offers enough to fill a full day without feeling overwhelming.
Which island is best for your first visit
If your goal is to see everything and stay busy, start with Buyukada. If your goal is to slow down, walk under pine trees and feel the island rather than tour it, start with Heybeliada Island. Many travelers later return to see the others, but they remember their first calm day here the most.
Practical Tips, Costs and First Timer Mistakes
Heybeliada feels simple. That’s exactly where small mistakes sneak in. A little planning keeps the day smooth and unhurried.
Istanbeautiful Team: Most problems we hear about come from timing, not logistics. Fix the timing and everything else falls into place.
Typical budget for a day on Heybeliada
Using an IstanbulKart, the ferry to Heybeliada Island stays affordable from Kabataş, Kadıköy or Bostancı. Add a bike rental or a few electric shuttle rides and you’re still within a modest day budget. Lunch near the pier costs less than waterfront seafood dinners.
Beaches like Değirmenburnu may have small entrance fees in summer. Expect higher prices on weekends and holidays. Reddit travelers often note that Heybeliada Istanbul feels cheaper than Buyukada once you move away from the pier.
What to pack and wear
Comfortable shoes matter more than style. The hills look gentle but add up. Bring water, sun protection and a light layer for the ferry breeze. If you plan to swim, pack water shoes for rocky entries at quieter coves.
Common mistakes to avoid
Arriving late is the biggest one. Midday ferries bring crowds and heat together. Another mistake is overplanning. Trying to see every monastery, museum and beach leads to rushing. Pick two or three anchors and let the rest happen naturally. Many TripAdvisor posts mention underestimating the hills. Use electric shuttles when needed. That’s what they’re for.
Small tips that make a big difference
Sit outside on the ferry if weather allows. Start inland, finish by the sea. Swim earlier in the day for clearer water. Leave space before your return ferry. Missing the last boat turns calm into stress fast.
Common Traveler FAQs About Visiting Heybeliada
How long do you need on Heybeliada?
A full day is ideal. You can walk the streets, visit a few historical sites, swim, and still sit down for a relaxed meal. A half day works if you arrive early and keep plans light, but many visitors say it feels short.
What is the best time of year to visit?
May, June, September and early October offer the best mix of weather and manageable crowds. July and August are great for swimming but busy on weekends. Winter is quiet and atmospheric, though swimming is off the table.
Can you swim on Heybeliada?
Yes. Beaches like Değirmenburnu and smaller coves offer clear water, especially in the morning. According to frequent TripAdvisor feedback, early swims are calmer and cleaner.
Is Heybeliada good for kids?
Yes, especially for families who enjoy walking, picnics and nature. Flat areas near the pier and Değirmenburnu work best. Electric shuttles help avoid tiring climbs.
Can you combine Heybeliada and Buyukada in one day?
Technically yes. Realistically, it feels rushed. Reddit travelers often recommend choosing one island and enjoying it fully rather than checking off two.
Is Heybeliada safe for solo travelers?
Very. The island is calm, walkable and welcoming. Evenings near the pier remain lively without feeling overwhelming.