Most travelers hear about the Princes’ Islands Istanbul as a peaceful escape from the city, but here is the part people rarely expect: the moment the ferry leaves Kabataş or Kadıköy, the city noise fades almost instantly. The water opens up, gulls hover over the deck and you feel something shift inside you. It is the closest thing Istanbul has to a reset button.
According to Şehir Hatları data, ferries to the Princes’ Islands take roughly one to two hours depending on the route, yet emotionally it feels even further away from the city’s pace.
First time visitors usually arrive with a lot of questions. Which island should I visit? Is Büyükada too crowded? Are Princes’ Islands beaches good for swimming? Should I rent a bike, walk or take the electric shuttle? And the big one: is a full day trip really worth giving up precious time in Istanbul?
Istanbeautiful Team: Visitors always ask us if the islands are overrated. Our answer is simple. Go on a weekday, catch an early ferry and let the sea set the tone. The day unfolds gently after that.
Our guide is designed exactly for you if you want clarity, not guesswork. It brings together insights from travelers on TripAdvisor, local tips from residents, ferry details from official Şehir Hatları sources and first hand experiences. You will see which island fits your travel style, how to avoid crowds, what the ferries actually feel like and how to plan a smooth trip without wasting time.
Think of the Princes’ Islands as Istanbul without its rush. Car free streets, pine forests, old wooden mansions, quiet monasteries and viewpoints that make even locals stop for a moment.
Our Quick Tips for First Time Visitors
If you are planning your very first trip to the Princes’ Islands Istanbul, here is the simplest way to understand them. The archipelago sits in the Sea of Marmara, a short ferry ride from the city, and consists of nine islands, though travelers visit four: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada.
According to Şehir Hatları, ferries run from Kabataş, Kadıköy and Bostancı, with journey times ranging from about 55 minutes to nearly 100 depending on your port and season. It feels far, but in the best way. The city slips away behind you.
Most visitors wonder which island they should choose. If you only have one day, the honest answer is Büyükada. It has the most things to do: historic wooden mansions, the Aya Yorgi climb, bike routes and easy places to eat. But it is also the most crowded, especially on summer weekends.
According to traveler discussions on TripAdvisor, Heybeliada often feels calmer and greener, which is why some people prefer it. If you want quiet viewpoints and small coves, Burgazada is the better match. Fast swimmers and sun lovers tend to choose Kınalıada, the closest island to the city.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want the classic first timer experience, choose Büyükada on a weekday morning. If you want peace, choose Heybeliada. That one decision changes everything.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Timing matters. The first ferries of the day are always smoother and cooler. Leaving the islands before sunset saves you from crowds returning to the city. Summer Sundays are the busiest; locals often avoid them.
If you only remember one thing, let it be this. The Princes’ Islands are not about rushing. They are about slowing down. Pick one island, give it a full day, walk more than you planned, eat simply and let the sea do its quiet work.
What Are the Princes’ Islands and Are They Worth a Day of Your Trip?
Most people hear the words Princes’ Islands Istanbul and picture beaches, bicycles and old wooden mansions. That part is true, but the real story goes deeper. These islands were once places of exile during the Byzantine and early Ottoman periods, which is how they earned their name.
Later, they became summer retreats for Istanbul’s Greek, Armenian and Jewish communities. You still feel traces of that layered history when you walk past a Victorian style mansion or hear church bells echo through pine trees on Büyükada or Heybeliada.
The archipelago consists of nine islands, but only four are typically visited: Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada. Each has its own character. One is big and energetic, another is quiet and contemplative, another has coves loved by swimmers. None of them allow private cars, which is why so many travelers describe the islands as a breath of fresh air.
According to comments on Reddit’s r/Istanbul, visitors often say they didn’t realize how much they needed a calm day until they stepped off the ferry.
So, is it worth giving up a full day of your Istanbul itinerary? That depends on your style of travel. If you have three days or less, the islands offer a welcome pause from the city’s density, but you need to time it well. If you are staying longer or traveling with kids, the islands become an easy highlight. Many families say it is the most relaxing day of their entire trip.
Istanbeautiful Team: We always tell guests this. If you want to understand Istanbul beyond mosques and markets, spend one day on the islands. You discover the city’s softer heart.
What makes the islands special is their pace. Joggers pass slowly beneath pine canopies, the air smells faintly of jasmine in spring, and electric buses glide where horse carriages once rattled. People sip tea by the water instead of rushing. Even the light feels different. One day out here reframes your whole view of the city.
Which Princes’ Island Should You Visit First?
One of the biggest questions first timers ask is simple: which island is the best? The truth is, each of the Princes’ Islands Istanbul has its own personality. Some feel quiet and contemplative, others lively and popular.
And the one that suits you depends on your pace, your expectations and what kind of day you want.
According to regular contributors on TripAdvisor and Reddit, most travelers choose Büyükada on their first visit because it offers the widest mix of viewpoints, beaches, food and historic streets.
But some wish they had chosen a calmer island after seeing the summer crowds. That is why understanding each island’s character helps you avoid surprises.
Istanbeautiful Team: We always tell visitors: choose an island the way you choose a neighborhood in Istanbul. Each one says something different.
Quick Decision Guide by Travel Style
- If you want a classic first time experience with lots to see, pick Büyükada.
- If you want pine forests, monasteries and peace, choose Heybeliada.
- If you want quiet coves, artistic corners and open views, choose Burgazada.
- If you want easy swimming and a shorter ferry ride, choose Kınalıada.
Now let’s look at each more closely.
Büyükada at a Glance
Büyükada is the largest and most famous of the islands. It combines Victorian style wooden mansions, old Greek streets, the steep but rewarding climb to Aya Yorgi Church, relaxed promenade cafés and access to several Princes’ Islands beaches.
According to many travelers, the island’s energy is lively but can become crowded, especially on summer weekends. Still, for a first timer, Büyükada gives you the fullest picture: history, nature, sea views and the feeling that the island is alive.
Who it suits: first timers, families, active visitors, people who want variety.
What to expect: hills, beauty, energy, a lived in atmosphere.
Heybeliada at a Glance
Heybeliada is greener, quieter and known for its pine forests, monasteries and peaceful roads. It feels more residential and less commercial than Büyükada. Many locals prefer Heybeliada for long walks and bike rides without the crowds.
Who it suits: visitors wanting calm, older travelers, nature lovers.
What to expect: shady trails, gentle slopes, fewer people.
Burgazada at a Glance
Burgazada is intimate and slow paced. It is the island of writers, artists and people who want a place to breathe. There are small coves for swimming, hillside viewpoints and quiet cafés. If Büyükada is Istanbul’s summer postcard, Burgazada is its poetry book.
Who it suits: couples, photographers, people who like quiet corners.
What to expect: slow rhythm, sea scented air, wide views.
Kınalıada at a Glance
Kınalıada is the closest island to Istanbul and the least green, which makes it ideal for sun lovers. It has beaches, rocky swimming areas and a more local, weekend style crowd. Ferry rides are shorter, which is perfect if you have limited time.
Who it suits: swimmers, short trip takers, people who want simplicity.
What to expect: fast access, warm evenings, strong summer energy.
Choosing an island shapes the entire day. Once you understand their personalities, the decision becomes intuitive rather than confusing.
Things to Do on the Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands Istanbul are often described as quiet, but that doesn’t mean there’s little to do. The islands offer a kind of slow adventure, with small discoveries tucked into forests, coves, hilltops and narrow streets.
According to seasoned travelers on TripAdvisor and Reddit, the most memorable moments are rarely the big sights. They’re the in between moments. A climb between trees. A quiet church courtyard. A swim where the water feels clearer than anywhere near the city.
Istanbeautiful Team: When people ask what to do, we smile. Out here, the best experiences happen when you follow your feet, not a checklist.
Swim at the Beaches and Hidden Coves
Many first timers search for Princes’ Islands beaches, expecting sandy stretches like a Mediterranean resort. The reality is different but charming. The islands have a mix of paid beach clubs, small pebble beaches and rocky platforms that locals love.
On Büyükada, options include organized beaches where you’ll find umbrellas, loungers and cafés. Further out you’ll find quieter coves where you can jump straight into the water. According to travelers, water clarity is usually best earlier in the day and on weekdays.
Heybeliada and Burgazada offer smaller, more peaceful swimming spots. Kınalıada is closest to Istanbul and tends to warm up fastest in summer, making it ideal for sun seekers.
Cycling, Walking and Scenic Routes
The islands are famous for cycling, though hills can surprise first timers. Renting a bike on Büyükada or Heybeliada is easy, but walking can be just as rewarding.
You pass old pine forests, abandoned mansions, narrow streets filled with wisteria in spring and long stretches of sea views that appear without warning. The loop roads on both islands offer shaded segments and viewpoint breaks. Reddit users often mention that early morning rides are the best way to avoid crowds.
Churches, Monasteries and Historic Sites
The islands hold a quiet spiritual dimension. The climb to Aya Yorgi Church on Büyükada is one of the most iconic experiences of any Istanbul trip. The trail is steep and sun exposed, but the view is spectacular.
Several Byzantine era monasteries are dotted across Heybeliada, along with the historic Halki Seminary. Büyükada’s enormous Greek Orphanage, one of the largest wooden buildings in Europe, sits eerily silent on the hillside. While closed to the public, you can admire it from nearby viewpoints.
Cafés, Seaside Lunches and Slow Moments
Food on the islands is simple but atmospheric. Seafront restaurants offer fish, meze and easy lunches. For something more spontaneous, stop at a small pastry shop or grab a cold drink and sit in the shade.
According to travel forums, the best meals are often the least planned ones, especially on Heybeliada and Burgazada where time moves more softly.
If there is one rule: do less, feel more. The islands reward that approach every time.
Our Best 1 Day Princes’ Islands Itineraries for First Time Visitors
Planning your day on the Princes’ Islands Istanbul is easier when you follow the natural rhythm of the islands. You do not need to rush. You do not need to see everything. The key is choosing one island and giving it the space to unfold.
According to frequent travelers on TripAdvisor, the most common mistake first timers make is trying to hop between too many islands, which leads to ferry waiting times and a scattered day. One good island is enough.
Istanbeautiful Team: Whenever friends visit, we give them a simple rule. Pick one island, commit, and let the day slow you down. The islands reward people who move gently.
Classic First Trip – Full Day on Büyükada
Start with a morning ferry from Kabataş, Kadıköy or Bostancı. This helps you beat crowds and enjoy the approach while the city is still waking up.
When you arrive on Büyükada, walk through the town center to see the old Greek architecture and wooden Victorian mansions. Renting a bike is common, but walking gives you more space to take in the details.
Head toward Aya Yorgi Church, the most iconic viewpoint on the island. The climb is steep, but the view is worth every step. According to many reviewers, it is the moment where the island’s calm really clicks.
For lunch, find a simple seaside restaurant rather than the busiest spots near the pier. Afternoons can be spent at one of the Büyükada beaches, whether a paid club or a quieter rocky cove. End with an early evening ferry back to the city.
Quiet Nature Day – Heybeliada and Burgazada Combo
If you want something calmer, take a morning ferry to Heybeliada. Walk the pine shaded roads, visit the historic monastery and enjoy the sound of cicadas. Around midday, catch an inter island ferry to Burgazada. These ferries are slower but peaceful, drifting between green hills and open water.
On Burgazada, enjoy a long lunch, visit a viewpoint or swim in a small cove. The island has a poetic stillness that many first time visitors fall in love with. Return to Istanbul from either island depending on schedules.
Short Half Day – Closest Island From Your Side of the City
If you only have four or five hours, choose Kınalıada. It is the fastest to reach and best for swimming. Arrive, find a beach or rocky swimming platform, enjoy a few relaxed hours and head back without feeling rushed. This is the lightest version of a Princes’ Island visit.
These itineraries work because they follow the islands’ natural flow. Slow mornings, scenic walks, simple lunches, sea air. The day carries itself when you let it.
How to Get to the Princes’ Islands From the European and Asian Side
Visitors often assume reaching the Princes’ Islands Istanbul is complicated, but it is one of the easiest day trips you can make. The ferries are frequent, affordable and scenic.
According to official Şehir Hatları schedules, routes operate from Kabataş, Eminönü, Kadıköy and Bostancı, with travel times ranging from roughly 55 to 100 minutes depending on your departure point and season. You tap in with your IstanbulKart, find a seat on deck and let the city drift into the distance.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want a calmer start, leave from Bostancı. If you want a beautiful ride, leave from Kabataş. Simple choices make big differences out here.
Ferries From Kabataş, Eminönü and Beşiktaş
Most first time visitors stay on the European side, so these piers are the natural starting point. Ferries from Kabataş offer the classic journey, passing the skyline of Topkapı, Galata Tower and the old city walls before heading across the Sea of Marmara.
Travel time to Büyükada ranges between 75 and 100 minutes depending on the day. From Eminönü and Beşiktaş, the duration is similar, though departures may be less frequent.
If you are staying in Sultanahmet, the simplest route is tram T1 to Kabataş, then straight onto the ferry. From Taksim, the F1 funicular takes you to Kabataş in a few minutes.
Ferries From Kadıköy, Bostancı, Maltepe and Kartal
Travelers staying on the Asian side often reach the islands faster. Kadıköy to Buyukada can be under an hour, and Bostancı offers the quickest access of all.
According to frequent traveler reports on TripAdvisor, Bostancı ferries tend to be less crowded, especially on weekday mornings. Maltepe and Kartal offer additional seasonal routes that appeal to locals who want a shorter crossing.
Princes’ Islands by Private Motorboats
Beyond the public ferries, several private companies connect Istanbul directly to the islands with faster, more flexible schedules.
Mavi Marmara Motorboats
Mavi Marmara offers direct services to Büyükada from Eminönü, Yeşilköy, Beşiktaş, Kabataş and Bostancı. These services run frequently and tend to be more time efficient than standard ferries. Current timetables are available at mavimarmara.net
Dentur Avrasya Motorboats
Dentur Avrasya connects Büyükada with Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Avcılar and even Yalova. Services from Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü and Avcılar operate daily. Yalova departures run on weekends and are ideal for travelers already exploring Marmara’s southern coast. Updated schedules can be found at denturavrasya.com
Prenstur Motorboats
Prenstur operates daily shuttles between Kartal and the islands. The ride from Kartal to Büyükada takes around 25 to 30 minutes, and to Heybeliada about 30 to 35 minutes. For visitors staying on Istanbul’s eastern Asian side, this is by far the quickest option. Times are listed at prenstur.net
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
When to Visit the Princes’ Islands: Seasons, Weather and Crowds
Timing shapes your entire experience on the Princes’ Islands Istanbul. The islands change dramatically with the seasons, and knowing what each period feels like helps you plan a smoother, more enjoyable day.
According to long running TripAdvisor threads, the biggest shocks for first timers are summer crowds and winter quietness. Everything else becomes easy once you understand the rhythm of the islands.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you want our honest take, choose spring or autumn. The air is soft, the crowds thin and the sea still inviting. It is the islands at their best.
Spring
Spring is widely considered the perfect time to visit. Temperatures are mild, ferries feel spacious and the island roads are lined with wisteria, pine scent and soft sea breezes. Walking to Aya Yorgi or cycling around Büyükada feels effortless.
Restaurants stay lively without being packed. According to Şehir Hatları data, ferry frequencies remain strong through April and May, which helps your flexibility.
Summer
This is the season with the brightest colors and the busiest boats. The water is warm enough for long swims, especially on Kınalıada and the quieter coves of Burgazada. But crowds on Büyükada rise significantly on weekends.
Many Reddit users note that Sundays in July and August can feel overwhelming around the pier area. The main point to a smooth summer visit is catching an early ferry and returning before the peak evening rush.
Shade is limited during hikes and bike rides, so bring sunscreen and water. Beach clubs get busy early; weekday visits are far more relaxed.
Autumn
Autumn is the hidden gem. September and early October still feel summery, with warm afternoons and gentle evenings. Ferries are calmer, and locals say this is the best time for walking and photography. The sea remains swimmable into early October on warm years.
Winter
Winter on the islands is quiet, sometimes surprisingly so. Some restaurants close, beach areas become empty and ferry frequency may decrease slightly. Still, winter has a certain charm for travelers who prefer solitude.
You get the walking paths, monasteries and forests almost entirely to yourself. Just prepare for wind, colder sea spray on deck and shorter days.
Princes’ Islands With Kids, Seniors and Non-Swimmers
Many visitors wonder whether the Princes’ Islands Istanbul are suitable for families, older travelers or people who are not confident swimmers. The truth is, the islands can be wonderfully comfortable for these groups, but only if you choose the right island and pace.
According to parent discussions on TripAdvisor and user reviews on Reddit, the biggest challenge is not safety. It is hills and heat. Once you understand the terrain, the day becomes easy.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you are visiting with kids or older family members, choose Heybeliada first. It is gentler, greener and has fewer steep climbs than Büyükada.
Stroller and Wheelchair Friendliness
Accessibility varies widely. Büyükada is beautiful but steep in many areas, which can be difficult for wheelchairs and strollers. The promenade and central streets are flat, but reaching viewpoints or beaches often requires uphill walking. Electric shuttle buses help, yet boarding can be crowded in high season.
Heybeliada, on the other hand, offers gentler inclines, wider shaded roads and a more manageable layout. Families often say it is the most comfortable island for slow walks. Paths around the coastline work well for strollers.
If accessibility is a priority, avoid trying to cycle the whole island. Stick to the flatter sections near town.
Kid Friendly Activities Beyond Swimming
Kids love the islands for simple reasons. Space to run. Pine scented air. The novelty of car free streets. Families can enjoy easy seaside picnics, short forest walks, or feeding seagulls on the ferry. Burgazada is great for calmer days with teenagers, especially for photography and small coves.
Beaches vary in depth and wave strength. Stick to paid beach clubs if you want facilities like changing rooms, lifeguards and shade.
Low Mobility Itineraries
If you or someone in your group prefers minimal walking, choose this approach:
- Take the ferry to Heybeliada.
- Enjoy the flat promenade near the pier.
- Use electric island buses to reach higher viewpoints without climbing.
- Choose a seaside restaurant for lunch before returning.
This gives you the island experience without physical strain.
Non-Swimmers
Many travelers assume the Princes’ Islands are only for swimming, but there is plenty to do without getting in the water. Visit monasteries, admire Victorian houses, try island desserts, explore forests or simply sit by the shore with tea. On cooler days, the islands become even more about atmosphere.
The main point is matching your pace to the island’s landscape. Once you do, the day feels light for everyone.
Where to Stay on the Princes’ Islands
Most travelers visit the Princes’ Islands Istanbul as a day trip, but staying overnight changes everything. The crowds leave, the streets go quiet, and the islands reveal a softer rhythm you never see during the day.
According to frequent visitors on TripAdvisor and long form reviews on Reddit, an overnight stay is the closest thing to stepping into a small Aegean town without ever leaving Istanbul.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you can spare one night, do it. Waking up on the islands feels like someone turned the city’s volume down. It’s calm in a way Istanbul rarely is.
Staying on Büyükada
Büyükada offers the largest range of hotels, from charming wooden mansions to simple guesthouses. Many sit in historic Greek or Ottoman era buildings, giving you old world character with sea breezes drifting through the windows.
If you want a central base, choose something near the pier so you can walk everywhere without hills. For quieter evenings, select a small hotel on the upper slopes of the island. Sunsets are spectacular from hillside terraces.
Who it suits: first timers, couples, families wanting convenience.
Staying on Heybeliada
Heybeliada has fewer hotels but offers more tranquility. Stays here feel slower, greener and more local. Many accommodations are small family run pensions set on quiet residential streets. Mornings often start with birdsong instead of ferry horns. This island is ideal if you want calm evenings after the day trippers leave.
Who it suits: travelers wanting peace, mature couples, solo walkers.
Staying on Burgazada
Burgazada has the most intimate atmosphere. Options are limited, but the charm is unmatched. You’ll find boutique stays and small guesthouses that feel like weekend retreats. If you’re the sort of traveler who values quiet coves and artistic corners over busy promenades, this is your island.
Who it suits: writers, photographers, couples, anyone avoiding crowds.
Staying on Kınalıada
Kınalıada has fewer accommodations than the others, and most are simple, budget friendly stays. It’s good for travelers who want to be close to the city but still enjoy an island night. The beaches here draw a younger, more local crowd.
Who it suits: budget travelers, visitors with short stays.
An overnight stay lets you see the islands without rushing. Morning light on the wooden mansions, the scent of pine drifting in through open shutters, the hush that settles after sunset. These are the moments that stay with you long after the ferry ride home.
Money, Tickets and Practical Tips for First Time Visitors
A day on the Princes’ Islands Istanbul doesn’t need to break the bank, but it’s important to know what to expect in terms of costs, ticketing and what you’ll need for a full day out. From ferries and bike rentals to lunch and small fees at beaches, getting the practical side right can save you time and frustration.
According to travel forums and first-hand feedback, one of the easiest mistakes to make is assuming the islands are just about ferry tickets and a few cafes – it’s the hidden costs and little extras that sneak up on you.
Istanbeautiful Team: Here’s a trick we tell everyone: keep some change on hand for small tickets, ice creams and spontaneous beach fees. It’s easier to pay in cash than chase down a card reader.
Costs You Should Expect
Ferries
The ferry ride to the islands is affordable. A one-way ticket using IstanbulKart is typically €2-3 (or 110-120 TL), depending on where you board. Tickets are affordable but don’t forget to top up your IstanbulKart before you leave. Cross check prices from sehirhatlari.istanbul
Bike Rentals
Renting a bike on Büyükada or Heybeliada is the most common way to explore. Expect to pay around €10–€15 per hour, or slightly less for half-day rentals. Most rental spots near the pier have simple bikes, but electric bikes (and more expensive options) are available in larger shops.
Istanbeautiful Team: If you’re cycling, wear comfortable shoes. Some of the hills can feel long, especially if you’re not used to biking on uneven terrain.
Lunch and Drinks
Restaurants vary widely depending on where you eat. A meal at a local spot on Büyükada will typically range from €15–€25 per person. If you opt for seaside cafés or more tourist-heavy areas, prices can rise.
On the other hand, small local bakeries or street food, like simit (Turkish sesame bagels), fresh fruit juices and baklava, can offer great snacks without costing much more than €3–€5.
Beach Clubs
Most beaches on the islands are free, but if you want to visit a beach club, expect to pay an entrance fee of €10–€20. This fee usually includes sunbeds, umbrellas and access to the facilities like restrooms, showers, and sometimes lunch or drinks.
What to Pack for a Full Day Trip
Packing light is key for an easy day on the islands. Here’s what we recommend:
- Sun protection: Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light scarf (for sunburn protection)
- Comfortable shoes: For walking or biking
- Swim gear: Towel, swimwear, flip-flops, or sandals
- Light jacket or sweater: It can get cooler on the ferry or evening winds on the islands
- Cash: While most places accept cards, small vendors and local beach clubs often prefer cash. Having 100 TL or so on hand is a good idea.
- Camera or phone: The islands offer some of the best photo ops in Istanbul.
- A refillable water bottle: There are few shops on walking routes and hiking trails, so staying hydrated is important.
Safety, Etiquette and Common Scams to Avoid
Safety
The islands are generally safe, with low crime rates. However, like any busy tourist area, it’s always wise to watch your belongings, especially around the ferry piers and crowded areas. Be cautious with your personal items when boarding ferries and in busy restaurants.
Etiquette
The islands are a peaceful place, so it’s best to keep noise levels down, especially if you are near residential areas. People are generally friendly, but it’s important to respect local customs, particularly around religious sites like churches or monasteries.
Common Scams
Watch out for unofficial or private boats offering “exclusive” rides to the islands. Always opt for official ferries from Şehir Hatları, or other licensed services. Be wary of overly persistent sellers near the piers or beach clubs trying to upsell.
FAQs About the Princes’ Islands for First Time Visitors
Can you swim on the Princes’ Islands?
Yes. All four main islands offer places to swim. Büyükada and Kınalıada have the most accessible beaches, including paid beach clubs with sunbeds and showers. Burgazada and Heybeliada offer quieter coves. The water is generally clean, especially on weekdays and early mornings.
Which Princes’ Island is best for a day trip?
For first timers, Büyükada is the most complete experience. You get viewpoints, mansions, beaches and plenty of cafés. If you prefer something calmer, choose Heybeliada. Burgazada suits travelers wanting quiet walks and photography. Kınalıada is ideal for quick swims and half-day visits.
How long is the ferry from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands?
Ferries from Kabataş take between 75 and 100 minutes to reach Büyükada. From Kadıköy, the trip is usually under one hour. Bostancı is the fastest hub, often 35 to 45 minutes depending on the route.
Are cars allowed on the islands?
No. The islands are car-free. Only electric shuttle buses, bicycles and a limited number of service vehicles operate. This is one of the reasons the islands feel so peaceful.
Do you need to book a tour, or can you visit by yourself?
Most travelers go independently using public ferries. It’s easy and inexpensive. Tours make sense for visitors who want hotel pickup, a structured itinerary or are traveling with older family members.
Are the Princes’ Islands crowded?
They can be. Büyükada is very busy on summer weekends. Locals often avoid Sundays in July and August. To escape crowds, take the first ferry of the day or choose Heybeliada or Burgazada instead.
What should I wear?
Wear light, breathable clothing in summer, comfortable walking shoes and bring a swimsuit if you plan to swim. Even in warm months, carry a light layer for windy ferry decks.
Is it worth going in winter?
Yes, but only if you enjoy quiet, atmospheric days. Many cafés remain open, ferries run regularly and the forests feel peaceful. Swimming isn’t ideal, but walking is beautiful.