Princes' Islands in Istanbul

Istanbul… Saying this word, you can hear the noise of the Bosphorus Strait, the purring of cats, and the sounds of Turkish bazaars. But what if we told you that you can also find the Princes' Islands in Istanbul? They form an archipelago. This district of the city is called Adalar in Turkish. It includes nine small islands in the Marmara Sea. The most remote of them is located approximately 35 km from the central part of the city. And even if there are no princes there (spoiler: no longer there), there is definitely something to see. 

Brief History

Throughout the existence of the Princes' Islands, they have been called by many names. They were the Divided, the Public, the Red, the Holy, and even the Islands of the Spirit. In general, it's good that they settled on the Princes' Islands. There's some intrigue in that. Although the origin of this name dates back to the periods of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires. In those times, disfavored princes and aristocratic individuals were exiled to the archipelago. And they could not leave their place of confinement until the end of their lives. So, princes did once inhabit the islands. Therefore, there's a chance to stumble upon a descendant of an exiled royal. 

Much later, around the 19th century, the islands were inhabited by representatives of various confessions and nationalities: Greeks, Armenians, Jews, and Turks. By the way, ferry service between Istanbul and the archipelago was established only in 1846. Since then, Turks (and others) had the opportunity to buy houses on the islands for both permanent residence and summer holidays.

Currently, the archipelago consists of nine islands. Although about a thousand years ago there were ten. But after a strong earthquake, one of them sank. The sunken island was called Vordonisi and was closest to modern Istanbul. According to locals, the ruins of the ancient Photius monastery still lie at the site of the island, somewhere at a depth of five to six meters. For sailors, these areas are considered dangerous and are marked by a lighthouse. 

Of the nine existing islands, not all can be visited. Moreover, some of them are even uninhabited. Only four are accessible to tourists:  Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada. There is also the semi-open island of Sedefadasi. People live there, but the city ferry does not go there. The islands of Kaşıkadası and Yassıada are private properties, so travelers cannot access them. The remaining two islands – Sivriada and Tavşanadası – are completely uninhabited.

Princes' Islands and Their Attractions

Why is it worth sailing to the Princes' Islands at all? Firstly, to see elegant wooden villas and picturesque gardens. After all, it's not for nothing that the archipelago is considered an ecologically clean and very atmospheric corner of Istanbul. Secondly, to see many interesting attractions. Of course, the main treasures of the Princes' Islands are their wonderful nature, beautiful beaches, and the purest air. At the same time, there are specific locations worth visiting purposefully. Life hack: to get acquainted with many cool places, you can rent a bicycle and ride around the islands with the breeze.  

Orthodox Monastery of St. George Koudounas

This attraction is located on Büyükada island. One could even say, right in its center. More precisely, at the highest point of the island. In this monastery, you can see the oldest icon of Saint George the Victorious. According to legend, a shepherd unearthed it on the hilltop in 963. To ascend to the temple, you need to move up a paved path from Berlyk-Maydan Square. There is even a belief: if you do this without uttering a word and make a wish, it will surely come true. However, even if you don't attach importance to all the signs and legends surrounding this place, it will still attract tourists. And why not: the view from the hill is stunning.

Greek Orphanage

Another interesting location on Büyükada island. In fact, the Greek Orphanage is one of the largest and oldest wooden buildings in the world. You can see it from anywhere on the island. After all, it's hard to miss the large, black, and gloomy building with gaping window holes, which also towers over all other structures. You definitely can't walk past it. The history of this place is quite sad. In the first half of the 20th century, it was indeed an orphanage for Greek orphans, which housed about 1,000 children over 60 years (from 1903 to 1964). It all ended very tragically – with a large fire. Since then, the building has stood empty and is gradually decaying, so approaching it is forbidden. Around it are a fence, barbed wire, and iron gates. In general, it's a rather gloomy sight, but it's a story that locals cherish with reverence. Foreigners, however, do not experience similar emotions. Residents of the Princes' Islands say that some enterprising individuals from abroad wanted to open a casino in the Greek orphanage building. Naturally, the Turkish authorities of the island flatly refused.

House of the Writer Reşat Nuri Güntekin

The third main attraction of Büyükada island is the house of the writer who created the sentimental novel “The Wren” (a nod to Turkish TV series). By the way, the book was written right here. Literally in this house. The prototype for the main character was the writer's neighbor. That's what it means to have stories all around us. You can take a tour, and the guide will take you to the locations where the TV series based on the novel was filmed. Here's an interesting fact: there is no museum as such in the house itself, and no exhibits either. It is quite residential and belongs to Güntekin's heirs, who live there.

Aya Yani Church

It is located on Burgazada island. Lovers of peace, quiet, and romance especially seek to visit it. There are not many attractions on the island itself, but the Aya Yani Church, built in 867, is one of the few such locations. Moreover, tourists usually come to Burgazada island specifically for it. Travelers are particularly drawn to the underground dungeon (or rather, beneath the church), where severely delinquent prisoners served their sentences. In general, there is a certain gloomy romance to this place.

Beaches

Beaches – that's probably one of the reasons why travelers flock to the Princes' Islands.

The largest number of sunbathing and swimming spots are on Büyükada. There are eight equipped beaches, including family-friendly ones where you can relax peacefully with children. Some of them are paid: for example, Yörükali, Nakibey, Yada Club, Prenses, Aya Nikola. The entrance fee includes a sun lounger, a table next to it, an umbrella, a changing cabin, and a shower.

On Heybeliada island, you can visit Ada, Aqua Green, Aquarium, and Alman Koyu beaches. They are also paid, with an average cost of 30–40 lira.

Burgazada island is not as rich in beaches as its predecessors. Therefore, it's not worth coming here just to hang out on the sand (it's better to combine it with sightseeing). At least because almost all beaches on Burgazada island are stony (even if free). So they are definitely not suitable for families with children. Among the public ones, Kalpazankaya and Madam Marta can be highlighted, and among the paid ones, Mimi Koy. 

On Sedef island, it's worth visiting Ada Sedef and Elio beaches. The latter can be considered more of a restaurant, and it's quite expensive.  

Hotels near the Princes' Islands in Istanbul

You can live both in the center of Istanbul and on the Princes' Islands themselves. Moreover, on the latter, you can find very cool and colorful hotels. For example, on Büyükada island, you can stay at the Splendid Palace Hotel. Prices during the season start from 3,000–3,500 lira per day, and in the autumn-winter period, it's around 3,000 lira per day. The charm of the hotel lies in its atmosphere and ambiance, and of course, the magnificent sea view.

On the same island, there's a good option – Ada Palas Buyukada Boutique Hotel. It is located in the center of Büyükada. And it costs a little less than the previous hotel: the price per room per day starts from 1,800 lira. 

You can also consider the four-star Buyukada Princess Hotel. A huge plus is that the port is nearby. So you can travel by ferry to other islands or quickly get to Istanbul.

For accommodation, you can also choose Burgazada island. There, there is a pleasant mini-hotel Pyrgos. It is located right on the seashore. And even if the rooms are small, everything necessary for a comfortable stay is there.

In general, you can visit the Princes' Islands for a day trip, but the main rule is – don't linger until the last minute, arrive at the pier early. Otherwise, there's a chance of getting caught in a huge queue or even missing your ferry.  

So, here's a travel idea. All that's left is to implement it. So grab your tickets to Istanbul and go explore the world. And if you've already seen everything in Istanbul, we suggest you find out what Cappadocia is.

In short, travel, friends: our planet is full of amazing places!