Discover the Charm: Exploring the Attractions of Princes' Islands (Adalar)

Located off the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara, the Princes' Islands district is comprised of a collective of nine islands, with Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, and Burgazada being the primary destinations for permanent residents and visitors alike. These four islands offer a rich history and a plethora of tourist attractions, drawing attention from both local and international travelers. Daily ferries operated by City Lines provide convenient access to the islands, catering to those seeking a leisurely day trip or a longer holiday retreat. In this guide, we delve into the historical and tourist attractions found on Kınalıada, Buyukada, Burgazada, and Heybeliada, offering insight into the unique experiences each island has to offer. Officially recognized as 'Adalar' in Turkish, or the Prince Archipelago, this tranquil oasis serves as a picturesque escape from the bustling city life of Istanbul.

Princes' Islands Travel Guide 2023: A Journey Through Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, and Burgazada: Comprising four major islands—Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada—and five smaller islets, the Princes' Islands offer a diverse array of landscapes and experiences. Buyukada, the largest of the islands, spans 5.46 km², while Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada boast areas of 2.4 km², 1.5 km², and 1.3 km², respectively. Additionally, the archipelago includes the smaller Sedef Adası, Yassıada, Sivriada, Kaşık Adası, and Tavşan Adası. The Princes' Islands are particularly serene during spring and autumn, providing a peaceful retreat, although weather conditions can occasionally disrupt ferry services. Cultural enthusiasts will find interest in Büyükada's unique city museum, the Princes' Islands Museum in Aya Nikola. 

Navigating the Princes' Islands: Transportation and Best Times to Visit: The Princes' Islands emerge as idyllic destinations, especially during the tranquil seasons of spring and autumn. Visitors can enjoy the mild climate, although it’s important to note that ferry services might be interrupted by stormy weather, isolating the islands during winter. The cold winds and potential ferry cancellations contribute to a quieter atmosphere. When planning a visit, explore Büyükada's distinguished Princes' Islands Museum in Aya Nikola for a dose of cultural tourism. Transportation to the islands is a breeze with frequent ferries departing from Bostanci, Kartal, and Maltepe on the Asian side, and Kabatash on the European side, ensuring you can easily access the serene landscapes of Kınalı ada, Burgaz ada, Heybeli ada, and Buyukada.

Exploring the Princes' Islands: A Guide to Getting There and What to Expect: The Princes' Islands stand out as peaceful havens, drawing visitors from Istanbul and beyond for day trips and longer stays. With a strict limit on vehicle traffic, the islands preserve their tranquility, encouraging travel by bicycle or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). Easily accessible via ferry, with departures from both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul, the islands are well-connected, allowing for convenient travel to Kınalı ada, Burgaz ada, Heybeli ada, and Buyukada. This guide provides essential information on ferry services and schedules, ensuring a smooth journey to these picturesque islands.

Buyukada, also known as the "Big Island," stands as the largest among the nine illustrious Princes' Islands situated in the Marmara Sea, a short distance from the vibrant city of Istanbul. Renowned for its pristine environment, the island enforces a strict no motor vehicle policy, with the exception of essential service vehicles. This unique regulation ensures that visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the serene ambiance of the island, exploring its wonders on foot, cycling through scenic routes with rented bicycles, or enjoying the novelty of horse-drawn carriage rides that offer both hop-on-hop-off services and comprehensive tours around the island. In a progressive shift towards sustainability, electric battery vehicles have also been introduced as an alternative mode of transportation.

Buyukada holds historical significance, having served as a place of exile for various Byzantine royals such as Queen Irene, Dalassena, Theophano, Zoe, and Anna Euphrosyne. The island also played a pivotal role in the life of the Bolshevik leader Leon Trotsky, providing him refuge during his initial years of exile in 1929. Moreover, it is the birthplace of Princess Fahrelnissa Zeid, a renowned artist. The island is adorned with several historical monuments, including the ancient Ayia Yorgi Monastery, the Agios Dimitrios Church, and the Hamidiye Mosque, a testament to the diverse cultural heritage of the island. With its unique topography, Buyukada features two main peaks, one of which, Hristos, is crowned by the historic Prinkipo Environmental Center, formerly an orphanage. Nestled in the valley between these peaks lies the Agios Nikolaos Church and Monastery, alongside a charming fairground. For those looking to explore the island's beauty, the 'small tour' buggy ride offers a delightful experience, leading visitors to Aya Yorgi, a quaint church surrounded by a restaurant known for its wine and sandwiches, integral to the traditional Aya Yorgi experience.

A Tranquil Escape: Discovering the Princes' Islands: Embark on a nostalgic journey to Istanbul's Princes' Islands, a unique archipelago that has been a melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and languages for years. Break away from the bustling city life of Istanbul and join us for a daily tour to these tranquil islands, where history and culture converge amidst a backdrop of peace and serenity.

With Cab Istanbul at your service, we provide luxurious transportation and multilingual chauffeurs, ensuring that your journey is not just a tour, but an enriching experience with a personal touch. As your guides and companions, we are dedicated to introducing you to the heavenly tranquility that the Princes' Islands have to offer. The highlight of our Princes' Island tour is undoubtedly a visit to Buyukada, the largest island of the archipelago, also historically known as Prinkipo. This island has been a sanctuary to various cultures over the years, creating a rich tapestry of heritage and tradition. Join us and step into a world where time slows down, and the serene ambiance of Buyukada embraces you, offering a moment of peace and reflection.

Nestled within the Sea of Marmara, Heybeli Ada, also known as Saddlebag Island, stands as the second-largest among the Princes' Islands and forms part of Istanbul's Adalar district. Upon disembarkation from the ferry, one is greeted by the impressive facade of the Sea Cadet School, with its intriguing architectural gems: Panagia Kamariotissa, the last Eastern Church built before the Ottoman conquest, and the final resting place of Edward Barton, the second English Ambassador sent by Elizabeth I to Constantinople, who sought solace on this serene island. The lively town center, replete with bars, cafes, and a year-round hotel, is adorned with charming wooden houses, offering a warm welcome to visitors. The island's central mountain is crowned by an eleventh-century Russian Orthodox monastery, home to the Saddlebag Island seminary and the Theological Seminary of the Patriarchate, though regrettably closed since 1971. Despite this, the island continues to draw visitors from Greece and Turkey alike. In a bid to preserve its pristine environment, only essential service vehicles are permitted, with horse-drawn buggies and foot traffic being the primary modes of transportation. The island transforms in the summer months, with its population swelling to 10,000, and offers an array of attractions including open-air concerts, a seaside swimming and fitness club, and an annual Independence Day parade.

Discovering Burgazada (Fortress Island) 

Burgazada, or Fortress Island, emerges as the third-largest of the Islands, featuring a singular hill spanning 2 km. Its history dates back to Antigonus I Monophthalmus, a general of Alexander the Great, who established a fort on the island and named it in honor of his father. Over time, the island became known as Burgaz, meaning 'fort' in Turkish. Tragically, in 2003, a fire ravaged 4 square km. of the island's woodland. Burgazada holds a special place in the heart of renowned Turkish writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık, who not only drew inspiration from the island but also made it his home. Today, his residence serves as a museum, preserving his legacy. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and a refreshing drink at his favorite cafe and restaurant, Kalpazan Kaya. Historically, the island had a predominantly Jewish population, adding another layer to its rich tapestry of culture and heritage.

Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Kınalıada (Henna Island) 

Situated a mere 15 km south of Istanbul's Asian side, Kınalıada, or Henna Island, stands out as the closest island to the city, boasting a unique reddish terrain due to its rich deposits of iron and copper. Historically, this island served as a place of exile for members of the royal family during the Byzantine era, with the former emperor Romanos IV Diogenes being a notable deportee after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Additionally, Kınalıada is home to a significant historical abbey, perched atop its hills. The island experienced a demographic shift from the 19th century to the mid-20th century, becoming predominantly Armenian and serving as a summer haven for many from the community, including the Armenian patriarchs of Istanbul. During the summer months, Armenians constituted approximately 90% of the island's population, predominantly residing in summer homes. Today, Kınalıada is easily accessible via a ferry service from Kabataş, located adjacent to the Dolmabahçe Palace, with the journey taking about half an hour on a fast ferry and an hour on a regular ferry.