Princes' Islands (Büyükada)
Adalar · Büyükada
Car-free islands in the Sea of Marmara, known for wooden mansions, pine forests and bays. A day trip to Büyükada by bike or on foot is the most popular option.
The Princes' Islands lie in the Sea of Marmara, about 20 kilometers from the city center. In the Byzantine period, they were a place of exile for princes. In the 19th century, they became a summer retreat for the wealthy, and private cars are banned on the islands. The largest, Büyükada, has many Victorian-style wooden villas, the former home of Trotsky, and the Monastery of St. George on the hilltop, which offers views over the islands. You can rent bicycles or ride the electric bus around the island. The bays have paid beaches. Getting there: take a city ferry from Kabataş or Karaköy (about 1.5 hours; an Istanbulkart can be used) or a private fast boat. Plan on a full day, and keep an eye on the return time, since the last ferry leaves early.
Opening hours
Open all day (ferries about 07:00–21:00)
Nearby sights
- Kadıköy & Moda
- Grand Çamlıca Mosque
- Maiden's Tower
- Beylerbeyi Palace
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Hagia Irene
- Topkapi Palace