Istanbul has two major tourist attractions that will take almost a full day out of your holiday: a visit to one or more of the Princes’ Islands and a boat tour on the Bosphorus. People rightfully ask me if it’s worth sacrificing one or two days of their often already short stay in Istanbul? That is a tough question to answer, and completely based on personal preferences. So let me explain what you can expect from a daytrip to the Princes’ Island, and how to best go about.
What Are the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul
The Princes’ Islands (Kızıl Adalar or just Adalar) are a chain of nine rather small islands in the Sea of Marmara. They evolved from a place of exile during the Byzantine era, to a popular destination for tourists and Istanbulites alike to escape the hectic city life for a day. Of those nine islands, only four of them are open to the public: Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada.
Princes’ Islands Features
The main feature of any of the Princes’ Islands is the sound of … silence. All motorized vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are bicycle bells and the typical sounds of horse hoofs. Yep, that’s right. Horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main transportation means on the islands.
But that’s not the only feature that makes the Princes’ Islands unique. You’ll find yourself walking or riding through narrow streets flanked by either untouched pine-forests or fine, wooden Victorian cottages. How is that for a unique fin-de-siècle flash back?
Guided Princes Islands Tours
Full-day €50-80 per person
Easy cancellation with a FULL REFUND up to 24 hours in advance
How to Get to the Princes’ Islands … and Back!
By boat, that goes without saying. But there are different ferries to choose from. There are the sea buses (fast ferries) operated by IDO, and the regular ferries operated by Şehir Hatları.
Both ferry types depart from Kabataş — easily accessible with public transportation. From Taksim you can take the F1 Kabataş-Taksim funicular or from Sultanahmet you can get on the T1 Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway. (Attention! Kabataş ferry dock closed, use Eminönü or Beşiktaş instead)
The sea buses are the fastest option, but they operate at irregular times and focus on locals commuting to work and back. If it stops at all the islands, the trip will last for 55 minutes maximum and sets you back for 10 TL (7,80 TL with the Istanbul Kart) per person — one way.
The regular ferries are slower and can take as much as 100 minutes, but they are your best and safest option. They are cheaper (only 5 TL per person, or 3,85 TL with the Istanbul Kart) and make more runs back and forth.
Take my advice! If you plan to visit the islands, make sure you get on one of the first ferries to the islands on any given day. You’ll beat the (local) crowd to the islands — and check upon arrival when the last ferry departs back to Istanbul that day! Although some islands have nice hotels, you don’t want to miss the last ferry. Then, spend as much time as you want on (one of) the Princes’ Islands, and return to Istanbul with whichever ferry you prefer.
The ferry timetables change according to the seasons, so make sure to check the exact departure dates of the sea buses (fast ferries) or the conventional ferries. (Look for Adalar or Island)
nik says
Can we go to Princes Island with first ferry in the morning and come back by afternoon? I mean like half day tour is possible there?
Erlend says
Yes, there are many ferries going back.
Ali Danish Malik says
Hi,
I am confused from where to take the IDO ferry as some people have mentioned that Kabatas port is closed for renovation. Please let me know from which dock does IDO Leave?
Regards,
Erlend says
Hi Ali,
Did you have a look at this post about the closed Kabataş docks? I suggest you take the conventional ferry line operated by Şehir Hatları with departure to the islands from Eminönü.
Hope this helps.