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)
Juliet Wild says
Hi. Im planning on coming to Istanbul in March and plan to stay for four nights and then get the ferry over to Buyukada and stay there for two nights. I know it is out of season and will be cooler but will there be much open?
I will be staying in the Faith area of Istanbul and I’m slightly confused where I get the ferry from and how I get to the port from the Faith area.
Any tips and advice would be great
Erlend says
Hi Juliet,
It will not be as busy as in summer, but of course there will still be cafes, restaurants, etc. open. Keep in mind that there are locals living there the year round, and even in winter locals from the mainland, and to a lesser extend tourists, visit it at weekends.
Fatih is a big area, but the easiest is to get on the T1 – Kabataş-Bağcılar tramway in the direction of Kabataş and get off at the Eminönü stop. You’ll see the ferry docks and sales/information booths of Şehir Hatlari. Ask where the ferries to Büyükada depart and you’re all set to go.
Reem Salman says
Hi, Im planning on visiting turkey for a week. Ill probably reach by 4th January. Is this a good time to visit Princes Island?
Erlend says
Ideal is of course when the days are long and hot. In winter the weather can be cold and rainy. Also, there aren’t as many trips back and forth to the islands as there are in summer. On the bright side, there will be far less people.
Kate says
Hello,
This past weekend I have visited the Buyukada here in Istanbul and was appalled by the conditions in which the horses are kept here. They are alarmingly thin and very obviously overworked and after walking past the carriage parking area it was clear that they are not being treated like any living creatures should – hundreds of them were standing in their own excrement one next to another in the afternoon sun still attached to the carriages they were pulling all day long. They had no water and i only saw one pair provided with some food. They were reeking of sweat and faeces. I would urge any visitor of the island to NOT USE THE CARRIAGE AS THEIR TRANSPORT, because it only supports animal cruelty. Instead you can rent a bicycle for he day or explore the islands on foot since the islands are not so big to be manageable. Please try to defend these poor animals and do not support their torture as hundreds of them die while working every year.
A Traveller says
Support the animals by paying for their services. Remember, not everyone visiting the islands is able to ride a bicycle up and down the hills. Some are elderly, some have packages, some have small children.
Sam says
Hello,
We are in Istanbul and wish to seek your opinion.
Is it advisable to visit princess island at this time. We have received mixed reaction. Sine day the season is over for princess island.
Pls advise
Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
It’s correct that it’s no longer high season for the Princes’Islands, but if the weather is nice, a trip to Büyükada can still be a nice experience and a welcome escape from the city center chaos.
Have a nice time.
naheed fahmi says
assalam alaikum
we as a group of 12 adults from uk are thinking of staying in princess island for a week and then take ferries to nearby island
question’;
would that be possible and which islands could we visit
would you recommend staying somewhere closeby but other than princess island?
which would be the best city to get to from uk in order to get there
would end of march be good weather wise?
are there any activities or special trips you could recommend
could you suggest a package with halal food and accomodation for 12
thanks
Naheed
Erlend says
Hi Naheed,
Have a you had a look at this post on the Princes’ Islands? I normally recommend people to visit the islands as a form of a daytrip (or two). Not sure the islands have enough to offer to entertain you for a whole week. Unless you like walking in nature a lot, or swimming. But the latter is impossible at the end of March. Keep in mind that March and April are months with regular showers and very cool temperatures. It only starts to heat up at the second half of May, and the sea takes even longer to heat up.
Hope this helps.
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.
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.