Princes’ Islands, or as a misaddressed way “Princess Islands” are an archipelago that consists of nine islands in Istanbul. These islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Yassıada, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Sedef Island, Tavşan island, Kaşık island, and Sivriada. The islands are representing the peace and happiness which you cannot fulfil from Istanbul’s frantic crowd. These islands can be assumed as the best islands near Istanbul, the reason why is that the most known islands are generally on the west coast of the Aegean Region of Turkey. The most significant specialties of the islands are they are a full box of relaxation, joy, peace, and nice weather. Moreover, the weather of the Princes Islands are available for swimming!
The History of the Islands
Named “Adalar, Prens Adaları, İstanbul Adaları, or Kızıl Adalar” in Turkish, Princes’ Islands had been a sentence for the people who were from Byzantine and Ottoman Empire. These islands were used for exile for many periods. The islands get their name from that historical fact; in Byzantine Empire, the princes who are out of grace were sent to these islands for exile. Thus, the islands are the Princes’ Islands. After the Ottoman Empire became acquainted with steamships, the island gained importance from the wealthy people of Istanbul since they could construct Victorian-style houses for themselves. At that time, Greek, Armenian, and Jewish people had a considerable population on the islands. Today, the islands are the holiday spots for everyone from around the world.
Buyukada
Having a field of 5,4 km areas and a population of 7.500 roughly, Buyukada is the biggest island in the archipelago. However, you might see more than this population in summer. Furnished by Ottoman-era architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries, Buyukada is just a work of art. Ottoman-style mansions are worth to see. The sign of the island is Clock Tower. The construction is made in 1923. It’s placed on a little inside, you need to walk 5 minutes after drop off from the ferry to see it. On the other hand, what to do is not limited on Buyukada. As it’s mentioned before, the only sound is the bells of the electric buses. Before establishing regulations about electric buses, the island was famous for horse carriages. People were sightseeing while sitting in the carriage. However, some of the horses which were used for that action were exposed to violence for not giving enough food or having them run for long hours. Nowadays, the custom of horse carriages has been abolished. However, this fact does not mean that the island does not have many activities.
You can rent a bike!
That island is famous for riding bicycles, among green roads and the colorful mansions of the Ottoman Era. You will feel the peace inside of your heart with silence on the roads. By riding a bike, you can sightsee around and also have some fresh air. You will be amazed while watching the aesthetic looks of the mansions. Shops for bike renting are everywhere on the island.
One of the most significant buildings on the island is Aya Yorgi Church. The church is located on a hill named Aya Yorgi Hill. After climbing the hill, Aya Yorgi Church is waiting for you. It is a small Greek church that has remained from Byzantine Empire since 963 and the church is still in use. By the way, the church is valued for making dreams come true. According to rumors, if you want to increase the money you gain, you need to stick the green candle!
Luckily, there is a restaurant next to the church. After a long climbing session, you can rest, eat meat or fish and enjoy the view of Aya Yorgi Hill. Definitely, the best feature of the restaurant would be the view.
Buyukada also has a museum called Adalar Museum. A good feature of the museum is that it is presenting how changed the Princes’ Islands throughout history. While walking in the museum, you might gain a perspective about the islands.
Lastly, the best beaches in Princes’ Islands are Aya Nikola beach, Teos Beach in Kınalıada, Eskibag Beach, Halik Bay Beach, Elio Beach, Sedef Island Beach, and Club Ada Sedef in Sedef Island. Travelers strictly recommend Sedef Island’s beaches, additively.
Heybeliada
Heybeliada (Saddlebag) is the second largest island with 2.35 km areas. It gets its name from the spaces among its hills. Just as Buyukada, you cannot hear motor sounds. Electric buses and bicycles would be seen frequently. In that way, this island is also a centre of peace. The mansions from the 19th century, nice beaches, the opportunity to rent a bike, and sightseeing without loud in an electric bus are the main characteristics of that island just like Buyukada. As a difference from Buyukada, Heybeliada has Turkish Naval Academy and Hagia Triyada Monastery. That monastery is worth visiting, since it had used for many reasons, such as praying, education, as a convent, and as an orphanage.
Burgazada
As the third largest island of the Princes’ Islands, Burgazada is an option if you are bored with the popular ones. The island makes its name sound with the house of Sait Faik Abasyanık, who lived there. After wandering around the house, the cafeteria next to it is where you can eat, drink and enjoy the sunset. Then, the Greek Orthodox Church of St John is another place to see. The island also has a sailing and water sports club, however, like Kınalıada, it’s hard to find accommodation on the island.
Kınaliada
Kınaliada is another island of the Princes’ Islands. It has the same architectural characteristics, yet is smaller than the other ones. The island gets its name from the color of its soil. It has the same color as henna, that’s why it has the name “henna island”. The island has less crowded beaches, which means its beaches are perfect places to relax. Besides, the island looks like the same aesthetic as the Buyukada and Heybeliada. The islands have a mix of mosques, synagogues, and churches. It is an example of getting along with different cultural backgrounds and lifestyles. However, there are not proper hotels to stay in, thus it’s hard to stay for the nights if you do not have a house there.
Sedef Island
This tiny island has little habitant and has nice beaches named Elio Beach, Sedef Island Beach, and Club Ada Sedef. These beaches and the beach hamlet are open to the public. The island has perfect beaches to enjoy the weather of the Princes’ Islands.
Yassıada
Yassıada, or its new name Democracy and Freedom Island, gets its name from its flat shape. On 27 May 1960, the government officers, especially prime minister Menderes were executed on that island. Thus, the island has a bad reputation and symbolizes negativity in people. To be able to erase the marks of that incident on people, the name of the island was changed to Democracy and Freedom Island in 2013. Today, the island has a museum that presents the life of executed officers.
Sivriada
Sivriada has the ruins from Byzantine Era. The island is not open to the public.
Kaşık Island and Tavşan Island
Kaşık Island gets its name from a spoon shape and Tavşan Island gets from a rabbit shape. Kaşık Island is a private island and Tavşan Island is not open to the public.
How to Get to Princes’ Islands?
By ferry, from Kabatas to Princes’ Islands is possible. On the www.sehirhatlari.istanbul website, you can reach information of departure times or prices. Traditional Şehir Hatları ferryboats stop by every island which is opened to the public.
How to go to Princes’ Island (Adalar, Istanbul)?
You can get on a ferry from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Bostancı.
How to go to Princes’ Island from Taksim?
From Taksim Square, DT1 departs to Kabataş port. From Kabataş you can take Princes Islands’ ferry.
Which Princes’ Island is best to visit?
Obviously, Buyukada is the most oversized island and has many activity opportunities to do.