Istanbul E-pass includes roundtrip Boat trip to Princes' Islands from/to Eminonu Turyol port. For details, please check "Hours & Meeting".
Princes' Islands of Istanbul
If you have mapped out a plan to visit Turkey, you should not forget to add Princes Islands Istanbul. The prince's archipelago is, in fact, a group of nine Islands located in the Southeast of Istanbul. The princes' islands are more actively visited during hot summer months and serve as an ideal location for killing heat and playing with waters.
From the group of nine Princes' Islands four Islands namely Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada are larger while the rest five namely Sedef Island, Yassiada, Sivriada, Kasik Island and Tavsan Island are smaller. Each island is unique and offers more than the others. Their size and geographical shapes enable us to differentiate among them.
The islands evolved during the Byzantine era when people visited the waters to relax after a hectic day.
Buyukada (Big Island)
As mentioned earlier, Buyukada is the biggest of all the nine Princes' Islands in Istanbul. Buyukada is a Turkish name that means "big island" and the island is so named because of its large size. Most of us visit beaches to listen to the waters and absorb in all the calmness. Undoubtedly, many people love to play sports, and children love to make sandcastles, but nothing can beat the feeling of watching the sea as the waves come and go. The Princes' Islands, Turkey, made sure that Buyukada remains free from the hassle of motor vehicles and their pollution.
It is the most popular and frequently visited island on the whole. The town is lively, and people follow old values and norms that have been transferred to them from their forefathers. According to the locals, weekends are not ideal for visiting the island as it is thickly crowded.
The best way to take a whole tour of the island is through one of the electric busses. The bus station is located 100 meters from the ferry boat quay. You can also rent a bicycle.
Heybeliada
The second most popular island on the list is Heybeliada. Much like other islands, no motor vehicle is allowed, and you will find most people on foot. This takes us to mention another notable characteristic of the island: the use of typical horse-drawn carriages. However, the carriages have been replaced by bicycles, electric buses, and electric taxes in 2020.
This might not be very pleasant for people planning to visit the islands for long and wanted to experience the true heritage, but it is what it is. The carriages have been replaced for better good; to ease out transportation and reduce the traveling time.
The island is very famous for the Turkish Naval Academy and the Hagia Triada Monastery. Hagia Triada Monastery was a Greek Orthodox theological school that has now been closed down.
Burgazada
Nothing can rejuvenate the mind and body more than traveling to a calm island. Burgazada means "fortress land." It is the third-largest of the Prince Islands. Along with the beach, the old heritage and marvelous culture are other things that attract an immense number of tourists from all over the world to the island. It is full of life.
Kinaliada
Kınaliada is the closest of all the islands to the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Name of the island has been inspired by the color of its earth, which resembles henna. It is not only the beaches and pollution-free transportation that make Kinaliada a significant tourist attraction but also the populated markets and narrow streets.
The narrow streets are the representation of the architecture of the Byzantine Empire. They have been left as it is to keep the islands connected to history. Princes' Islands Turkey is full of culture and Kinaliada is second to none.
Sedef Island
The next of the Princes' Islands is Sedef Island. A limited amount of people occupies the island as it is one of the minor islands of the archipelago. Beach hamlet is a tourist attraction and is open to the public.
Yassiada
In Turkish, Yassiada means "flat islands." The island was the favorite spot in the byzantine era to send special people to exile.
The island has a significant history and has been through a lot. But now it is the favorite place for scuba ping and sea watching.
Sivriada
The Sivriada island is famous for its ruins of Roman settlements. This is among the smaller princes islands and is now not opened for tourists and the general public.
Kasik Island and Tavsan island
The name of the Kasik island has been coined to view its geographical shape that is much like a spoon. It is located between the two large islands Buyukada and Heybeliada. The Tavsan island is the smallest of the Princes' Islands in Turkey and is rabbit-shaped.
The Final Word
Princes' Islands Turkey contributes a lot to the tourism industry in Turkey. They are cultural, backed by heritage and history and have much to offer to their visitors. A day spends on them is worth remembering and will take you on a journey of nostalgia. So what are you waiting for?