Starting in spring but especially during summer months, the Prince's Islands are a piece of Mediterranean life in Istanbul. They are a group of islands close to the shores of Istanbul. Of this island group, four of the bigger are Buyukada (biggest), Heybeliada, Kinaliada and Burgazada.
Buyukada is the biggest one of the Prince's Islands, the others being Kinaliada, Burgazada, Sedefadasi and Heybeliada. There is no motor vehicle traffic in Buyukada and it seems so far away from the crowds of Istanbul — if only you can make it on weekdays. These islands were in fact exile places for the royal Byzantines and now they host gorgeous summer houses, hotels, private clubs, some beaches and restaurants. There are people living on these islands all year long as the ferry service of Istanbul city also covers these islands, although it is less frequent compared to other main lines in Istanbul.
If you have time to visit only one island, Buyukada it should be.
Since the islands are a part of the Greek culture of Istanbul, the main attraction on Buyukada is Ayayorgi (St. George) Monastery which stands on top of a hill that takes about half an hour of a hike. You can also get a horse carriage or rent a bicycle in your free time until the end of this tour. There are beaches on both coasts — the one facing Istanbul and the other facing towards the Marmara Sea.
In the islands, you can taste seafood, fried mussels or kokoreç. Buyukada is suggested over the other islands if you have limited time. You can do a tour of the island with horse buggies.
You can rent a bike, or a horse buggy and do a small tour (küçük tur) or big tour (büyük tur) of Buyukada island.
You can go to the Prince's Islands from Eminönü, Kabataş (down from Taksim by funicular), Kadıköy and Bostancı — Bostancı being the closest point to the islands among them. There are seabuses (fast ferries) and regular boats (Şehir Hatları) and also privately operated boats from Bostancı at the same prices as regular boats. You can see ferry timetables below:
Istanbul Municipality Ferry (Şehir Hatları) timetable for classic beautiful Istanbul boats.
Seabuses / Fast Ferries for faster boats with no outdoor area.
Ferry Travel Times (one way):
• From Eminönü/Kabataş to Buyukada: 1 hour 15 min (regular ferry), 45 min (fast ferry/sea bus)
• From Kadıköy: 45-60 min
• From Bostancı: 25-30 min (closest departure point)
Ferry Fares (approx 2026): Regular ferry 50-70 TL, fast ferry 100-150 TL. Istanbulkart works on all ferries.
Best time to visit: Weekdays (Tuesday–Thursday) are significantly less crowded than weekends. May–June and September–October offer pleasant weather without the intense summer heat. The islands are magical in spring when wisteria and jasmine bloom.
Horse Carriage (Fayton) on Buyukada: Small tour (küçük tur) approx 30-40 min, large tour (büyük tur) approx 60-90 min. Prices range 400-800 TL depending on tour length and season. Carriages operate daily 09:00–19:00.
Bike Rental: Approx 150-250 TL per day. Many rental shops near the ferry dock. The island has designated bike paths but be cautious of horse carriages.
Aya Yorgi Monastery (St. George): Free entry. Open Tuesday–Sunday 09:00–18:00 (summer), 09:00–16:30 (winter). A 30-45 minute uphill walk from the main square — wear comfortable shoes. The view from the top is spectacular. Bring water as there are limited shops on the way up.
Buyukada (Big Island): Largest and most popular. Best beaches, Aya Yorgi Monastery, historic mansions. Full day recommended.
Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island): Second largest. Naval Academy (not open to public), Greek Orthodox Seminary (Theology School), quieter atmosphere. Good for half-day if combined with another island.
Burgazada (Fortress Island): Small and charming. Home to writer Sait Faik Abasıyanık's museum. Excellent seafood restaurants. Quiet and less touristy.
Kınalıada (Henna Island): Closest to Istanbul. Rocky beach, fewer trees. Quiet but less green than others. Good if you have limited time.
Full day on Buyukada: Take early morning ferry (08:30-09:00) from Kabataş or Bostancı → arrive Buyukada (10:00-10:30) → explore the main square and rent a bike or carriage → bike to the northern tip or take carriage to Aya Yorgi path → hike to monastery (11:30-12:30) → enjoy the view and picnic or bring snacks → walk down (13:30) → lunch at waterfront seafood restaurant (14:00-15:00) → afternoon swimming at one of the beaches (Naki Bey Beach or Yörük Ali Beach) → late afternoon bike ride on the quiet southern roads → sunset ferry back to Istanbul.