Princess Islands

Princess Islands

The Princess Islands of Istanbul consist of nine small islands, including Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, Sedefadasi, Silivriada, Yassiada, Kasik Island, and Tavsan Island. Despite their unique characteristics, all of the islands are relatively small in size and can be seen from various points around Istanbul.

Princess Islands

Visiting the islands is an excellent way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, as cars are not allowed and only bicycles or electric vehicles are used for transportation. These islands are home to various Byzantine and Ottoman-era buildings, and you can easily hop from one island to another within a day.

The most important islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kinaliada, with ferries departing from Beşiktaş in Europe and Eminönü in Asia. Historically, Kınalıada was a holiday resort for Armenian bishops and Armenians from Istanbul, Burgazada was a village for Greek fishermen, Heybeliada was the island of the Turkish and Greek bourgeoisie of Constantinople, and Büyükada was popular among Jews and Europeans from Istanbul. Each island has active synagogues, churches, or mosques.

Taking a ferry across the Bosphorus and visiting one of the Princess Islands is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Istanbul. The five islands nearest to each other, Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, and Sedefadasi, are surrounded by some of the cleanest water in the Marmara Sea and offer excellent beaches for swimming and relaxation.