Istanbul is, at the time of writing this article, nearing 16 mln official residents, with unofficial statistics proposing over 20 mln inhabitants already. It’s an absolute giant of a city acting as a border between Europe and Asia surrounded by two seas. Throughout its incredibly rich history, it has become a cradle of many cultures that still coexist there. One example of said history is still available for us to see, and it’s the Princes’ Islands (called Prens Adalari in Turkish).
Given how much there’s to do in Istanbul, should you commit a full day to visiting the Princes’ Islands? We’ll go over exactly that in today’s post. We’ll only mention straight from the get-go that the Islands alone may take a full day of exploration so it’s certainly a place you should only consider if you have more time on your hands in Istanbul. But, if you do, are the Princes’ Islands worth a visit? How to get there and how much will such a cruise cost? What can you see in the Princes’ Islands? All of this and more today.
The Princes’ Islands is actually an archipelago, alternatively referred to as the Princes’ Archipelago. It’s officially a district within the Istanbul province. Istanbul is also home to the five ports which offer ferry rides to the Princes’ Islands (these being: Kabataş, Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy and Bostancı), with a one-way trip taking around two hours.
The archipelago consists of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara – four of them are inhabited and the total population of the archipelago sits at slightly below 17,000. The islands accessible to tourists are:
- The largest and most popular Büyükada
- Burgazada,
- Heybeliada,
- Kınalıada.
The Princes’ Islands have evolved throughout history from a place of exile in the Byzantine era to a popular place for tourists and Istanbul residents alike to escape the business of Istanbul for a day. It’s a beautiful oasis and a gem of both nature and architecture around 12 miles south-east of the Bosphorus Strait.
Also check out other tourist attractions in Istanbul.
How did the Princes’ Islands get their name?
Etymology of the Princes’ Islands
In ancient times, the Princes’ Islands bore the name Demonisia, which Hesychius of Alexandria, 6th century lexicographer, understood as “demon’s islands”, though it’s unlikely that this had as negative of an association as we have in our modern language. There are also proposals for it referring to the islands as “Islands of the People.” Even in such remote times, however, the islands were already a popular destination, be it for their natural beauty or because of their significance in commerce, being visited mainly by rich traders from Greece and Armenians from Pera (today’s Istanbul district, Beyoğlu).
Along the way, the islands were also referred to as “the priest’s islands”, though the modern name, the Princes’ Islands, most likely stems from the great numbers of royalty that were exiled to these islands. Initially, it was for Byzantine princes, then for the family members of Sultans after the Ottomans took over in 1453. This was quite a common practice, as princes would commonly commit atrocities to try to ascend to the throne. As punishment, they were either imprisoned for life or sent to the Princes’ Islands, remote and desolate, too far away from anything for the royalty to cause further trouble.
What makes the Princes’ Islands special?
Why should you visit the Princes’ Islands?
The Princes’ Islands are actually very popular with Istanbul’s residents, not just tourists. This is because the place is basically an oasis compared to the hectic Istanbul from which they come from. The place is especially silent, as petrol and oil-powered vehicles are banned on each island. Until 2020, the only means of transport available were bicycles and horse-drawn carriages. Now, we also have electric vehicles, like buses and bicycles.
Additionally, there’s also some beautiful architecture here. Most of the buildings are relatively similar in style, with a design reminiscent of neo-Gothic summer houses. You can also admire the impressive flower decorations on most of the houses. On the largest of the islands, there is also a Greek-Orthodox Church of St George with a truly remarkable view of the sea and the other islands. In addition, each island is known for its excellent restaurants, most of which specialise in fish and general seafood.
Where can you find a ferry headed to the Princes’ Islands?
Ferry rides to the Princes’ Islands
Getting to the Princes’ Islands is relatively easy. The main thing to keep in mind is to check when the last ferry departs from the Princes’ Islands back to Istanbul, unless you intend to stay overnight on the islands. There are several ferries a day routing to the Princes’ Islands, from both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. There are five ports in the city that you can look at, as we’ve mentioned: Kabataş, Eminönü, Beşiktaş and Kadıköy and Bostancı. One of the most popular of these is the conveniently located Kabataş pier. From here, the journey to Büyükada (the largest island) takes between 75 and 90 minutes.
What to see in Büyükada?
Things to do in the Princes’ Islands
You shouldn’t expect too many bright neon tourist attractions, clubs and evening parties in the Princes’ Islands. That’s not the point. The tourist attraction here is the island and its feel. Büyükada provides plenty of it – right in its centre, you’ll find the famous Çankaya Street and its wooden houses. A notable monument that you shouldn’t miss is the Greek Orthodox Church of Aya Yorgi (St George), as we’ve mentioned. It’s located on top of one of the two hills on the island, the other one is called Hristo. On top of that is a massive wooden structure originally designed as a casino/hotel, though the Sultan disapproved of the plans and it became a Greek orphanage. When the Greek population in Turkey declined in the 20th century, the orphanage closed and the structure is now abandoned.
When should you visit the Princes’ Islands?
Best time for visits
The Princes’ Islands are beautiful any time of year you choose. Only notable argument against winter and late autumn is that in spring, summer and early autumn you’ll still see the lovely addition of flowers serving as dress-up for the wooden houses and general livelier vegetation on the island.
Should you visit the Princes’ Islands?
Why it’s a great place
The islands are one of the rare few genuinely peaceful gems in a world where tourism tends to make most popular spots into an anthill. The Princes’ Islands, still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, remain a beautiful hideaway from the world at large, perfect for this ‘edge-of-the-world’ feel that you too may crave. There are also beautiful beaches on the islands in addition to all the great views already present.
It used to be the case that there was an issue with accommodation, as there were only a few options and very few spots in reality, but this has been addressed since then and you can find plenty of available spots for yourself if you wish. If the Princes’ Islands sound like a preferable variant to the frenzy of the big city, then be sure to, at the very least, pay it a one-day visit.
See also:
