Istanbul Princes Islands

Excursion to the Istanbul Islands - If you are tired of the bustle of the city and want to get away from the metropolis a little, we recommend that you go on an excursion to Istanbul Princes' Islands. This name is associated with an interesting fact. During the Byzantine Empire, princes and persons close to the emperor were sent to the islands for re-education. It was such a punishment for high-ranking persons. During the reign of the Ottoman sultans, relatives of the sultans were sent to the archipelago.

Istanbul Princes Island ferry, how to get there?

On the map, the Princes' Islands are located south of Istanbul. Every day you can get here by ferry from Golden Horn Bay, which is located in the European part of the city. There is also a ferry from the south side. The group consists of 9 islands:

Istanbul Islands names

• Buyukada
• Heybeliada
• Kinaliada
• Sedefadasi
• Yassiada
• Kashikadasi
• Tavshanadasi
• Burgazada
• Sivriada

Boat tour to the Istanbul Islands

A tour to the Princes' Islands begins acquaintance with history at the ferry station located in the Golden Horn Bay. Here we will meet our guide and go to Heybeliada island. It is the second largest in the entire archipelago, has a population of about 4,000 people. Starting from the 19th century, the island was chosen by Istanbul bankers and merchants, making it the so-called summer residence. The main attraction of Heybeliada is the Holy Trinity Monastery dating back to the 9th century. In the 19th century, the Halki Theological School was founded here. The manuscript "Sugdean Synaxarium" was found in her library. Unfortunately in 1971, the school was closed by the Turkish authorities. Also on the island is a Greek Orthodox church and the monastery of St. Spyridon.

Next, our group will transfer to the boat and go to the largest island of Buyukada. But before that, we will have a delicious lunch onboard the yacht. Dining at sea is always more pleasant: a light breeze and sea air excite the taste buds and dinner become doubly delicious. Meals will be served buffet style.

If you like traveling with great views, be sure to choose the Istanbul panorama tour.

Buyukada Island

The next stop is Istanbul Princes' Islands - Buyukada Island. Its area is 5.36 sq. km, and the population is about 8,000 people. Until the middle of the 20th century, the main population was Greeks, Armenians, and Jews. On all the Princes' Islands, the movement of motor vehicles is prohibited, except for police and firefighters, so the entire population moves by electric cars, bicycles, horse-drawn carts, and on foot.

The picturesque island includes two hills. where each of them rises: the ancient monastery of St. George - in the south, the monastery of Christ - on the northern hill, In general, the island is full of Orthodox churches and monasteries, the Catholic Church, mosques. There is even a synagogue here.

Perhaps the largest wooden building in Europe is located on Buyukada. It was built back in 1898 by French workers and was supposed to be used to create a hotel and casino, but Sultan Abdul Hamid II himself did not sign permission to open it. As a result, this building served as a shelter for Greek children for many years.

The island is very popular in summer. Tourists flock to its beaches to take a break from the bustle of the city. If one day is not enough for you to explore the Princes' Islands, you can book hotels on the island at a bargain price.

Excursion to the Princes' Islands from Istanbul

On our website, you can book an excursion to Istanbul Princes' Islands online, as well as see photos and reviews about the tour. Take a trip to the islets as part of your Istanbul vacation.