A day at the Princes Islands

The islands prince ( Adalar  in Turkish) is an archipelago of islands  located  in the Marmara Sea, they are a haven in Istanbul, this is a perfect place  to  relax, enjoy nature.

We advise you to go there on weekdays rather because during the summer weekends they are under attack by the townspeople.

They owe their name to the fact that during the Byzantine period, there exiled in monasteries members of the imperial family and disgraced aristocrats. They later became the site of weekend favorite Ottoman aristocracy, even today you will find many Victorian villas.

The four major islands of Iles (Büyükada, Heybeliada, you Burgazada Kınalıada) sont par accessible depuis Kabatas Ferry et européenne sur la côte Kadikoy Bostanci et depuis the Asian rive. 

To discover these islands and swim in the sea of Marmara we can offer you a day sailing or motor boat .

View from Heybeli Ada

Each island in a religious community majority, Hebeliada Greek Orthodox, Armenian Kinaliada Christians, Jews Burgas. On the island of Buyukada you find a legacy of all these communities and the Muslim Turks.

Mooring Buyuk Ada

Will  move  to the islands
On islands motorized vehicles are prohibited, for you move you can use the carriages ("fayton), are the taxis of the islands. There is a fixed price for each race depending on where you want to go. (Written on the sign of the station main carriage of each island).

You can also rent a bike, the price is 5 per hour tl, tl and 10 for the day, you need to leave an ID as a deposit. Bicycle rental shops usually distribute maps of the island for free, do not forget to ask for one.

Move between the islands
You can travel by boat (vapur) free between islands, the ferry also stops in every main island, just to board

Downtown Buyuk Ada

Buyukada offers a wide range of activities for visitors. The famous street is lined with Cankaya wooden villas in the street you can see for example the house of Leon Trotsky.
A monument not to be missed is the Greek Orthodox monastery Aya Yorgi ( St. George ) This is the main attraction of the island; It is located atop the highest hill deBuyukada and offers stunning views of the archipelago and Istanbul .

Monastery of Aya Yorgi

The island has two hills, the nearest village is Hristo (Jesus in Greek) at its top is a massive wooden structure, believed to be the largest in Europe. This structure was originally designed as a hotel casino , but the sultan t refused and the building became a Greek orphanage. When the Greek population of Turkey declined during the 20th century the orphanage was closed, and is currently still abandoned.

Buyukada is full of little treasures that you will discover as the day. Just an hour's boat, you will find yourself in a beautiful setting that will totally disorient the great metropolis of Istanbul.

Wain Buyuk Ada

Where to  eat?  
Aya yogi  kir  Gazinosu  : Located in the forest side of the monastery Aya Yorgi, the restaurant  has a stunning view and simple meals: kofte, sucuk, Borek good quality and you can also have a drink to relax

View from Aya Yorgi Kir Gazinosu

Luna  Park  restaurant: Stunning views of the sea and fish and mezze at  reasonable price , perfect to feel away from the noise of civilization. Milto : One of the best fish restaurants on the island, however it is quite expensive, not to order without seeing the price for not having surprises