Day trip to the Princes’ Islands

Princes' Islands
Let’s escape this wintry weather with a bit of armchair travel and visit Büyükada one of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul. Even if you are only in Istanbul for a short time, a day trip to one of the Princes’ Islands is a must. We took a ferry over to Büyükada which is the largest and most popular of the nine tiny islands, being a Sunday, the island was full of life with a mix of locals and holidaymakers.

What makes these islands so special is that motorised vehicles are not allowed. Instead you’ll see plenty of bicycles, electric bikes and horse-drawn carriages. The main sea front is lined with restaurants and super busy but if you head down one of the narrow side streets, you’ll discover more rustic and authentic eateries and shops. The incredibly beautiful wooden mansions took my breath away. Next time round I’d visit on a week day to avoid the crowds and hire a bicycle to do some proper exploring. Apparently Heybeliada is well worth a visit too as it’s less busy.

Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands

Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands Princes' Islands
All photography: Lana Kenney ©


  1. Nicolette Solomon

    15 April

    Love your photos

  2. Nermine

    28 May

    which boat did you take to get to the islands? i ve seen this on a web site http://www.bosphorustour.com/Princes-Islands-Tour-from-Istanbul.html is this tour the best way of getting there? any suggestions please

    • Lana

      14 June

      Hi Nermine
      You can get there from the two main ferry stations, the one on the Asian side is Kadikoy and on the European side, Besiktas. You will find ferries going every half an hour to the three islands. So it all depends on where you are staying!

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