Four Islands in One Day by Ferry
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Seeing four islands in a day is possible, but the order matters, as the ferry runs out to the farthest and back. This route works from the smallest to the largest, setting how long to spend on each by the ferry timetable. Five stops, half the day spent at sea.
Route Stops
Kadıköy Bull Statue and Bahariye Street.
Starting the day in Kadikoy is the most practical option for both ferries and breakfast, and the bull statue on the pier square is the classic meeting point. Before boarding, buy biscuits, water and fruit in the market, as prices on the islands are noticeably higher. There are card gates rather than ticket windows at the pier, so make sure your card has credit. The islands ferry leaves full on weekend mornings; to get a seat on deck, be in the queue twenty minutes before departure.
Kınalıada is the closest and smallest island of the Princes' Islands to Istanbul. It offers a peaceful escape with its beaches, historical monasteries, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful walking paths.
The nearest and smallest of the islands, for which an hour is exactly right. Turn left from the pier and walk along the shore, reaching the bay in twenty minutes. The island is poorer in pines than the others, so the reddish colour of the soil dominates, and that is what gives the island its name. If you want to swim this is the place, with a paid but uncrowded beach. There are a few restaurants around the pier, but do not have lunch here; the real choices are on Buyukada. Take the next ferry.
Kınalıada is the closest and smallest Princes' Island to Istanbul. Although it has less wooded area compared to other islands, it stands out with its magnificent sea view and tranquil beaches. Since there are no motor vehicles on the island, explorations are usually done on foot or by bicycle.
One of the most important structures on the island is the Christ Monastery, which dates back to the Byzantine period. Located on a high hill, this monastery enchants visitors with its historical texture and panoramic view of Istanbul. Kınalıada Beach is an ideal spot for those who want to swim and sunbathe.
Along the island's coastline, you can enjoy seafood at the cafes and restaurants lined up, and take a pleasant walk. Thanks to its proximity to Istanbul, Kınalıada is the most practical Princes' Island for day trips, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape the city's stress with its peaceful atmosphere.
Burgazada.
This is the island where Sait Faik lived, and his house museum is a ten-minute walk from the pier, with the writer's belongings and manuscripts preserved and entry free. After the museum, walk the road that circles the island; the full loop takes an hour and a half, though doing half and turning back works too. The island is quiet and has a resident population, so you see everyday life rather than a tourist scene. The rocks towards Kalpazankaya are the known sunset spot, but ferries thin out at that hour, so take care.
Heybeliada is one of the greenest and most peaceful islands of the Princes' Islands. It offers a serene atmosphere intertwined with nature, featuring pine forests, coastal walking paths, historical buildings, and bike routes.
This is the island with the densest pine forest; on leaving the pier, pick one of the roads climbing the hill and you will walk in shade. There are no motor vehicles on the island, with electric carts and bicycles instead; there are plenty of rental places around the pier and half a day is reasonable. The historic building of the naval academy is visible from the shore. The picnic area towards Degirmenburnu is good for a lunch stop, though you need to arrive before the tables fill. On the way back, the ice cream shops on the shore are well known.
Heybeliada is one of the greenest and most natural among the Princes' Islands of Istanbul. Away from the city, its tranquil atmosphere offers visitors a peaceful escape. Since motor vehicles are prohibited on the island, walking, renting bicycles, or exploring with electric vehicles are popular activities.
One of the most striking structures in Heybeliada is the Heybeliada Theological School. Established during the Ottoman period, this school has been an important educational center throughout history. In addition, Değirmenburnu Recreation Area is a perfect spot for nature lovers with its unique sea view and pine trees.
You can enjoy seafood at the cafes and restaurants lining the coast, and cool off on the island's beaches during the summer months. With its proximity to Istanbul and serene atmosphere, Heybeliada is an ideal destination for weekend getaways.
Büyükada is the largest and most popular island of Istanbul. It offers a peaceful escape with its historical mansions, Aya Yorgi Church, bike paths, seaside restaurants, and natural beauty.
The largest and liveliest island, and the one to give the longest part of the day. From the pier, start at the square with the clock tower, then walk Cankaya and Nizam avenues lined with wooden mansions. The horse carriages have been withdrawn, with electric carts and bicycles on the island instead; for those climbing the hill the slope is steep, so take water. If you want to reach the bays at the southern end, a bicycle is the most practical. The queue for the evening ferry gets long, so aim for the one before the last.
Büyükada is one of the ideal destinations for those looking for an escape close to Istanbul, away from the crowds and noise. The island, the largest of the Princes' Islands, captivates its visitors with its historical texture, pine-covered hills, old wooden mansions, and coastline. While the island offers a cultural richness with its historical structures from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, it also provides a peaceful atmosphere with its natural beauties.
Transportation to the island is provided by ferries or water taxis departing from Istanbul. Motor vehicles are prohibited on Büyükada, so the most popular ways to explore the island are by renting bicycles, walking, or touring with electric vehicles. One of the island's most famous spots, Aya Yorgi Church, offers visitors a magnificent sea view while combining history and mysticism. Additionally, there are many boutique hotels, cafes, and restaurants on the island.
One of the most striking features of Büyükada is its stunning sunset views. You can unwind with a tea or coffee by the seaside, and in the summer months, you can enjoy swimming in its cool waters. For those who want to be close to nature and explore history, Büyükada is definitely one of the must-see places in Istanbul.
