The Princes’ Islands (Adalar) are nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, and four are open to day visitors: Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada. There are no cars here except service vehicles, so the draw is wooden mansions, pine-covered hills, seafood by the water and a day away from Istanbul traffic. It is the easiest escape from the city, and a good plan after two or three days in Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu.
Getting there
Şehir Hatları ferries leave from Kabataş, a short walk from the T1 tram terminus and the funicular from Taksim, and from Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. The slow city ferry to Büyükada takes roughly 90 minutes with stops on the other islands, which is part of the pleasure: simit, tea and gulls on the open deck. Faster sea bus services exist on some routes. Weekday first departures from Kabataş are around 07:00, and the last boat back from Büyükada leaves late evening, but seasonal timetables change, so check Şehir Hatları on the day.
The best-supported 2026 fare is about ₺137 each way for a full adult ticket from Kabataş, with reduced fares for students and over-65s. Sources disagree, so confirm at the pier. On summer weekends the morning ferries are packed. Aim for the first or second departure and stand in line early; return on a boat before 17:00 to get a seat. Our Istanbul public transport guide and Istanbulkart guide explain fares and top-ups.
Büyükada: the island to pick
Büyükada (“Great Island”) is the largest island and the usual choice. From the pier, you can walk into the town centre, with its clock tower square and pastry shops, or head uphill.
- Bikes: Rental shops near the pier typically charge about ₺150 to ₺450 for a few hours or a day as of 2026. The coast road circuit is around 14 km and mostly flat; the hills inland are steep, so electric bikes are worth considering. Bikes ride free on the ferry.
- Aya Yorgi (St George) monastery: The hilltop pilgrimage walk takes 45 to 60 minutes up from the Yüce Tepe road. The views reach back to the Istanbul skyline.
- Wooden mansions: Late-19th-century Ottoman and Greek villas line the lanes around Nizam and Çankaya streets. Many are private; admire them from outside.
- Swimming: There are paid beach clubs along the coast road in summer; day entry typically runs a few hundred lira.
Heybeliada and the others
Heybeliada is quieter, with a shaded coastal walk and pine woods. The historic Halki seminary buildings sit on the hilltop and are not generally open to casual visitors. Burgazada and Kınalıada are quick stops, and you can break a ferry ride to see them. If you want only a swim and a fish dinner, choose Heybeliada.
Eating on the islands
Fish restaurants cluster along the waterfront in Büyükada. Expect to pay noticeably more for seafood here than in Kadıköy, and more at weekends. For a cheaper day, buy simit and fruit at the market, picnic in the pine woods, and have tea in the town square. Check the bill, particularly for fish sold by weight.
When to go
April to June and September to October give the best weather and fewer crowds. July and August weekends are busy, and winter is quiet with many cafés shut midweek. Allow a full day: arrive early, bike or hike, lunch, a swim if it is warm, back by early evening.
Book ahead or go independent
You do not need a tour for this trip; the ferry is easy to use alone. If you want a guide and transport handled, browse Istanbul tours for Princes’ Islands day trips with lunch. For a bed on the Asian shore for a late ferry back, see Istanbul hotels, and read our Kadıköy guide for dinner after you return.