South of Istanbul, on the Sea of Marmara, the Prince Islands create a spectacular setting, with dazzling beaches, beautiful streets and architecture giving visitors a pleasant aura emanating floral scents.
Prince Islands are located right next to Istanbul and are an ideal destination for those who want to experience both the peaceful island life and the glamor of Istanbul.
Sometimes a place of seclusion in nature, in the shadow of their mansions – some of which have hosted some of Turkey’s most famous writers – and sometimes a place of escape for the weekends, away from the daily hustle and bustle, the Princes’ Islands are a destination that offers relaxation to each of their visitors. Lost in the vast blue of the Sea of Marmara, where green and blue succeed each other, with the light breeze carrying the intoxicating aroma of mimosa, the Principe Islands promise an enchanting journey.
The Prince Islands consist of nine beautiful islands, which are as follows: Prince or Buyukada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, Antigoni or Burgazada, Sedef Island ( Sedef), Yassıada, Sivriada, Kaşık Island and Tavşan Island. Only Prince, Halki, Proti, Antigone and Sedef Island are easily accessible by daily ferry services from the European and Asian coasts of Istanbul. The most attractive feature of the Princes’ Islands is that their roads are off-limits to vehicles.
So close and yet so different from Istanbul
According to rumours, the Prince Islands were named so after they were a place of exile for princes and emperors and empresses during the period of the Eastern Roman Empire. The islands have been a hermitage for members of the clergy throughout history, as well as a summer vacation destination for monarchs. Famous Turkish writers and famous political leaders from all over the world have stayed on these islands, which developed into a spring and summer getaway for Istanbul residents. With historic mansions transformed into summer residences, the Prince’s Islands are a place to relax, with coves for swimming, cycling on the streets, walking and mingling with fishermen.
Spring and summer are particularly pleasant times in the Prince Islands. The invigorating climate of the island, especially in spring when the sun begins to dominate, captivates visitors with the intoxicating aromas of flowers, trees, soil and sea. This feeling becomes even more intense when you sit with your friends and loved ones in a well-known fish tavern, on a warm spring or summer evening, enjoying fresh fish and a wide variety of Turkish delicacies, combining them with Turkish raki or local wines.
The largest Prince Island
Prince (Büyükada, meaning “big island” in Turkish) is the largest island of the Prince Islands complex. Visitors enjoy strolling the island’s streets – which are adorned with bougainvillea, lavender and mimosa in spring and summer –, cycling and picnicking in the island’s woodlands.
Visitors to the island are welcomed by the famous clock tower at the ferry dock. The monastery of Agios Georgios (Aya Yorgi) and Yüce Tepe (Yüce Tepe) are the attractions of the island that one must definitely visit. After a 50-minute climb, Yüce Tepe welcomes you. The Monastery of Agios Georgios, perched on this hill, highlights the unique history and spiritual atmosphere of Prigipou. The church, a building of fundamental importance for Orthodox believers, is still used today: visitors from Turkey and abroad take vows inside and outside the chapel in order to have their wishes fulfilled.
Attractive historic buildings
Halki or Heybeliada (Heybeliada, which means island with a saddlebag in Turkish), which was named so because of its resemblance to a saddlebag, is the second largest island of the Princes Islands complex. On the island there are many historical buildings, such as the Monastery of St. George, the Synagogue of Bet Yaakov and the Church of St. Nikola, built next to the cliff of the same name, which are ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in the past of the island through its historical buildings. The Theological School, which was founded for the training of clergy, is one of the must-see attractions. The School today hosts important events and festivals organized on the island. To explore the natural beauties of the island, you can visit Değirmenburnu Nature Park by bike or on foot.
The mausoleum of the famous storyteller Sait Faik
Antigoni (Burgazada) is the third largest island of the Prigipon Islands complex. Various historic buildings and mansions can be found on the island, while its natural beauty, which you can discover in spring, is remarkable! Antigone is a pole of attraction for the people of Constantinople in the summer, due to its unique beaches. The Monastery of Agios Georgios Karypis (Aya Yorgi Garibi), the Church of Agios Ioannis (Aya Yani) and the Museum of Sait Faik (Sait Faik) are some of the attractions of Antigone that you should definitely visit. As you approach the island by boat, the Monastery of Agios Georgios Karypis dominates the landscape, thanks to its walls painted in the colors of white and blue, as well as its bell. The Sait Faik Museum was the home of the famous Turkish poet and storyteller Sait Faik Abasyank, who lived in Antigone for a while. You can stroll to Kalpazankaya, on the left side of the island, and take amazing photos on the island’s only hill, Bayrak Hill, gazing at the natural beauties of Antigone.
A red island
The red island is the one closest to Istanbul. So, First (Kınalıada) is a great choice for a quick and quiet getaway. It owes its name to the maquis vegetation that once covered it and to the red color of its soil, and it has a small area compared to the neighboring islands. One can easily go around this small but adorable and multicultural island within half an hour. The Monastery of Christ and the Church of Surp Krikor Lusavoriç (Surp Krikor Lusavoriç), which stands out thanks to its exceptional stone carvings, are two of the old buildings of Proti.
