Princes Islands Tour with Lunch (2 Islands)
Nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, an hour or so out of the city by ferry, and almost entirely car-free. Ottoman-era wooden mansions, pine woods, small beaches and a pace that is nothing like Istanbul.
- At the gate
- £34
- Allow
- 1h 30m
- District
- Eminonu
- Closed
- Open daily
The Princes' Islands, in short
Nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, an hour or so out of the city by ferry, and almost entirely car-free. Ottoman-era wooden mansions, pine woods, small beaches and a pace that is nothing like Istanbul.
Bu00fcyu00fckada is the largest and the usual destination; Heybeliada is the quieter alternative.
What it costs
The guided tour with lunch is u20ac40 separately. Included on the pass.
What the day covers
Return ferry, a guided walk, and lunch. Transport on the islands is by electric buggy, bicycle or on foot u2014 horse-drawn carriages were retired in 2020 on welfare grounds.
How long, and when
A full day. Late spring and early autumn are ideal; midsummer weekends see half of Istanbul make the same trip. Winter is bleak but atmospheric, and everything stays open at a reduced level.
What to see
The wooden mansions are the main draw u2014 19th-century summer houses built by Greek, Armenian and Jewish families, many still lived in.
On Bu00fcyu00fckada, the Aya Yorgi monastery sits at the highest point, reached by a steep walk up. Trotsky spent four years of exile on the island and the house he wrote in still stands.
Worth knowing
Bring water and sun cover; shade is patchy once you leave the seafront. If you go independently rather than on the tour, check ferry return times before you set off u2014 the last boats back fill up.
Frequently asked questions
- Nothing strict. The islands are largely car-free, so get around on foot, by bicycle or by electric buggy, and be mindful that people live there year-round.
- Yes. It is much quieter and some businesses run reduced hours, but the ferries operate and the walking is good.
- Bu00fcyu00fckada is the largest and busiest with the most to see. Heybeliada is quieter and better if you mainly want to walk.
- A full day, including about an hour on the ferry each way.