If you ask where is the most beautiful place in Istanbul, I would say the Princes Islands with my eyes closed (especially in spring). Formerly known as Prinkipos Islands. It is proof that Istanbul has slipped from our hands when it could have been such a legendary place.
Magnificent historical mansions in pine trees, breathing streets, beaches that you can reach in 5 minutes by bike, parks and hills with amazing views, minorities that both keep their own culture alive and are part of a new island culture…
When to go to Princes Islands
Our first and most essential warning; It’s a sad news, “but if you don’t crowded places” then don’t to go to Princes Islands in the summer. Unfortunately. I know when you want to go the most. You want to relax a little and enjoy the open air. But even on weekdays, even before you come to the island, you will meet a large tourist mass on the ferry. So better wait for September or visit Princes Islands until May before anyone else. That’s when Princes Islands are calm and quite.
Hotels, Houses & Villas We Selected in Princes Islands
We strongly recommend that you stay there for one night when you come to Princes Islands. I can’t tell you how good it will be. If you stay there at night, instead of getting on the ferry while you’re in vacation mode, it’s as if the peace of the island is sealed inside of you.
Cenar Konak $$
Çenar Mansion, which is a clean and pleasant option with its location in the garden, 200 meters from the beach, provides service with 7 rooms. In the mansion, which also has a cafe / bar, there is a terrace in the top room. The facility offers service including breakfast. The breakfast comes to your table in the small backyard of the hotel, not as an open buffet, but as a spread.
Sergüzeşt Hotel $$
Located 600 meters from the beach, Sergüzeşt Hotel has rooms with sea view. Breakfast is served daily at the hotel. Wifi is available. Pets are not accepted.
Tulip Mansion $$
Lale Köşk is an accommodation alternative in the historical Princes Islands mansion where an entire floor can be yours. There is also breakfast service in the morning. Pets are not accepted.
Room at Anastasia Meziki Hotel $
Located 600 meters from the beach, Sergüzeşt Hotel has rooms with sea view. Breakfast is served daily at the hotel. Wifi is available. Pets are not accepted.
We always determine the price comparison by considering the cost per person. In this regard, accommodation in houses reduces costs per person, especially since many people can be accommodated. There are also affordable and beautiful houses for couples on Princes Islands. We wish you a great holiday.
Places to Visit in Princes Islands
Places to visit
- Kamino Sailing Club
- Fun fair
- Aya Yorgi Hill
- Anatolian Club
- Princes Islands Splendid Palace Hotel
- Cankaya Street
- Reşat Nuri Güntekin House
- Buyukada Greek Orphanage
- Anastasia Meziki Hotel
- Hamidiye Mosque
- Trotsky’s House
- Adakule
- Islands Museum
- Sedef Island Beach
Eating and drinking
- Yücetepe Country Casino
- Eskibag Terrace Fish Restaurant
- Rome Ice Cream
- Historical Prinkipo Ice Cream Waffles
- Elio
11 Best Things to Do in Princes Islands in 1 Day
We have packed the best aspects of Princes Islands into a 1-day program for you. We have arranged the following activities in the order fill your one day tour.
1. Island Brunches That Make You Feel Like you’re On a Vacation
Those who come hungry can start the day by having breakfast on the island. Breakfast on the island has a completely different feeling of refreshment and holiday. We think breakfast is a best activity to do in the start of your tour.
2. Did you come to Princes Islands to swim or to visit the island and enjoy the Sea view:
Those who are reluctant to swim in Istanbul can find a good opportunity in the Princes Islands.
If you are one of those people who come here to swim, you will enjoy swimming at the Princes Islands beaches. When you get off the ferry, you can look for a boat to rent on the beach. Even if you go out by boat, we say continue the program at number 5 in the evening. Those who do not want to tie themselves to the boat can look for the most preferred beaches in Princes Islands.
3. If You Want a More Active Day, Sailing Instead of Enjoying the Beach
Let’s say you have the chance to sail on the island. Kamino Yelken offers the opportunity to sail at the sailing club located in Fethi Okyar Bağı of the island. Children between the ages of 7 and 15 can attend a sailing course here. You can also take sailing, catamaran, windsurf and yoga training at different levels. Tel: 0541 221 81 47 Click here for the location.
4. Pedal Up Immediately by Hiring a Bike
Rent a bike as soon as you set your feet in Princes Islands and immediately eliminate the unpleasant crowd on the beach and in the bazaar. Pedal up without wasting time. Along the way, you will pass through the streets full of enchanting mansions and get your fill of oxygen on the pine forest-covered hills of the island. We assure you that the best way to visit Princes Islands is to ride a bicycle.
There are cafes and restaurants in different parts of the island, but you may also want to have a picnic. Throw your picnic blanket in your bag, and if you buy your picnic snacks and drinks from the delicatessen or markets in the bazaar, the quietest corners of the island, isolated from the touristic crowd, are waiting for you. Let’s also remind you that you can come to Princes Islands with your own bicycle, because you are allowed to take your bicycle on the City Lines ferries.
There is a place to rent a bicycle at almost every street corner around the bazaar, but some cyclists’ bicycles can be quite old and neglected. Our suggestion is to rent a bicycle from the shop of the 60-year-old cyclist of the island, Sami Abi, Bicycle Ticaret . The bikes here are in slightly better condition. If you ask anyone, they will show you his place.
Important Update: Sami Usta closed the shop because he was a little uncomfortable due to his age. Sami Usta has his apprentice’s shop two shops down. His bikes are as well maintained as Sami Usta’s.
Let’s make some important caveats.
– Also, Princes Islands is quite hilly and has a side road in places, so don’t forget to check the brakes before renting your bike.
– Although bicycle tourism is developed in Princes Islands, there are no alternative driving routes to the 14-kilometer big tour and 12-kilometer small tour on the island. The route of the small tour is also called Lovers Road. You can easily do this route on foot.
– To start the tour, you need to go to the amusement park square. This is the starting point of both big and small tours.
– The Nizam road is nice, but there is an excessive crowd of bicycles and tourists. If you go from Maden, the road will be quieter. It takes an average of 75 minutes. The small tour takes 1 hour.
– There are also no bike paths. Vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists use the same road.
Pedal your way through the island’s magnificent mansions:
5. Wander Nostalgic Streets Filled With Gorgeous Mansions
You have your bicycle under you, you can wander the magnificent streets of the island as you wish. The beauty of Princes Islands definitely derives its history from the wooden, ornate and ostentatious mansions. You are likely to come across a wonderful palace cub in every street. Jump on your bike and go hunting for a mansion street by street. The most beautiful mansions of the island are clustered in the Nizam region, but there are also very nice buildings in the Maden region. Don’t worry, you will find the places we don’t miss in our section of Places to Visit in Princes Islands below for your cycling route.
Wander around and go to the final destination, Aya Yorgi Hill. Keep your eyes on the watch, it is very important that you come here before sunset.
6. Our Favorite Place: Aya Yorgi Church on Aya Yorgi Hill
By renting bikes and pedaling into the hills of the island, you will find the Aya Yorgi Hill. To go to Aya Yorgi, you first pedal to the Amusement Park, which is the starting point of the big and small tour, which is about 3 kilometers from the pier. Lock the bikes there because you have to walk up the steep slope of Hagia Yorgi. No vehicles, including bicycles, are allowed. It takes at least 25 minutes. At this stage, you wont find tourists in that area and when you reach that magnificent hill above, you are completely isolated from the island. There are great places to visit there as the Hagia Yorgi Church,
Hagia Yorgi Church’s original name was Agios Georgios, it was a Greek Orthodox Monastery and was built in the name of St. George in 1751, many people come to make wishes twice a year, on April 23 and September 24, regardless of their religion, whether Muslim, Christian or Jewish.
The most valuable treasure of the church is the icon of Saint George, who killed a sea monster with his spear inside. This icon also has a story. According to legend, in the Byzantine period, the priests of the church buried it during the occupation so that the icons and relics of the church would not be damaged. Years later, a shepherd began to enter Hagia Yorgi’s dreams. This shepherd told him to climb this hill barefoot and without speaking to go to the church, and when he heard the bell, stand where he was and dig in the ground. Hagia Yorgi also listened to this prophecy and indeed found the icons under the ground, which are now displayed in the church.
Since the church is a pilgrimage site it’s considered as a sacred chruch by Christians, such as the House of Virgin Mary near the Ancient City of Ephesus, people flock here every year on April 23, which is considered a name day, and on September 24, the day of commemoration of Aziza Thekla. Click for location .
7. Enjoy Meatballs, Potatoes, and Sausage Bread in one of Istanbul’s Most Pleasant Views on Aya Yorgi Hill at Yücetepe.
It is worth pedaling 3 kilometers and climbing uphill for half an hour just to experience the wonderful atmosphere. Located right next to the Hagia Yorgi Church since 1978, it’s a very sympathetic and peaceful place that has never lost its spirit. The country restaurant, which is a shabby family business with wooden tables and chairs, has few but essential options on its menu: The famous meatballs, Afyon Sausage, Homemade Olive Oil Leaf Wrap, Hot Meat Paste and Cheese Pastry. Our favorite is the meatball & beer duo. Also, at full moon nights, the moonlight view here is incredible. If you come across it, definitely choose this place for dinner, not the restaurants on the beach. The business is open at all times of the year and we think it is one of the most beautiful secrets of Istanbul. Click for location.
8. Soak the Day on the Cliffs at Hagia Yorgi for One of Istanbul’s 5 Most Beautiful Views
Be careful who you take with you, because if you didn’t fall in love with the person next to you during the first 7 activities, you will be at this cliff. 🙂 Yücetepe is by far the most beautiful view point of the island. The sunset is magnificent. It’s with no doubt at the top 5 in Istanbul. Let us tell you another unexplored immersion point: The rocks behind the meatball shop when you go up to Hagia Yorgi. The scenery is simply magnificent. There is also a rock like a king’s throne. If it’s empty, we say grab it and set up right away.
9. Have Your Dinner at Eskibağ Teras Restaurant
Yes, the restaurants on the beach have become an island classic and maybe you can find another energy in the crowd there, but we pass by Eskibağ Terrace Restaurant, which is located at the back of the island, in the farthest part of the island. After all, this is our guide to escape from Istanbul in Princes Islands. Eskibağ is our recommendation for a very simple and elegant dinner with wooden chairs.
10. A Princes Islands Classic: Eat Ice Cream
As soon as you get off the ferry in Princes Islands, you will see people eating 5-layer ice cream wherever you turn your head and you will understand that these giant ice creams have been one of the most touristic things in Princes Islands.
However, we prefer Yunus Emre, the mobile ice cream seller of Princes Islands, who makes ice cream from seasonal fruits and is mostly known by the islanders. For Yunus Usta, who is originally from Kastamonu, ice cream making is a family business. The members of the family sell the ice cream they prepare fresh every day in wheelbarrows on Princes Islands and other surrounding islands. He usually pulls his car in front of Anadolu Club. He doesn’t have much variety in his car. You can find varieties such as lemon, cherry, peach, chocolate and cream at the most, but if you visited in summer season then you are lucky to have cherry or peach on that day, don’t miss it. But be warned that the ice cream is in the form of a sorbet. In other words, it is not milk based, therefore it melts very quickly. Another feature of Yunus’s ice cream is that it is placed in cones not in the form of balls, but in the form of roses.
If you can’t find Yunus in place:
– Your second choice is Sarıyer Ice Cream , which is located above the bazaar. Especially the milk ice cream is very successful. – The signature flavor of Roma Ice Cream
11. After Dinner, Visit the Nostalgic Tea Gardens on the Beach and enjoy good times with the locals😀
It does not appeal to us much, but it’s one of the most nostalgic traditions of the island is to go to one of the tea gardens on the beach with friends after dinner, play games such as okey, backgammon, cards.
Places to Visit in Princes Islands
1. See the Magnificent Mansions of the Princes Islands
After you rent the bicycle you like you can easily reach every corner of the island. There are many lace-like buildings on the island, and you will see them pedaling to these historically important buildings. To discover the following regions:
On Twenty-three Nisan Street
– Twenty-three Nisan Street, the island is full of mansions overlooking the sea. You know, the mansions whose beauty you admire while you are approaching the island by ferry.
– Splendid Hotel and Anadolu Club are located on this street. Anadolu Club is one of the important icons of the island. Generally, the elders of the island hang out here. It is a pleasant place with its historical texture and calmness, but hanging out at Anadolu Club is only affordable for club members therefore you can pass. Click for location.
– In addition, the elevator, which was built for Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, is located on the embankment that leads to the Anadolu Club by the sea. Atatürk used to come to Anadolu Club very often. This elevator was built in 1936 in order to make it easier for the hut to exit the sea. The elevator is not used today, but there is another elevator similar to it, you can use it.
Another symbol of Princes Islands is Splendid Palace, one of the sought-after sets of Yeşilçam movies, with its wooden and art-nouveau detailed nostalgic structure. But I must say in advance that they are not hospitable. As soon as you walk in, its stylish and elegant lobby with tiled flooring, red curtains, grand piano, columns, full of artworks, transports you to the 1920s. The building, which has been operated as a hotel for 6 generations, has the status of 1st degree historical monument today. The desserts in the cafe are delicious. Definitely try one, you won’t regret it. Click for location .
The Nizam region
– Çankaya Street is the street where some of the most beautiful and historical mansions of the island are located.
On this street, you can see the Fabiato Mansion, which is now the Islands Cultural Center , the İzzet Pasha Mansion, the Con Pasha Mansion, the Mizzi Mansion, also known as Al Palace, one of the venues of the 14th Istanbul Biennial.
– On the Nizam Street, which comes right after it, you will see Azaryan (Seferoğlu) Mansion and Kuyumcuyan Mansion, also known as Mazlum Bey Mansion .
– On Yılmaz Türk Street, there is the house of the master of Turkish literature, Reşat Nuri Güntekin . Click for location .
The Forest Road
– On the forest road leading to Hagios Sotiros Christou Monastery, there is the Greek Orphanage, the largest wooden structure in Princes Islands and Europe and the second largest in the world. Since it has not been used since 1964, it has remained quite idle and almost collapsed so do not paddle the way there for no reason, skip it for now. Good news came last March for the building, which was badly damaged in the fire in 1980 and was heavily worn out due to bad weather conditions. The Greek Orphanage has been selected as one of the 7 endangered cultural heritage sites in Europe. Thus, a European-funded conservation work, which has not been done before, will be initiated. You will come one day when it opens Location
in the mining area
– See the Meziki Mansion on Malul Gazi Caddesi, which is now used as a hotel but was the set of TV series and commercials. Click for location
Do not miss the Hamidiye Mosque . Click for location .
On the beach side, there is the House of Trotsky which was brought to the agenda with the huge sculptures of Argentine artist Adrian Villar Rojas emerging from the water at the 14th Istanbul Biennial, and has been home to the famous Russian politician Leon Trotsky for 4.5 years during his exile years . You can stop by to see it from the outside, even though it’s not in very good condition but you can’t go inside. Click for location .
2. If you still have time, see Adakule as an alternative to Hagia Yorgi
On Princes Islands, in addition to Yücetepe, where the Hagia Yorgi Church is located, there is also Hızır İlyas Hill, but it is not as well known. There is a fire tower called Adakule on this hill and the whole island can be seen from this tower. If you say you are used to slopes, you should definitely go here. It is much more secluded and it’s not a touristic location as Hagia Yorgi.
3. Tour the Islands Museum
It’s one of the permanent exhibits in the Islands Museum in the Hagia Nikola Hangar, is a very compact exhibition, as well as giving comprehensive information from the formation of the islands to today’s island life. Perfect for those looking for real nostalgia. Open every day except Monday. Click for Location .
Might interest you: The Topkapi Palace tour of the Sultan’s harem
What & Where to Eat in Princes Islands
The question “What & where to eat in Princes Islands” should only be answered in a few categories, because popular places ≠ the best places.
If you stay in Princes Islands overnight, go to Sedef Island the next day.
Sedef Island is both a non-touristy paradise and not widely known even among Istanbul residents. It consists of only a couple of restaurants and beaches to swim in. Sedef Island is actually a private property. The first owner is Ferit Ahmet Pasha, the current owner is Esra Bereket and his brother Mehmet Birgen. The best thing to do here is to swim during the day and stay for dinner at Elio Sedef Restaurant.
There are very few venues and beach options here anyway, One is Elio Sedef Restaurant, which provides both restaurant and beach service, and the other is Liya, which provides service in the same way. There is also Sedef Island Beach, which is a paid public beach.
How to go to Princes Islands?
There are 2 ways to reach Princes Islands: Private sea engines and Martyr Lines Ferries. Ido used to have sea bus services from Beşiktaş and Bakırköy in the past, but for your information, it was abolished in January 2018.
by yachts
There are mostly yacht trips to Princes Islands from Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Eminönü, Yeşilköy, Kadıköy and Bostancı with the engines of Mavi Marmara . You can find their summer and winter schedules here .
by ferry
City Lines Ferries have ferry services from Eminönü, Bostancı and Kadıköy. The journey takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes from the European Side. It takes half an hour from Bostancı and 1 hour from Kadıköy.
By Sea Bus
Click here for the fares of IDO, departures from Kabataş – Yenikapı – Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Princes Islands) and Islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, Princes Islands) – Yenikapı – Kabataş