Princes’ Islands

Princes Islands Istanbul — The Princes’ Islands (Adalar) are a nine-island archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, about an hour by ferry from central Istanbul, known for being entirely car-free — the only transport is on foot, by bicycle, or by electric shuttle since fossil-fuel vehicles and horse-drawn carriages were both phased out by 2020. Büyükada, the largest island, is the most-visited, with 19th-century wooden mansions, pine forests, and a slower pace than anywhere else in greater Istanbul.

Why visit the Princes’ Islands? (Princes Islands Istanbul)

Historically used as a place of exile for Byzantine and Ottoman royalty (hence the name), the islands later became a summer retreat for Istanbul’s wealthier residents, which is why Büyükada in particular is lined with elaborate 19th-century wooden mansions, many still privately owned. Leon Trotsky lived in exile on Büyükada from 1929 to 1933, writing his History of the Russian Revolution there. The islands banned fossil-fuel vehicles outright and phased out horse-drawn carriages on animal-welfare grounds by 2020, leaving bicycles and electric shuttle buses as the only transport — a near-total absence of traffic noise that’s rare anywhere near a city of Istanbul’s size. The appeal is straightforward: pine-forested hills, quiet beaches, seafood restaurants along the harbor, and a genuinely different pace from the mainland.

Source: Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

What should I know before visiting?

• Ferries depart from Eminönü, Kabataş, or Kadıköy/Bostancı on the Asian side; the Bostancı route is fastest at around 50 minutes.
• Bring an Istanbulkart — ferry fares are charged per zone, roughly 50–70 TL each way.
• Büyükada is the largest and most visited island; smaller islands like Heybeliada offer a quieter alternative.
• Rent a bicycle at the harbor or use the electric shuttle buses to get around — no cars are allowed.
• Plan for a full day: catch an early ferry out and a late-afternoon one back.

How much does it cost and how long does it take?

Round-trip ferry fare runs roughly 100–140 TL (a few dollars) with an Istanbulkart. The ferry itself takes 60–90 minutes from the European side, or about 50 minutes from Bostancı on the Asian side. Most visitors treat it as a full-day trip.

How do I get to the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul center?

Ferries depart from Eminönü (near the Spice Bazaar), Kabataş, or Kadıköy/Bostancı on the Asian side. From Sultanahmet, walk or tram to Eminönü and catch a direct ferry to Büyükada.

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