Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands (Adalar) are a chain of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara, administratively part of Istanbul, Turkey, approximately 15 to 30 kilometres southeast of the city's European shore. The largest and most visited island, Büyükada, is reached by public ferry from Kabataş or Kadıköy in approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The islands served as places of Byzantine exile for unwanted royalty — hence the name — and later developed as summer retreats for Istanbul's Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities in the 19th and early 20th centuries, resulting in a concentration of grand Victorian and Ottoman wooden mansions that remains largely intact.

The defining characteristic of the Princes' Islands is the complete absence of motorised vehicles, banned since the Ottoman period. Travel within Büyükada occurs by bicycle, on foot, or historically by phaeton (horse-drawn carriage). Phaeton tours have been controversial in recent years due to animal welfare concerns; electric vehicle alternatives have been introduced. Bicycle hire is available from numerous shops near the ferry landing for around 100 to 150 Turkish lira per day, and cycling the island's perimeter road of approximately 10 kilometres takes two to three hours.

The beaches on Büyükada and the smaller Heybeliada are accessible by a short walk or cycle from the ferry landing. The most popular swimming areas on Büyükada are at the southern tip near Yörük Ali Plajı. The forest paths climbing the twin hills at the island's centre lead to panoramic views and the historic Monastery of St. George, a destination for Easter pilgrimage.

Smaller islands including Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada are quieter alternatives with fewer tourists and a more authentic residential character. The ferry between islands runs several times daily in summer.