Princes’ Islands Day Trip: Ferry, Routes and What to See

The Princes’ Islands day trip is best for visitors with a full day to spare and a taste for quieter escapes. You’ll take a scheduled ferry across the Sea of Marmara, explore car-free streets lined with Victorian-era wooden houses, swim or lunch by the water, and return to Istanbul the same evening. After a day on the islands, you will have discovered why Istanbul’s residents treat them as a refuge from the city.

The itinerary focuses on Büyükada, the largest and most developed island. If you have energy and ferry connections allow, you can add Heybeliada, the second-largest, on the same day.

Route map

At a glance: Day 1: Ferry from Istanbul to the islands, explore Büyükada on foot or by bicycle, visit the Aya Yorgi church at the island's highest point, have lunch at a waterfront restaurant, and return by evening ferry. Optional second island: Heybeliada for monasteries and forest walking.

Day 1: Ferry Crossing and Büyükada Arrival

Depart Istanbul from Kabataş or Eminönü on the morning ferry. Ferries make stops at smaller islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, and Heybeliada) before reaching Büyükada about 90 minutes later. Take a seat on the right side of the deck for views of the old city and Asian shore as you leave. Arrive on Büyükada with most of the day ahead.

1. Kabataş Ferry Terminal – European departure point, easily reached by T1 tram (15 min before departure)
2. Bostancı or Kadıköy – Asian-side option; faster and less crowded (check ferry times)
3. Bürük Meydanı (Birlik Meydanı) – Central square where taxis and shuttle services gather (orientation point)
4. Halık Köyü Beach – Sandy cove with clear water, west side of island (1–2 hours)
5. Yücetepe (Hilltop) – Island's highest point with views over the Marmara Sea and Istanbul (20–30 min walk)

Tip: Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30 minutes early on summer weekends; the morning boats to Büyükada fill up. Buy tickets with an Istanbulkart (the municipal payment card) or pay cash at the window.

Day 2: Aya Yorgi Church and the Island's Interior

Spend the morning and early afternoon exploring the island's interior and waterfront. The main attractions are the Aya Yorgi (Church of St. George) at the top of the western hill, the Adalar Museum, and the quay-side restaurants and shops. Most of the afternoon is available for a second swim, a bicycle ride, or a leisurely lunch before catching your evening ferry.

1. Aya Yorgi Church – Greek Orthodox monastery perched on the western hilltop; steep cobbled path from near Lunapark Restaurant (30–45 min round trip)
2. Adalar Museum – Small collection on island history and Ottoman mansion life, near the centre (30–45 min)
3. Waterfront restaurants – Grilled fish and seafood with views, line the harbour (lunch or dinner)
4. Bicycle rental – Available from shops near the quay; flat coastal routes easier than inland hills (1–3 hours)
5. Kadıköy Ferry Terminal – Return ferry from Istanbul, usually depart in late afternoon (check return times)

Tip: If you have ferry timetables that allow, take the return boat from Büyükada to Heybeliada before heading back to Istanbul. A 45-minute stop on Heybeliada lets you see the Greek Theological School (visible but often closed) and the forested interior without staying overnight.

Istanbul Vibes Tips

• Check the ferry schedule on the Şehir Hatları website (sehirhatlari.istanbul) the night before. Schedules change seasonally and vary by day of the week. Summer weekend ferries fill by late morning, so arrive early if you cannot depart on a weekday.
• Plan to catch an afternoon ferry back to Istanbul (typically departing Büyükada between 3 pm and 5 pm on weekdays, 3–6 pm on weekends). Missing the last ferry means an unplanned overnight stay or a pricey water taxi.
• Bring water and sunscreen. The islands have limited shade, and ferries do not sell drinks at tourist prices. Most restaurants and cafés are near the quay; the interior is quieter but sparse.
• Winter (November–March) is quieter but many island restaurants and rental shops close or reduce hours; visit in spring or autumn for the full experience. Summer weekends are very crowded; weekdays are calmer.
• Avoid hiking the eastern hill (Yücetepe) in afternoon heat. The western hill with Aya Yorgi is steeper but shorter. Wear closed shoes* for cobbled paths, or rent a bicycle for the flat coastal road.
• Do not expect a full-service day trip with multiple islands. A thorough visit to Büyükada alone takes 5–6 hours. If you add Heybeliada, you have 45 minutes to an hour on each; the ferries do not wait.

Explore Nearby Princes' Islands Day Trip

Sights near Princes' Islands Day Trip

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  Kadıköy · typical visit: Half a day to a full day

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FAQ

Do I need to book ferry tickets in advance?

No. Ferries are first-come, first-served. On a weekday or off-peak time, you can walk to the terminal 30 minutes before departure and board. On summer weekends, arrive 45 minutes early. Tickets are sold at the terminal window or aboard; use an Istanbulkart (Istanbul's transit card) for the lowest fare.

How long is the ferry ride?

From Kabataş (European side), about 90 minutes to Büyükada with stops at smaller islands. From Bostancı (Asian side), roughly 35–40 minutes. Eminönü is scenic but takes about 90 minutes. Smaller islands (Kınalıada, Burgazada, Heybeliada) are reached in 35–60 minutes.

Which island should I visit first?

Büyükada is best for a first visit. It is the largest, has the most to do, and is where ferries spend the most time. If your return ferry schedule allows, you can visit Heybeliada on the way back to Istanbul. Burgazada and Kınalıada are smaller and more local in character; one is enough for most visitors.

Are the islands open in winter?

Yes, but many restaurants, shops and bicycle rentals close or reduce hours between November and March. The islands are less crowded but less lively. Spring and autumn offer the best balance: warm weather and full services without summer chaos.

Can I stay overnight on the islands?

Yes, there are a few hotels and guesthouses on Büyükada. However, most visitors come as a day trip because ferries run frequently and the islands are close enough to Istanbul for same-day return. Check the ferry schedule if you plan to stay.

How do I get around on the islands?

On foot, by bicycle, or by electric shuttle (eco-buggy). Private cars are banned on all islands. Bicycles can be rented near the quay for a modest fee. Walking is the main way to explore.

What is there to see on Büyükada?

The Aya Yorgi Church (a Greek Orthodox monastery at the top of the western hill), the Adalar Museum, the Splendid Hotel ruins, Victorian mansions, beaches, and waterfront restaurants. The views of the Sea of Marmara and Istanbul skyline from the hilltop are the main draw.

Can I swim on the islands?

Yes. Halık Köyü Beach on Büyükada is popular and has clear water. Kınalıada and Heybeliada also have beach areas. Bring a swimsuit and towel. Water is warmest June–September.

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