A beach vacation is ideal for many since they love having the wind in their hair and the ocean at their feet, but the one place which is seldom considered to be an ideal vacation spot is just a level up from a beach- an island. Out of all the islands which are just perfect for having a vacation, the princes’ islands, situated just off the coast of Istanbul in Turkey is ideal. A combination of islands, Princes’ Island ensures that its visitors have fun. If you are wondering about what to do in princes islands in Istanbul then get ready to take a ferry to reach the location before climbing up on a horse-drawn carriage to roam the cities. But roaming the cities is just the tip of the iceberg, there’s a whole lot more.
Best Time To Visit Istanbul
The most ideal time to visit Istanbul is considered to be from March to May and then between September and November. This is the time when you’ll find the most pleasant weather in Istanbul, the least amount of crowd, and affordable hotel room prices.
10 Best Islands Near Istanbul
While you’re already smitten by the beauty of this city of Turkey, make sure to visit these 10 islands in Istanbul and enjoy a relaxing tropical vacation.
- Büyükada – Trek Through Big Island
- Burgazada – See The Sait Faik Museum
- Heybeliada – Witness The Architecture
- Sivriada – Know What Makes It “Useless”
- Kaşık Island – Wander Amidst Lush Greenery
- Sedef Island – Venture Into The Pine Jungles
- Yassıada – See Its Heart Wrenching History
- Tavşan Adası – Discover Spirituality
- Kınalıada – Witness The Mines & Forests
- Galatasaray Islet – Bask In Luxury
1. Büyükada
Büyükada, whose name means ‘Big Island’ in Turkish, certainly does justice to its name since it is the biggest of the nine islands which constitute Princes Islands which are a group of islands around Istanbul. It has an area of around 5 square km or 2 square miles and is a neighbourhood of the Adalar district of Turkey’s Istanbul province. Visitors will find that this island has two peaks and the one which is near to the ferry landing is called Isa Tepesi which means Jesus Hill in Turkish. In the valley formed between the two hills there lies a church and a monastery of Agios Nikolaos, but apart from that, they can also visit the Greek Orthodox Churches of Panagia, Hagios Demetrios, Franciscan Church of San Pacifico and the Armenian Church of the Surp Astvadzadzin Verapolium. There is also a cafe in there which serves up some delicious chips, wine, and sausage sandwiches.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read : 13 Best Places Near Istanbul To Explore The City Beyond Its Borders
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2. Burgazada
Burgazada is the third largest of the conglomeration called the Princes Islands. There is a singular hill here, which runs across 2 kilometers in here. One of the famous Turkish islands near Istanbul, this island is named after a fort, which Demetrius I of Macedon (one of the successors of Alexander the Great) built. Visitors here should check out the Sait Faik Abasıyanık museum, which is named after the writer of the above name as he used Burgazada as a common setting for his works. While the island has been a residence for Greek minority, many from the 20th century onwards have shifted their base to this paradise which happens to be one of the best islands near Istanbul Turkey.
Location: Turkey
3. Heybeliada
Heybeliada or also known as Heybeliada is the second biggest of the amalgamation known as the Princes Islands in the Sea of Marmara. It is a neighborhood of the Adalar district of Istanbul. Upon arriving, visitors will find two beautiful pieces of architecture in the area of the Naval Cadet School- one is called Kamariotissa and it is the only Byzantine church left on the old islands. But it was also the last one to be built before Constantinople began his conquest. The other is actually the grave of Edward Baryon who was the second ambassador sent from England by Queen Elizabeth I.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read: Make The Most Of Your Homestay Experience At These 9 Homestays In Istanbul
4. Sivriada
Sivriada is also called Hayırsızada which means ‘useless island’ and it has an area or 0.05 km square. It forms part of the islands in Turkey near Istanbul. It was called as such because it is said to have brought God’s wrath on itself for killing stray dogs there. This island was often a site for Byzantine clerics to come for worship and also used a prison to detain people who were thought to be troublesome. People can see the detached ruins of a 9th-century Byzantine monastery in here, along with that of a Roman settlement. Major buildings like a chapel, a church and a cistern located in the center of town island were built in the 9th century.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read: 10 Best Romantic Places In Istanbul To Have A Turkish Rendezvous With Your Loved One
5. Kaşık Island
Kaşık Island means ‘Spoon Island’ since it is shaped like a spoon. One of the fascinating islands near Istanbul, Turkey this island is actually a private property of a Greek family known as Danon, so visitors won’t be able to spend any time here unless and until they get permission from the owner or they can jump in for a tour with a tourism company. Make sure to sign up early for the tour as spots get filled out here, you will have to reach the island using a ferry, but from then on the sandy beach and greenery will be a treat for your eyes.
Location: Between the islands of Burgazada and Heybeliada
Suggested Read: Airports in Istanbul: 12 Popular Airports In This Fast Moving Turkey City
6. Sedef Island
Sedef Island was called Andircuithos or Androvitha during historic times, but its name now means ‘Mother of Pearl’ Islands. It had an area of 0.157 km square which makes it one of the smallest islands of the group. The island is also majorly a private property and all the pine forests were majorly planted by its owner. He also made sure that there was a strict building code of not allowing houses with more than two floors so that the environment and nature of the island would be protected.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read: Top Street Food In Istanbul You Ought To Try On Your Turkish Vacation
7. Yassıada
Yassıada whose name means ‘flat island’ is also known as Democracy and Freedom Island after it was renamed as such but the old name is used as well. The island comes with an area of 0.05 km square and is a neighborhood of Turkey’s Adalar district in Istanbul province. Yassiada was mainly used by the Byzantines for sending off problematic prominent people and prisoners from crusades into exile. One such example was that of Narses who was an Armenian Patriarch. Visitors will be able to see the four prison cells underground even now. But apart from that, there is also a Platea Monastery here, which was built by Byzantine Emperor Theofilos as well as a church that was constructed by exiled Patriarch Ignatios in 860.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read: Istanbul Travel Tips For A Hassle Free Trip To This Beautiful Old City Of Minarets
8. Tavşan Adası
Tavsan Aadasi is also known as Neandros Adası and the name means Rabbit Island. It is the absolute smallest of all the Princes’ Islands with an area of just 0.004 km squares or 0.0015 square miles. As with a small area space some lesser things to see, but if visitors are opting to go with a tourism group then they will be able to see some of the churches which still stand here apart from the tiny piece of the beach. Come here for the aesthetic of the place and enjoy seeing the beautiful greenery here.
Location: Southeast of Istanbul, Turkey
9. Kınalıada
Kınalıada means ‘Henna Island’ since the land has a reddish Colour from all the copper and iron, which has been mined in here and as one can imagine, it is also one of the last forested islands amongst the conglomeration. It is also the island which is closest to that of Istanbul since it is around 12 km to the south. It, like every above island, is also a neighborhood of the Adalar district of Istanbul. While there are a number of islands from the Princes’ Islands, which were used as a prison and place of exile, but Proti was the most used of all. Visitors can reach the island using a ferry which takes about 25 minutes with a fast one and 40 minutes with a regular one.
Location: Turkey
Suggested Read: 9 Istanbul Restaurants For That Perfect Turkish Culinary Affair
10. Galatasaray Islet
Galatasaray Islet is a small island and it is owned by the Galatasaray Sports Club. The island has a very attractive facility which is made up of 6 restaurants, two swimming pools, and house bars. It is one of the islands close to Istanbul, with just 541 feet or 165 meters from the European coast and is reachable by a free ferry service. There are lots of entertainment opportunities here and as one can imagine, a lot of sports facilities as well since it is owned by a sports club. There is a swimming pool in here which served as a home ground for the water polo team from the years 1957 to 1968.
Location: Bosphorus strait off Kuruçeşme neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey
How To Reach The Islands Near Istanbul
Istanbul is well connected to other cities in Turkey as well as major ones around the world. The extensive railway network with high speed trains connects Istanbul to the capital city of Ankara. You can also board trains to Istanbul from other European destinations.
In order to reach islands in Turkey near Istanbul, you can simply take a boat or ferry from any of the ports in Istanbul that is nearest to the island you wish to visit.
Further Read: Istanbul Mountains: 10 Top Places To Witness The Marvellous Beauty Of Nature In Turkey!
These islands are one of the must visit places while traveling to Turkey as they offer a scenic view and relaxing ambience to its visitors. So, if you’re planning a trip to Europe anytime soon then make sure to tick off these exotic islands in Istanbul from your travel list.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Islands Near Istanbul
How many islands are there in Istanbul?
There are a little over 10 islands in and near Istanbul that you can visit during your trip. The Princess Islands, Big Island, and Spoon Island are some of the best ones. Which Princess Island is the best?
Burgazada is believed to the best of the Princess Islands owing to all the experiences it offers. You can check out the Sait Faik Abasıyanık Museum, explore the greek architecture, or simply roam around in the lush beauty of this gigantic island. What is there to do on Princess Island?
There are a lot of things you can do on the Princess Island near Istanbul: Have a scenic island breakfast Bike around the island Go picnicking Take a swim Wander in historical places and mansions Take a stroll via stunning island streets Taste the awesome seafood Can we swim in Princess Island?
Yes, you can swim in the clean and clear water of Princess Island. There are plenty of beaches here where you can take a dip. How do you get from Taksim to Princes Island?
From Taksim Square, you can take the tram (T1) or the metro (M2) to reach the old town. Here at the ferry, you’ll find a boat that will take you to Princes islands.
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Exploring new places and trying out new food cuisines are two things that bring Seema all the happiness. Travel freak and a die-hard foodie are the synonyms that define her the best. Popular on social media by the name of ‘PandaReviewz’, lazing around the beaches, exploiting the sunset points, visiting the farthermost villages, exploring the renowned cities, trying out new food cuisines, and blogging about them are few things that keep Seema occupied, and happy!
