It used to be a refuge for exiled princes and empresses, but now it's a haven for people who are tired of the city's bustle! The Princes' Islands were a site of exile for royal families in Byzantine times.
Mobile ticketing: No need for printed voucher, we're digital!
Duration: From Kabatas to Princes’ islands approximately 90 minutes.
Instant confirmation: No reservation is required.
Highlights
Enjoy the island's perfect ambiance!
If you wish, you can also hire a horse and carriage for a real 'old world' experience in the Island.
Get ready to explore amazing islands!
Enjoy a dinner at the perfect restaurant with the view of Istanbul and the sea!
Take a walk by the sea and enjoy the day. You can even swim in the sea if you want!
Includes
Transportation between Kabataş and Princes' islands (Büyükada)
Covid-19 precautions
Safety: All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
Social: Distancing is maintained in the boat
Mask: Wearing mask is mandatory during trip
Limited Visitors: To reduce crowds, the number of passengers is limited
The Princes' Islands
The Princes' Islands are a group of islands near the coast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. There are 9 islands in total but the 4 most visited are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada.
The Islands have a very interesting and sad history. They were inhabited by exiled princes of the Byzantine Empire and later by members of the Ottoman royal family, which is how they came to be called the 'Princes' Islands'.
You might be surprised to learn that Leon Trotsky lived in a house on Büyükada for 4 years! Another interesting resident was the second English Ambassador to Constantinople, sent by Queen Elizabeth I, who lived in and is buried on Heybeliada.
For architecture and history lovers there are many places to discover, starting with the mansions built by wealthy Istanbulites in the 19th century, a huge abandoned Greek orphanage and many famous monasteries such as Ayia Yorgi and the Halki Seminary.
We highly recommend that you visit the islands of Büyükada and Heybeliada. Please be aware though that they are very popular places in the summer and are often very crowded. You might also be stranded for a while in very bad weather if the ferries cannot sail!
An intersting fact about the Islands is that no motorised vehicles, except official or service vehicles, are allowed. So be prepared to enjoy a day out in nature on foot or by renting a bicycle! Alternatively, you might choose to hire a horse and carriage for a real 'old world' experience.
What's Included?
Transportation to and from Princes' islands (Büyükada) is included with the Istanbul Go Pass.
From Kabataş to Princes' islands (Büyükada): 10:30
From Princes' islands (Büyükada) to Kabataş: 7:15, 14:30
The approximate duration is 90
Please meet your guide at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour start time.
Take the T1 tram line and get off at Kabataş station. The company 'DENTUR' will be on your right, just after the gas station. Please collect your free round trip ticket from the small wooden window bu showing your Go Pass ID.
The Princes' Islands are the peerless parts of Istanbul; every one of them is a getaway to have a break, at least a day, from busy city life! History to learn, delicious snacks to taste, nature to refresh, beautiful and cosy bays to enjoy a warm day!
If it is your first time, Büyükada may be the best choice for you because it is the largest island of the Princes' Islands; hence it has a lot more to offer compared to the rest!
No reservation is required. All you need is your Istanbul Go Pass to board the boat and sail away!
Princes’ Islands are a cluster of islands near Istanbul.
No. There are no guides. The boat will take you and will bring you to the islands, and then back to Istanbul.
Use the T1 tram line and go to Kabatas station. At the port, show your Istanbul Go Pass to the wooden window.
