Princes’ Islands in Istanbul

Princes’ Islands in Istanbul

The Princes’ Islands in Istanbul, Adalar (the Islands) is a district of Istanbul which includes nine islands; Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, Sedefadasi, Sivriada, Yassiada, Kasikadasi and Tavsanadasi. The center of the district of Adalar is Buyukada. The district was called the Princes’ Islands as it was a site for exiled palace members, particularly in the Byzantine Era.

During the summer months the Princes’ Islands are popular destinations for day trips from Istanbul. As there is no traffic on the Islands, the only transport being horse and cart, they are incredibly peaceful compared with the city of Istanbul.

• Kinaliada Island: Kinaliada is the fourth largest of the Islands and also closest island to the European and Asian side of Istanbul, about 12 kilometres to the south, named because of the colour of its earth.
• Burgazada Island: Burgazada is the third largest of the Islands near Istanbul. Sleepy, peaceful Burgazada is the ideal location to escape the noise and traffic for a just few hours or a full day trip.
• Heybeliada Island: Heybeliada is the second largest and the most green of the Islands in Istanbul both from the view point of its population and its surface area. As on all the islands, you can hire bikes to travel around or take a horse drawn carriage.
• Büyükada Island: Büyükada is the largest of the Islands, also the farthest from Istanbul, welcomes its visitors with a very enjoyable atmosphere, with its historical pier, large bazaar square and famous fish restaurants.