Princes’ Islands — a Car-Free Day in the Marmara Sea: How Far, What to Do, Which Island to Pick
The Princes’ Islands (Adalar) are nine islands in the Marmara Sea off Istanbul’s Asian side, the best known being Büyükada and Heybeliada. No cars: bicycles, electric carts, Ottoman wooden houses, pine forests and beaches. They are the easiest escape from Istanbul’s crowds for a family with children, and Seen Travels’ Princes’ Islands day trip is on the site at a published price with pay on arrival.
Quick facts
Things to do on the Princes’ Islands
Büyükada
The largest and best-known island: the ferry pier with restaurants and sweets on arrival, then streets of wooden houses climbing to the hill and the forest. Where most visitors go, and enough on its own for a full day.
Bikes and electric carts
No cars on the islands; bicycles are rented at the pier and electric carts carry the family on a loop of the island between the forests and the Marmara views.
The monastery hill and the view
The highest point of Büyükada with the Aya Yorgi monastery and a view over the other islands and distant Istanbul. The last climb is a fifteen-minute walk, with a café at the top.
Swimming and beaches
Small beaches with beach clubs and restaurants on the water from June to September, for families who want a sea day without leaving Istanbul.
Heybeliada
The second island, quieter and smaller, with its pine forest and natural beach, visited on the same trip by those who want somewhere less crowded.
Lunch by the sea
Fish restaurants on the pier and local sweets on Büyükada, then ice cream on the way back to the ferry. Lunch is part of the day trip.
Where to stay
Best time to visit
May to October: swimming from June to September, and the finest days in May and September with mild weather and fewer crowds. Avoid summer weekends if you can, as the ferries are full. In winter the islands are quiet and grey with fewer ferries.
How to get there
Ferries from Kabataş on the European side or Bostancı on the Asian side reach Büyükada in 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Seen’s Princes’ Islands day trip leaves from your Istanbul hotel by private car to the pier, then the ferry, the island loop and lunch, at a published price with payment on arrival.
Princes’ Islands FAQ
How far are the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul?
The islands lie within Istanbul in the Marmara Sea; the ferry from Kabataş to Büyükada takes about 1.5 hours on the regular line or 45 minutes on the fast one, and about 40 minutes from Bostancı.
Which island should I choose?
Büyükada for most visitors and families: the largest, with the most services and the view. Heybeliada for quiet and a natural beach. Both in one day are possible with the ferry between them.
Are the islands suitable for children?
One of Istanbul’s most child-friendly trips: no cars, bikes and electric carts, beaches and ice cream. Bring sunscreen and hats in summer.
Can we swim?
Yes, from June to September at the small beaches and beach clubs, some with entry fees. The water is cleanest on the southern side of Büyükada.
How long is the trip?
A full day: about 8 to 9 hours hotel to hotel with the ferry, the island loop, lunch and the return.
How do I book the Princes’ Islands trip with Seen?
The trip is on the site with its price, booked on WhatsApp and paid on arrival. It includes transport from the hotel to the pier, the ferry and escort; cart and bike tickets are paid on site. Seen is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency, number 11824.
A day on the Princes’ Islands from Istanbul: ferry, bikes, sea and lunch, and you pay on arrival.
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