Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

Princes’ Islands

Explore This is a great day trip, particularly as the ferry ride is so enjoyable. Lying 20km southeast of the city in the Sea of Marmara, there are nine islands in the group, five of which are populated (combined population 16,050). Most visitors head to the two largest, Büyükada and Heybeliada. If you manage to catch an early ferry, you will be able to spend the morning on Heybeliada and the afternoon on Büyükada (or vice versa). Note that many restaurants and most hotels are closed between November and April; and that ferry services are occasionally cancelled due to poor weather, resulting in visitors being stranded overnight. For further information, check the English language website of the Adalar Beladiyesi (www.adalar.bel.tr) . The Best... A Sight Hagia Triada Monastery, Heybeliada A Place to Eat Teras Restaurant, Büyükada A View Yücetepe Kır Gazinosu Restaurant, Büyükada Top Tip The islands can be oppressively crowded between May and October, when visitors number up to 50,000 per day on weekends. To avoid these crowds, visit on a weekday. Getting There & Away On summer weekends, board the ferry and grab a seat at least half an hour before departure time unless you want to stand the whole way. From the right side of the ferry you can view the various islands en route. Heading