Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

1 SIGHTS Most İstanbullus refer to the Princes’ Islands as simply The Islands (Adalar). Populated since the 4th century BC, the islands acquired their present name in the 6th century AD after coming into the possession of the Byzantine prince, Justin. The first Greek Orthodox monastery was established in 846 and regular ferry services from İstanbul began in 1846. Wealthy İstanbullus then began to purchase holiday villas here. Büyükada and Burgaza were popular with families of Greek and Jewish heritage; Heybeliada was predominantly Greek. Popular island activities include cycling or walking along the attractive villa-lined streets, and exploring the protected pine-scented forests, which cover 50% of the landscape on both Büyükada and Heybeliada. Swimming is also popular, with the best beaches being on Büyükada; note that the water quality is regularly tested between May and October and the beaches only open when given an all-clear. 1 Kabataş to the Islands After boarding, try to find a seat on the right side of the ferry so that you can view the various islands as the ferry approaches them. Heading towards the Sea of Marmara, passengers are treated to fine views of Topkapı Palace, Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque on the right and Kız Kulesi (adult/student ₺ 20/10; h 9am-6.45pm; f Üsküdar, m Üsküdar) , Haydarpaşa Railway Station and the distinctive minaret-style clock towers of Marmara University on the left. 1 Heybeliada Heybeliada (Heybeli for short and Halki in Greek) is the prettiest island in the Adalar group, replete with ornate 19th-century timber villas and offering gorgeous sea views from myriad viewpoints. It’s extremely popular with