For hundreds of years, Istanbul attracted tourists from all around the world because of its historical, archeological, and diversified significance. In addition, it’s located in such a significant place that it truly became the center of the earth. Therefore, Napoleon once said, “If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital!” However, out of many spectacular and amazing places/ attractions, today we are going to know about Prince’s Island. And in my opinion, Prince’s Island is a must travel destination in Istanbul, Turkey.

Now let’s know about this amazing destination. The Princes’ Islands are a cluster of 9 islands southeast of Istanbul in the Sea of Marmara. This is a very unique place in this present world. The islands are car-free. The islands are known for their horse-drawn carriages (phaetons). People/ tourists mainly use Cycle or Horse carts for transportation. However, in recent days you may also see some battery driven motorcycle.

Getting There

The tourists usually travel to the island from Istanbul. In that case, you have to come up to Kabatas. If you are coming from the Europen side of Istanbul or Sultanahmet, this is the last stoppage of the tramway. Thereafter, you have to cross the road and go to the Kabatas Ferry terminal. There is two terminal side by side. Go to the USKUDAR terminal and get tickets of MAVI MARMARA (check the photos below). Each ticket costs 10 Lira. The journey will take approx 50 minutes. While going to the island you will witness the spectacular view of Istanbul’s iconic attractions e.g. Topkapi Place, Hagia Sofia, Sultanahmet Mosque, etc.

After approximately 50 minutes, you will arrive at BUYUKADA Island. The route is amazingly beautiful. You will witness the beauty of Istanbul Skyline, USKUDAR and other small islands of Princes’ Island. Prior to reaching BUYUKADA, you will arrive at Heybeliada island which is the second largest of nine islands. Here at the top of the central mountain, you will see an eleventh-century Greek Orthodox monastery, it houses the Halki seminary, the only Greek Orthodox seminary in Turkey.

Things to Do in BUYUKADA

We already came to know that Princes’ Island is a car-free zone and as a means of transportation, you have the option of hiring Horse Carriage or Cycle. After getting down from the ferry at the terminal first you may do is to hire a bike or a horse carriage. Depending on your interest, you may decide your itinerary for the day. Here, we would recommend a list of places and things to do and hope this would be enough for a day.

Bike Tour or Horse Carriage Ride

The best thing to do in Buyukada Island is to hire a bike and travel around the island see enjoy spectacular view of the island. If you want to avoid biking as it might have been tiring, you may also hire a horse carriage for island tour.

Hagios Giorgios Monastry

If you love history you must visit Hagios Giorgios Monastry. The monastry is located on the highest point of the island and it was built in 1751.

Adalar Museum

Adalar Museum is another spectacular destination for the travelers. This is considered the first contemporary city museum in Istanbul. One can have a comprehensive idea of history of Istanbul from thousands of photographs, historical items, and evidences.

Beaches of Buyukada Island

Few other mesmerizing destinations are profound beaches of the island if you are traveling there in Summer. Few of the fantastic beaches are Aya Nicola Beach, Blue Beach, Nizam Beach, Halik Koyu Aile Beach etc.

Adalar Market

The market at Adalar was an amazing place for us. We loved walking through the streets in the market. The aroma of Turkish traditional food, the sound of trinkets and bells of the bikes, and the mesmerizing view of the various stalls and restaurants will surely blow your mind away.

Turkish Food

Buyukada Island is famous for Turkish traditional food. Naming a few of the restaurants and cafes will be unjust to others. Restaurants inside the market or along the beaches will surely offer you fresh and amazing Turkish cuisine.

Return Journey to Kabatas/ Eminonu

If you have traveled to Prince’s Island for a day then you should end your traveling by 3/4 PM as return ferry leaves Buyukada by 4/5 PM depending on the season. Well, while returning you may get down at Eminonu if your hotel is in Sultanahmet.

Tips for Photography

• Buyukada Island is a heaven for landscape lovers. However, timing is important for photography here as it is everywhere.
• Once you will land in Buyukada Island, by then it will be almost a sunny day. Try to utilize the time maximum before the light becomes too harsh.
• For taking a photo of people traveling in a horse carriage or the horse cartel keep your wide-angle lens ready.
• Adalar Market is a heaven for lifestyle, street, and travel photography.
• Beaches are a wonderful place for landscape and travel photography. Utilize the afternoon hour for better photos.
• If you wanna fly a drone, this entire island is a fantastic place for capturing amazing photos.
• Once you will reach Eminonu or Kabatas, you will get amazing light to capture moments in the street.
• Sunset over the Marmara sea en route is amazing. Do not miss that.

In the end, I would strongly recommend planning a day tour at least to anyone traveling to Istanbul. This place is a fantastic day out destination for travelers of all ages, all tastes.

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