19 km
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391 km
466 km
480 kmThings to do
2 days in Princes' Islands
Day 1
- MorningTake the ferry from Kabataş or Kadıköy to Büyükada, the largest island.
- AfternoonRent a bike or e-bike and ride around the island past the wooden mansions.
- EveningHave dinner on the harbour before the last ferry back.
Day 2
Visit the quieter island of Heybeliada.
What to eat
Fresh fish and meze with a glass of rakı.
Local tips
Make the most of Princes' Islands
Beat the crowds
Summer weekends are very busy with Istanbul locals. Weekdays are calmer.
Best photo spot
The wooden Ottoman mansions on Büyükada, and the view from the hilltop monastery of Aya Yorgi.
Getting there
Public ferries from Kabataş and Kadıköy take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Don't miss nearby
Istanbul.
Good to know
The islands are car-free; rent a bike or take the electric minibuses. Smaller islands like Heybeliada are quieter.
Plan your visit
Getting to Princes' Islands
Getting there
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW)16 km away
- Istanbul Airport (IST)55 km away
- Istanbul19 km away
Reachable by car or public transport; a car gives you more freedom to explore the area. Distances are in a straight line.
Weather this week
Best time to visit: Apr–Oct
At a glance
Questions
Princes' Islands: good to know
Is Princes' Islands worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you like nature and the coast. Car-free islands with wooden mansions in the Sea of Marmara.
How many days do you need in Princes' Islands?
Plan 1 night. Our free 2-day plan above shows how to spend your time.
When is the best time to visit Princes' Islands?
The best time to visit is Apr to Oct. Summer weekends are very busy with Istanbul locals. Weekdays are calmer.
How do you get to Princes' Islands?
The nearest airport is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), about 16 km away. Public ferries from Kabataş and Kadıköy take about 1 to 1.5 hours.
What is there to see near Princes' Islands?
Nearby hidden places include Istanbul (19 km), Sozopol (209 km) and Nesebar (230 km).