Istanbul to Buyukada by Ferry: Visit the Princes’ Islands
Istanbul has more people than any other city in Europe, so after a few days I find myself looking for a break in a slower, quieter place like the Princes’ Islands.
There are nine Princes’ Islands in Turkey, but only four are accessible by ferry from Istanbul.
In this post, we’ll go over how easy (and cheap!) it is to take a day trip by ferry from Istanbul to Buyukada, the largest of the islands.
Key Info
- The roundtrip ride on the ferry is $6.
- The ride will take 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
- The ferries depart several times a day.
- You can sit inside or outside.
The Best Tours to Buyukada
I’ll go over how to take the ferry to the Princes’ Islands next. If you’re looking for a more guided experience where someone else handles the logistics, I recommend this option from Istanbul:
How to Take the Ferries in Istanbul
- Ferries to the Princes’ Islands depart from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, and Bostanci.
- Options include public ferries and private fast ferries (IDO & Mavi Marmara).
- The journey takes up to 2 hours, depending on the island and ferry type.
Here’s the entry at Kabatas. It’s clearly marked. Inside, there’s no need to buy a ticket. Simply tap your credit card to the reader and enter the waiting area for your ferry.
They’ll open the gates to the crowd, and you’ll head to the boat about 10 minutes before departure.
You can sit outside on one of the decks, or inside.
1. Buyukada (Big Island) – The Most Popular & Largest
- Known for its Victorian-era mansions, pine forests, and scenic coastline.
- Features the Aya Yorgi Church, a historic Greek Orthodox monastery with stunning views.
- Offers horse-drawn carriages (now replaced by electric vehicles) and bike rentals for exploring.
- Popular with both tourists and locals for beaches, seafood restaurants, and day trips.
2. Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island) – Green & Less Crowded
- Famous for its lush greenery and relaxed atmosphere.
- Home to the Heybeliada Naval High School, once an important naval academy.
- Less touristy than Buyukada.
3. Burgazada (Fortress Island) – Laid-back & Artsy
- Known for its charming Greek heritage and artistic community.
- Features quiet beaches, small cafes, and a relaxed village-like feel.
4. Kinaliada (Henna Island) – Closest to Istanbul & Least Touristy
- The smallest and least forested of the ferry-accessible islands.
- Historically a place of exile for Byzantine emperors.
Where to Stay on Buyukada
For me, the Princes’ Islands have the same vibe as Provincetown or Martha’s Vineyard. I could definitely spend a couple of days on Buyukada relaxing!
If you’re interested in hotel and overnight options, you can plug your dates into this interactive map to check rates:
I have more information about hotels in Istanbul and cave hotels in Cappadocia, too.
Things to Do on Buyukada
The ferry terminal is right in the center part of town, so you’ll immediately be in a bustling area, lined with restaurants and shops.
- Exploring the historic wooden mansions and charming streets
- Visiting the Aya Yorgi Church (St. George Monastery) on the island’s highest hill
- Biking around the island (bike rentals are available)
- Relaxing at Yorukali Beach or other swimming spots
Bike Around Buyukada
You’ll find several bike rental shops in town. We paid about 500 TRY to rent 2 bikes for a couple of hours. That’s is just over $13 for the bike rentals for the afternoon.
They have regular street bicycles and also e-bikes. If you’re not into hills, grab an e-bike! It’s a pretty strenuous loop, with a lot of hills to conquer.
The loop around the island you’ll follow is about 16km, or about 10 miles.
There are (almost) no vehicles on Buyukada, so the paved paths are just for bicyclists and walkers.
The few vehicles you’ll come across are golf carts or electric-powered buses.
Marvel at the Mansions
Buyukada and the other Princes’ Islands were once holiday homes for the wealthy (and they still are, to a certain degree). So the tree-lined streets are home to towering mansions.
Most are stunning and massive, while a few are abandoned and in disrepair. Some are still private residences, while others are now hotels and restaurants.
If you need some direction, stroll over to Cankaya Street, which is lined with Ottoman-era houses.
Cafes
As you bike and walk around, you’ll come across cliffside cafes around the island. The views are gorgeous!
FAQs About A Trip from Istanbul to the Princes’ Islands
What’s the best time to visit the Princes’ Islands?
They’re most beautiful in the summer, when the trees and shrubs are in full bloom. It gets quite busy though, so don’t arrive at the ferry dock too late!
The islands, like the rest of Turkey, see all the seasons. It can be cold in winter, but it’s still worth the ferry ride on a sunny day!
Chances are, you’ll find a 50-degree, sunny day perfect for bike riding on Buyukada.
Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are ideal, with mild weather and fewer crowds.
How much time should you spend on Buyukada?
You could have a really enjoyable afternoon there and leave completely content. On our last visit, we arrived at 12:30pm, spent a couple of hours biking and hiking down the beach, had a beer at a restaurant, and were on the 4:30pm ferry back to Istanbul.
On the other hand, you could relax more and spend a couple of days here away from the city.
Are there fast ferries to Buyukada?
Yes, some private companies offer faster ferry services, taking around 50 minutes from Istanbul. These typically depart from Kabatas and Bostanci.
Are cars allowed on Buyukada?
No, motor vehicles are banned on the island except for emergency and municipal services. Visitors usually get around by walking, renting bikes, or using electric minibuses.
More Turkey Info
If you’re heading to Turkey, check out our other blog posts on:
