The Princes' Islands in Istanbul: The Complete Traveler's Guide

A visit to the enchanting Istanbul is not complete without embarking on a sea journey to the Princes' Islands, those jewels scattered in the waters of the Sea of Marmara. Here, where time stands still, and the noise of the city is replaced by the whispers of the waves and the fragrance of pine trees. Imagine yourself moving between golden beaches embraced by the blue of the waters, and exploring paths fragrant with the timeless beauty of nature. The Princes' Islands are not just a tourist destination, but a sanctuary for the soul, and an eternal love story between the sea and beauty. So, are you ready to embark on this unforgettable journey?

What is the Story of the Princess Islands?

Princess Island is one of the best and most famous tourist destinations in Turkey, in particular Istanbul. The story of the Princes' Islands in Istanbul dates back to deep roots in Byzantine history, where these islands constituted a special space and sentenced to silence. These islands were not just an isolated piece of land, but were the scene of painful stories, where exiled princes and emperors spent their last days away from the hustle and bustle of Constantinople and its court. Imagine the scene: princes, perhaps one day on the verge of the throne, now living in complete isolation, surrounded by the beauty of nature that increases the bitterness of their loss of power. In 1453, with the fall of Constantinople at the hands of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, the fate of these islands changed drastically.

The Princes' Islands were no longer a place of exile and torment, but became part of the thriving Ottoman world, and began to welcome new residents, and their architectural and cultural features changed to suit the new era. This dramatic transformation embodies the story of Istanbul itself: a city that embraces different cultures and civilizations, and continues to evolve and renew itself through the ages.

Princess Islands Names

The Princes' Islands consist of nine main islands located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul. The following table shows the names of these islands in both English and Turkish, as well as the area of each island and the meaning of its name in English, providing a comprehensive overview of this unique group of islands.

Princess Islands in Winter

Has it ever occurred to you to explore the Princes' Islands in their winter attire? To breathe in the scent of the sea mixed with the aroma of rain, while dewdrops dance on your cheeks? It is not just a trip, but a dive into a magical world, where the gray colors of nature harmonize with the warmth of ancient history. Imagine yourself strolling quietly through the alleys of the islands, away from the hustle and bustle of summer and the crowds of tourists, and enjoying a unique view that few see.

Imagine yourself standing in front of those ancient wooden palaces, which tell the tales of princes and nobles, while raindrops dance on their red roofs, and the dim lights of the lamps are reflected on their glass windows. Those buildings are not just architectural masterpieces, but witnesses to different historical eras, carrying within them endless secrets and memories.

Don't forget the pleasure of strolling through the quiet streets of the islands, where fallen leaves dance beneath your feet, and the scent of burning wood from the fireplaces fills the air. Here, you can live moments of tranquility and contemplation, and enjoy the beauty of the stunning nature in its most beautiful form. You may come across cats wrapped in fur, looking for warmth in the corners of small cafes, or see an old fisherman returning home after a long day at sea.

A trip to the Princes' Islands in winter is not just a tourist trip, but a spiritual experience, touching your heart and leaving an indelible mark on your memory. It is a perfect artistic painting, drawn by the hand of nature and the colors of history, and will remain engraved in the pages of your life forever.

Related: Explore Istanbul With These City Tours.

The Importance of Princess Islands in Turkey

The importance of the Princes' Islands in Turkey lies in their being more than just a tourist destination; they are a window overlooking the country's rich history and diverse cultural heritage. These islands, which are known as the "Princes' Islands" in the hearts of the Turks, are a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, where the magic of nature meets the fragrance of history. Their importance is manifested in the diversity of their tourist attractions, which combine the beauty of stunning nature, the tranquility of sandy beaches, and the splendor of historical buildings that tell stories from the past.

What distinguishes the Princes' Islands is this wonderful balance between tranquility and beauty. Here, you can enjoy the cool breezes as you stroll among the towering trees and fragrant flowers, and explore the narrow cobblestone streets lined with elegant wooden houses.

The islands are adorned with a number of historical landmarks that are worth visiting, such as the ancient Hamidieh Mosque, which was ordered to be built by Sultan Abdul Hamid II, and is distinguished by its authentic Ottoman architectural design. There is also a small church dedicated to Mary the Virgin, located in the courtyard of the Naval Academy, which is a wonderful example of the religious tolerance that characterized the history of Turkey.

The Princes' Islands have not forgotten to commemorate the memory of important figures in the history of Turkey. You can visit the house of Inonu, the second president of the Republic of Turkey, which has been transformed into a museum displaying personal belongings and historical documents. There is also the house of the famous Turkish writer Said Faik Abasıyanık, which his mother turned into a museum after his death in 1959, to preserve his literary legacy and share his creations with visitors. These museums are not just places to display artifacts, but are windows overlooking the lives and experiences of these prominent figures, and inspire visitors to appreciate Turkey's history and culture.

Restaurants at the Princess Islands

Given the popularity of the Princes' Islands as a major tourist destination in Istanbul, it prides itself on offering a wide range of dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether you're looking for a quick and delicious meal, or a luxurious and romantic dinner, you'll find what you're looking for on these charming islands.

• Milto Restaurant: A must-visit destination for lovers of fresh seafood! Located on the beach, this charming restaurant offers a variety of grilled and fried fish, as well as delicious Turkish appetizers and refreshing drinks. Enjoy the stunning sea view while you eat.
• Luna Park Restaurant: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of luxury and romance at Luna Park Restaurant. This restaurant features a spacious garden and a stunning sea view, and offers a varied menu of international and local dishes. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the delicious Turkish sweets.
• Koçum Restaurant: Enjoy an authentic Turkish dining experience at Koçum Restaurant. This restaurant offers a variety of grilled meats and traditional Turkish appetizers. Don't forget to order famous Turkish desserts, such as Zeynep Kemal Pasha.
• Milano Restaurant: Milano Restaurant combines elegance and sophistication, and offers a varied menu of international and local dishes. Whether you want to eat a classic Italian meal or a traditional Turkish dish, you will find what you are looking for here. Don't forget to end your meal with a delicious Turkish dessert.
  

Top 7 Activities To Do on The Princes' Islands in Turkiye

1. Enjoy the Beaches & Water Sports: Visit the public beaches and participate in water sports (some beaches have water sports clubs).
2. Visit the Sait Faik Museum: Explore the house of the famous Turkish writer Sait Faik, now a museum with personal belongings and original manuscripts.
3. Explore the Hagia Yorgi Church: Visit this 16th-century church known for its unique architectural design.
4. Visit the Hamidiye Mosque: Visit this beautiful mosque built by Sultan Abdulhamid II and enjoy the views of green spaces and the Sea of Marmara.
5. Discover the Hristos Monastery: Visit this historical monastery built by the Byzantine Emperor Romanos IV on Kınalıada Island.
6. Dine at Various Restaurants & Cafes: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes offering local, Eastern, Mediterranean, and East Asian cuisine.
7. Take Photos & Ride a Horse-Drawn Carriage: Capture memorable photos amidst the green fields and enjoy a tour of the island in a horse-drawn carriage (the only mode of transportation).

Princess Islands Trip in Detail

If you dream of escaping the hustle and bustle of Istanbul and discovering the magic of the Princes' Islands, many tourism companies offer you the opportunity to make this dream come true, whether you are planning a weekend getaway or looking for a unique experience on any day of the week. Safarak Tourism Company stands out as one of the leading companies specializing in organizing unforgettable trips to this enchanting paradise.

With Safarak Tourism Company, you will not be just a tourist, but an explorer accompanied by a team of experts who will take you on a special journey to discover the most beautiful landmarks of the famous Princes' Islands. Get ready to be amazed by the beauty of the stunning nature, the splendor of the historical buildings, and the magic of the quiet sandy beaches.

Your trip begins with a crossing of the Sea of Marmara from the port of Istanbul, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the sea and pass through the famous Bosphorus Strait, which separates the continents of Asia and Europe. This sea voyage is the beginning of an unforgettable adventure.

Upon arrival at the Big Island, you will embark on a wonderful tour on a traditional Hantoor carriage (horse-drawn carriage), which is the only means of transportation on the island. This 45-minute tour will take you through the island's narrow cobblestone streets, passing by elegant wooden palaces and lush gardens.

The trip is not complete without enjoying a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the sea, where you can enjoy the most delicious fresh seafood and refreshing drinks, while contemplating the stunning view of the sea.

Do not miss this opportunity! Book your trip now to the Princes' Islands with Safarak Tourism Company and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Princess Islands Trip Schedule

If you are planning to visit the enchanting Princes' Islands, you will find many organized schedules offered by various tourism companies.These schedules vary depending on the organizing company and the type of trip (such as day trips or trips that include accommodation), so it is important to check the specific details before booking.

However, in general, most trips to the Princes' Islands start around 9:30 AM and end around 6:00 PM, allowing you to spend a full day exploring these beautiful islands. It is advisable to check the ferry schedule as well, as it may affect your travel plans.

Where Are The Princes' Islands Located?

The Princes' Islands consist of 9 islands located in the Sea of Marmara and on the Asian side of Istanbul. These islands vary in size, with some being large and others very small. Overall, they are small islands with a total area of 15.85 square kilometers.

The largest of these islands is Büyükada, where the commercial center represents only a small part. Most of the island is divided between natural forests and the residences of the wealthy.

How Far are the Princes' Islands from Istanbul?

The sea journey from one of Istanbul's ports to the Princes' Islands lasts about an hour and a half, during which you can enjoy the charm and beauty of the strait.

You'll feel the sea spray around you in a lively atmosphere and enjoy the seagulls that accompany you on your sea journey, adding beauty and splendor to the road.

Also, the majestic views of the historical castles and palaces on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait give you a special impression of the value and reality of this trip.

How to Go to the Princes' Islands

For tourists wanting to know how to visit the Princes' Islands, you can go to the Eminönü area, where many of Istanbul's small ports are located, such as Kabataş and Eminönü piers.

You can also travel between the larger islands by using one of the large sea buses.

How to Go from Bursa to the Princes' Islands

There is no doubt that many tourists who visit the city of Bursa include a visit to the Princes' Islands in their plans. The short distance between the two points, on one hand, and the beauty of the Princes' Islands, on the other,

make this visit imperative for tourists. Furthermore, the sea route between Bursa and Istanbul does not exceed two hours and is full of joy and enjoyment.

FAQ about Princess Islands

Edited by Safaraq Tourism

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