Princess Islands The Princess Islands near Istanbul comprise nine charming small islands, including Buyukada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kinaliada, Sedefadasi, Silivriada, Yassiada, Kasik Island, and Tavsan Island. Each island has its own distinct features, yet all remain fairly small in size and are visible from several vantage points around Istanbul. Exploring the islands offers a perfect retreat from the city's noise and rush, as motor vehicles are prohibited and transportation is limited to bicycles and electric vehicles. These islands feature numerous buildings from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods, and it’s possible to visit multiple islands in a single day. The key islands include Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada, with ferry services departing from Beşiktaş on the European side and Eminönü on the Asian side. Historically, Kınalıada served as a holiday destination for Armenian bishops and the Armenian community in Istanbul, Burgazada was a fishing village inhabited by Greeks, Heybeliada was favored by the Turkish and Greek elite of Constantinople, and Büyükada was popular with Jews and Europeans from Istanbul. Each island hosts active synagogues, churches, or mosques. A ferry ride across the Bosphorus to visit one of the Princess Islands is an excellent way to experience Istanbul’s natural charm. The five closest islands — Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, and Sedefadası — are surrounded by some of the cleanest waters in the Marmara Sea and feature beautiful beaches ideal for swimming and relaxation. If you have any questions or inquiries regarding Princess Islands, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] or simply message us via Whatsapp, and we will get back to you promptly.