The Princes' Islands from Istanbul
≈ 55 €
5,500 ₽
per person
Child
≈ 41 €
- 0+
- easy
- up to 25 people
- Russian, English, Turkish, German, Ukrainian
A ferry takes you out of noisy Istanbul to Büyükada — a car-free island of wooden mansions, pine-covered hills, bicycles and electric carts instead of taxis. A day of sea, quiet and unhurried walks an hour from the metropolis.
Languages: Russian, English, Turkish, German, Ukrainian
The ferry timetable depends on the weather; swimming is seasonal.
How it works
Transfer to the Eminönü pier and the ferry crossing to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands (about 1.5 hours). Cars are banned on the island: we get around on foot, by bicycle or by electric cart (horse-drawn phaetons have been prohibited since 2020), past old wooden mansions and villas. We climb to the monastery of St George on the hill, walk the seafront, and there is free time for a fish lunch by the jetty and a swim. We return by ferry.
What is included
- Transfer
- English-speaking guide
Not included
- Lunch and drinks
- Bicycle or electric cart hire
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes for the climbs
- Swimwear if you plan to swim
- A hat and water
Meeting point and time
The reception of your hotel in Istanbul, morning pickup; ferry boarding at Eminönü
The ferry timetable depends on the weather on the Sea of Marmara.
Questions and answers
How do we get to the island?
By ferry from Eminönü across the Sea of Marmara, about 1.5 hours.
Is it true there are no cars on the island?
Yes, cars are banned; people get around on foot, by bicycle and by electric cart — horse-drawn phaetons have been prohibited since 2020.
Will there be a swim?
Depending on the season; bring swimwear if you plan to.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included; there are plenty of fish restaurants by the jetty.
Reviews
July 2026
A breath of fresh air after noisy Istanbul: a car-free island, wooden mansions, pines. We cycled, climbed up to the monastery and ate fish by the jetty. Quiet and lovely.
Translated from Russian
June 2026
Great atmosphere and a pleasant ferry. But the phaetons are gone (they were banned), so we got around on foot and by electric cart — bear that in mind if you were counting on a carriage. Lunch is not included.
Translated from Russian
Booking
No dates available yet — check back a little later or contact us directly.
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Payment on site in Turkey — in euros, lira, dollars or roubles. No deposit required.