Istanbul Princes’ Islands Tour

The Princes’ Islands are well known by locals but perhaps less known by visitors.  The Princes’ Islands are actually an archipelago just off the coast of the Asian side of Istanbul.  They consist of 9 islands in total, 4 larger and 5 smaller islands.  They are perhaps most noted for their lack of traffic on the islands themselves.  That is to say that the islands are not spoiled with cars, motorbikes and the like but that the preferred method of transport is by horse or donkey.  The Islands are dotted with quaint villages and there is even an old Greek monastery to visit.

The Islands gained their names after the many sons of Sultans that were exiled here in an attempt to prevent the fratricide that was common during Byzantine and Ottoman times.  Members of the royal family were often sent to the islands, seemingly far (not really) from the hub of the then named Constantinople.

Once on the island you will be able to truly feel how life is like without the pollution and noise of motored vehicles.  The only methods of transport here are horse, donkey or pushbike.  Of course walking is also a great option too and you will be sure to have a wonderful time exploring the quaint streets and shops.

Buyukada or in English Big Island is unsurprisingly the largest of the islands and will be the Island on which you dock and disembark to enjoy some free time.  As you leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind you and approach the Islands you will be amazed at the beautiful coastline seemingly a stones thro w away from Istanbul.  Once on Buyukada the opportunities to explore are endless.

There are carriages available to take you around the Island or for the more athletic you may wish to venture along one of the many hiking paths or hire a bike.  You will see some fine Ottoman architecture and yes some of Istanbul’s most elite now reside on the Island melting the old extravagance with the more modern.