Istanbul is a crowded city with a population of approximately 15 million. This crowd increases as domestic and foreign tourists visit the city every season. We can say that this fast city life can sometimes tire people. But in Istanbul, we think there are unique options that visitors usually do not guess to escape from the crowd and find the peace of nature. The islands of Istanbul!
There are nine islands in Istanbul. Büyükada, Heybeliada, Kınalıada, Burgazada, Sedef Island, Yassıada, Sivriada, Kaşık Island, Rabbit Island. But 4 of these islands have an active life, and it is possible to travel and stay. These are Büyükada, Kınalıada, Heybeliada and Burgazada. You can go through the city’s exhausting life and have a great holiday on these islands. You can write your fairy tale on these islands that look like a garden from paradise. We have compiled these four candidates with all their features for you.
Büyükada
Büyükada, also known as the Princes’ Islands, is the largest of the Istanbul islands. We can say that it is one of the must-see locations in Istanbul. One of the essential features of these islands is that they are closed to car traffic. For this reason, the streets of Büyükada are breathing. Büyükada also hosts many historical mansions. It is a fun activity to rent a bicycle and spend a day in the city’s streets. There are many parks where you can rest when you are tired.
Apart from the beauties of the island, many activities can be done. The island has a lovely beach. You can swim as you wish on this beach. You can take a boat tour. There are even businesses where you can sail. Also, one of the most popular locations in Büyükada is Aya Yorgi Hill. Aya Yorgi Church is located on this hill. Climbing the Aya Yorgi Hill and seeing this church will improve your trip. After visiting the church, don’t forget to have your tea and coffee at the businesses on Aya Yorgi hill. We can’t even tell you how beautiful Aya Yorgi Hill is while watching the sunset. Our final recommendation will be for your dinner. You can have your dinner at Eskibag Terrace Restaurant. Afterward, you can end your day with a beer or cocktail at the beautiful bars of Büyükada.
Kınalıada
Kınalıada, also known as the Prince Islands, is the closest of the Istanbul islands to the Istanbul seaside. It is the island with the fewest trees among the Istanbul islands. Kınalıada has historical significance. During the Byzantine period, most exiles were brought to this island. The reason for this is its proximity to Istanbul. The most important of these is Romanian Diogenes. In other words, Kınalıada hosted the Romanian Diogenes for a while. In terms of architecture, it is possible to say that it contains fewer mosques and churches than other islands. Supr Krikor Lusavoric Church and Kınalı Ada Mosque are historical architectures on the island. The peculiarity of the Surp Krikor Lusavorich Church is that it is the only Armenian church on the islands of Istanbul.
There are four beaches in Kınalıada where you can swim. We can say that swimming on these beaches is delightful. Except that, There are no phaetons on Kınalıada. Cycling tours are ubiquitous. You can explore every part of the island by cycling. Walking around the island is one of the visitors’ favorite activities if you don’t enjoy cycling. If you are going to ride a bike or take a walk, we recommend taking a camera with you. The island is home to beautiful images. We can say that it is a paradise for photography lovers. You can go to Kınalıada by ferry from Bostancı, Kabataş or Kadıköy.
Heybeliada
Heybeliada is the second-largest island of the Prince Islands. Heybeliada, which contains every shade of green, is known as the greenest island among the Prince Islands. The old name of Heybeliada is Halki. Halki means copper in Greek. It takes its name from the copper mines it used to contain. The name Heybeli island is also based on a belief. It is thought that the appearance of the island, covered with pine trees, resembles a saddlebag. In addition, the island was once used as a point where the people escaped from the plague epidemic. The seminary once served on the island. This clergy school is one of the historical locations worth seeing on the island.
Apart from that, we recommend visiting the Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery. Heybeliada, like the other islands, is very convenient for cycling and walking. There are beautiful beaches. We can recommend Ada Beach Club and Değirmenburnu Beach to you. After spending a pleasant time on the beach, we recommend you eat fish at the lovely restaurants by the beach.
Burgazada
Burgazada is the third-largest island of the Prince Islands. One of the ancient names of the island is Antigone. During the campaign of Alexander the Great, Commander Antigone conquered this island. For this reason, it is known that his name is Antigone. Sait Faik Abasıyanık, one of the important storytellers of Turkish literature, spent part of his life in Burgazada. For this reason, most of his stories take place in Burgazada. In addition, the house where he lived now serves as a museum. If you go to Burgazada, we recommend seeing this museum. You can even read a story by Sait Faik Abasıyanık in Burgazada.
Besides, we recommend visiting Aya Yani Church and Madam Marta Bay. Like other islands, you can rent a bike and tour the island this way. You can make rakı-fish in Burgazada restaurants. You can also try all the olive oil dishes of Turkish cuisine. Kalpazankaya Restaurant is the most famous restaurant in Burgazada. We recommend that you go. Barba Yani Tavern, which you can see when you first land in Burgazada, is a delightful place to have fun. An authentic Greek tavern. A place where you can have fun with Greek songs, drink raki and get drunk. We recommend that you go.