Inside Türkiye’s island destination: Where sustainable travel meets timeless beauty
Crossing the waters from İstanbul, travelers arrive in an archipelago where time seems to slow down. With no modern traffic to navigate, it is an opportunity to travel in a way that mirrors history, values nature, and embraces sustainability.
Escape the city bustle
With its vibrant cultural history and dynamic culinary scene, İstanbul moves at a pace typical of a bustling metropolis. However, under a 2-hour ferry ride from the city’s Kabataş Pier exists a version of İstanbul that takes on a slower, more serene rhythm of life. This is where travelers discover the quiet charm of the Princes’ Islands.
Having evolved from a place of exile during the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire (330-1453 CE) to a popular travel destination for the 19th-century aristocracy, the Princes’ Islands are now travelers’ answer to an archipelagic paradise. Consisting of nine small islands in the Sea of Marmara, only Büyükada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada are open to visitors, welcoming them with an opportunity to get back to basics.
Committed to sustainable tourism, each island is free from fuel-consuming vehicles, enabling travelers to preserve the tranquility of their surroundings. Closed off from the modern world in this way, they can opt for a walking tour of the historic architecture, hug the idyllic coastline on a bicycle, or take e-transport to reach the farthest and most untouched points.
Weave through history
As the biggest and most popular, travelers can get the most out of their trip to Büyükada on an e-bus tour. Seemingly frozen in time, it is an opportunity to delight in historical landmarks at every turn, including the Rum Orphanage. Named Europe’s largest wooden building, its timber frame and decorative paneling offer a glimpse into its past lives as a hotel, casino, orphanage, and WWI barracks.
From here, travelers can roam further south to Birlik Square, where a steep walking trail leads to the impressive Aya Yorgi (Saint George) church. A revered pilgrimage, the route attracts a community of pilgrims every April, who climb the hill in honor of Saint George. Before reaching the summit, they tie ribbons to the surrounding trees to symbolize personal wishes or blessings—making for a profound experience that blends spirituality and the islands’ panoramic beauty.
Ending their e-tour at the pier, travelers can continue their mindful exploration of Büyükada, walking the cobblestone streets that are lined with seafood restaurants, charming cafes, and colorful mansions. Behind one vibrant façade is the Literature Museum. Housing the works of prominent literary names in Türkiye, the museum is a chance for visitors to see the island through their creative lens—not just as a place of recreation, but inspiration too.
From here, travelers can roam further south to Birlik Square, where a steep walking trail leads to the impressive Aya Yorgi (Saint George) church. A revered pilgrimage, the route attracts a community of pilgrims every April, who climb the hill in honor of Saint George. Before reaching the summit, they tie ribbons to the surrounding trees to symbolize personal wishes or blessings—making for a profound experience that blends spirituality and the islands’ panoramic beauty.
Ending their e-tour at the pier, travelers can continue their mindful exploration of Büyükada, walking the cobblestone streets that are lined with seafood restaurants, charming cafes, and colorful mansions. Behind one vibrant façade is the Literature Museum. Housing the works of prominent literary names in Türkiye, the museum is a chance for visitors to see the island through their creative lens—not just as a place of recreation, but inspiration too.
Back at sea level, gardens full of mimosa trees and pink bougainvillea add to Heybeliada’s spectrum of color. Whether admired on foot or by bike, they provide travelers with an ideal setting for unwinding amidst nature.
Cycle to new heights
For those who prefer to adventure on two wheels, Büyükada is home to a scenic outer loop that is primed for cyclists. With the coastline as their guide, they can experience island life in its rawest form. But it is in Heybeliada where travelers can encounter the very best of nature. As the greenest of the Princes’ Islands, every cycling route is a journey deeper into the landscape.
Known for its small hills, Değirmentepe, Ümit, Taşocağı, and Makarios, advanced cyclists can take on the undulating terrain to reach the heights of Heybeliada. Structural wonders, like the Monastery Aya Triada, await them at the top, offering incredible views of lush forestry and open sea. Make it in time for sunset and watch as the natural environment takes on a beautiful golden hue.
Back at sea level, gardens full of mimosa trees and pink bougainvillea add to Heybeliada’s spectrum of color. Whether admired on foot or by bike, they provide travelers with an ideal setting for unwinding amidst nature.
Travelers can also indulge in the islands' street food delicacies, including mussels stuffed with rice and spices—a delicious reminder of the bounty of the sea.
Swim in paradise
For visitors to the Princes’ Islands, there are ample opportunities to make the most of the pristine waters. From the popular Yörükali Beach in Büyükada to the serene Ada Beach in Heybeliada, every stretch of sand offers a welcomed break after a day of exploration.
Alternatively, venture off the beaten path to discover Heybeliada’s hidden coves where you can swim and sunbathe in solitude. Or pitch a tent on the natural beaches of Burgazada where the shoreline meets the forest edge. These lesser-known areas are perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds and immerse themselves in their surroundings.
Travelers can also indulge in the islands' street food delicacies, including mussels stuffed with rice and spices—a delicious reminder of the bounty of the sea.
On the Princes’ Islands, travelers can swap İstanbul’s skyline for a beautiful seascape, cars for a more sustainable mode of travel, and a fixed itinerary for timeless discovery. In the quiet embrace of the archipelago, they are reminded that exploration is not always determined by how far they go, but how deeply they experience each moment.
