Istanbul is not only famous for its ancient history, cultural heritage, and architecture, but also for its surrounding islands that offer a glimpse of natural beauty, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Here are some of the top islands of Istanbul that are worth a visit.
Princes’ Islands
The Princes’ Islands, also known as the Adalar, are a group of nine small islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from Istanbul. These islands offer a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, with their charming houses, electrical cariers, and narrow streets. The islands are a popular destination for a day trip, and visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and exploring the islands’ attractions, such as the historic mansions and monasteries.
Heybeliada
Heybeliada, also known as Heybeli Island, is one of the nine Prince Islands located in the Marmara Sea near Istanbul, Turkey. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, known for its serene atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and charming architecture.
History
Heybeliada has a rich history dating back to the Byzantine Empire, when it was known as Halki. The island was home to many monasteries and churches, some of which can still be seen today. During the Ottoman Empire, the island was a popular summer retreat for royalty and wealthy families.
Things to do
Heybeliada is a perfect destination for a day trip from Istanbul. Visitors can take a ferry from Istanbul’s Kabatas or Kadikoy port to reach the island. Once on the island, visitors can rent bicycles or take a electrical cariers to explore the island’s attractions.
One of the most popular attractions on Heybeliada is the Hagia Triada Monastery. This Byzantine-era monastery is known for its stunning mosaics and frescoes, and is a must-see for history and art enthusiasts. Visitors can also visit the nearby Greek Orthodox School of Halki, which is now closed but still stands as a testament to the island’s Greek heritage.
Heybeliada is also home to some beautiful beaches, such as Buyukada and Sedef Island. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters and picturesque scenery, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.
Büyükada
Büyükada is the largest of the Princes’ Islands, a group of nine small islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from Istanbul. The island is a popular destination for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the island’s tranquil atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and historic architecture.
History
Büyükada has a rich history that dates back to the Byzantine Empire, when it was known as Prinkipo. The island was a popular summer retreat for the Byzantine emperors and their families. During the Ottoman Empire, the island became a popular destination for wealthy Ottoman families, who built stunning mansions on the island.
Things to Do
Büyükada offers a range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The island’s most popular attraction is its stunning sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque scenery. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and relax on the island’s many beaches, such as the famous Buyukada Beach and Yorukali Beach.
The island is also known for its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and electrical cariers, which offer visitors a glimpse of the island’s historic architecture and charming atmosphere. Visitors can explore the island’s attractions on foot or by hiring a electrical cariers.
Büyükada is also home to several historic sites, such as the Aya Yorgi Church, which is perched on a hill with breathtaking views of the island, and the Prinkipo Greek Orthodox Orphanage, which is now abandoned but still stands as a testament to the island’s rich history.
Visitors can also enjoy hiking on the island’s many trails, which offer stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and the surrounding islands. The island’s highest point, Yücetepe, offers panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara, and the Princes’ Islands.
Burgazada
from Istanbul. The island is known for its tranquil atmosphere, stunning natural beauty, and historic architecture, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
History
Burgazada has a rich history that dates back to the Byzantine Empire when it was known as Antigoni. During the Ottoman Empire, the island became a popular destination for wealthy Ottoman families who built stunning mansions on the island. Today, the island is still home to many of these historic buildings, which add to the island’s charm and character.
Things to Do
Burgazada offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The island is home to several stunning beaches, including the famous Kalpazankaya Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the island’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and the surrounding islands.
The island is also known for its historic buildings, such as the Hamidiye Mosque, which was built in 1893 and is still in use today. Visitors can also visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, which is one of the oldest churches on the island and has a stunning Byzantine-style fresco inside.
Burgazada is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy traditional Turkish food and drinks while taking in the island’s scenic views. Visitors can also rent bicycles or hire a electrical cariers to explore the island’s attractions.
Kınalıada
Kınalıada is one of the nine Princes’ Islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from Istanbul. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, tranquil atmosphere, and historic architecture, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to escape the busy city life of Istanbul.
History
Kınalıada has a rich history that dates back to the Byzantine Empire when it was known as Proti. During the Ottoman Empire, the island became a popular destination for wealthy Ottoman families, who built stunning mansions and summer houses on the island. Today, many of these historic buildings still stand and add to the island’s charm and character.
Things to Do
Kınalıada offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The island is home to several stunning beaches, such as the famous Ayazma Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also explore the island’s many hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and the surrounding islands.
The island is also known for its historic buildings, such as the Hagia Triada Monastery, which was built in the 6th century and has a stunning Byzantine-style fresco inside. Visitors can also visit the Kınalıada Mosque, which was built in 1893 and has a unique architectural style.
Kınalıada is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy traditional Turkish food and drinks while taking in the island’s scenic views. Visitors can also rent bicycles or hire a electrical cariers to explore the island’s attractions.
Conclusion
Kınalıada is a picturesque and tranquil island that offers visitors a chance to escape the busy city life of Istanbul and experience natural beauty, historic architecture, and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, hiking, exploring historic buildings, and enjoying traditional Turkish food and drinks. A day trip to Kınalıada is a perfect way to experience the beauty and history of the Princes’ Islands.
Sedef Adası
Sedef Adası, also known as Pearl Island, is one of the nine Princes’ Islands located in the Sea of Marmara, just a short ferry ride from Istanbul. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to escape the busy city life of Istanbul.
History
Sedef Adası has a rich history that dates back to the Byzantine Empire when it was known as Antirovithos. During the Ottoman Empire, the island became a popular destination for wealthy Ottoman families, who built stunning mansions and summer houses on the island. Today, many of these historic buildings still stand and add to the island’s charm and character.
Things to Do
Sedef Adası offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The island is home to several stunning beaches, such as the famous Sedef Beach, which is a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as windsurfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.
The island is also known for its natural beauty, with many hiking trails that offer stunning views of the Sea of Marmara and the surrounding islands. Visitors can also visit the Sedef Island Marina, which is home to many luxury yachts and boats.
Sedef Adası is also home to several cafes and restaurants, where visitors can enjoy traditional Turkish food and drinks while taking in the island’s scenic views. Visitors can also shop at the island’s many boutique stores, which offer a range of handcrafted items and souvenirs.
The lost island of Istanbul Vordonisi
Vordonisi is the 10th island of Istanbul after Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada, Sedefada, Sivriada, Yassıada, Kaşık Island and Tavşan Island. The reason for the sinking of Vordonisi island is known as the great Istanbul earthquake that happened about 1000 years ago. The historical Vordonisi Island, which is located between Dragos and Küçükyalı in Istanbul, about 1 kilometre off the Maltepe coast and contains many archaeological artefacts, is also known as Manastır Rocks, Bostancı Collapsed Island and Höreke. It is known that Vordonisi, consisting of two islets, was used as a monastery during the Byzantine period.
The island, which was re-discovered as a result of the re-examination of the Greek Patriarchate of Fener’s map of Istanbul dated 500 AD, was home to exiles and clergy during the Byzantine period before it was flooded after the great Istanbul earthquake 1000 years ago, and its most important structure was the monastery on it.