Princesses Island tour, Istanbul

Overview

The Princes’ Islands, or just “Adalar” (Islands) in Turkish, are four main islands located on the Marmara Sea near Istanbul. These are Kinaliada, Burgaz Island, Heybeliada, and Buyukada. These four islands are accessible via ferries from Kabatas, Besiktas and Bostanci.

During the Byzantine era, the islands were used as an exile for nobles. After the Ottomans took over, the islands served as a touristic place for the wealthy Turks and the residents were mainly the Greeks. Over time, the Armenian and Jewish communities also planted their roots here.