Istanbul is one of the most popular tourist destinations.
Yet, few know about the Prince’s Islands, which is about 2 hours drive from this beautiful city and fills you with unforgettable impressions.
After you look at the Bosphorus Strait from the Galata Bridge, surrounded by sunlight, filled with fishermen, take the famous ride on a tram on Taxim, meet quite fluffy cats in every corner, take quick steps from Eminonu to the historical center and see amazing buildings (Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Palace), get lost in the “alley” of colorful headscarves, fragrant spices and jewelry in the big market located in Fatih district, in the evening, make a plan for the next day against the backdrop of delicious Turkish coffee and Lakhat-Lukhum and add an island to the list that we can call the Pearl of the Marble Sea.
The ferry
Sea transport will help you to get to the island.
The ferry runs through the islands from the following ports: Eminonu, Kadikoy and Bostanci. The schedule of the ferries varies according to the season and does not work during storms.
You can buy a ticket through IstanbulKart. You must purchase this card within the first few minutes of arriving in Istanbul. With IstanbulKart you will be able to travel by different transports and enter the museum.
When the ferry crashes into the sea and the wave changes the view of Istanbul on the horizon, seagulls will visit and follow you to the island. They know that passengers will serve them food and will happily fly around the ship.
In complete bliss you will be awakened by the cry of wandering merchants - Simit, Simit (Turkish blisters with sesame seeds). You will not be able to resist the temptation, and you will definitely buy any small item or food that is offered with amazing enthusiasm.
And now, the first island in the sea has already appeared, and the ship is heading to the coast. It is up to you to decide which island to visit and whichever you choose, you will definitely be fascinated.
Islands
Prince Islands is a group of 9 islands. Nevertheless, only 4 of them are open to the public: Kinaliada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Buyukada.
The name of the islands dates back to the era of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Distrusted or unwanted members of the dynasty were settled in this area.
Today it has become the property of wealthy Turkish villas and locals or tourists who want to hide from the heat and noise of the city.
Being on the islands, you will feel that time has stopped and you have moved to another century, since it is forbidden to drive on all islands, and parking is intended only for bicycles and chaise.
Bicycle or horse-drawn chaise perform the function of public transport. This is a real paradise for walk lovers.
In summer, till mid-autumn, the islands have a well-equipped coastline. In exchange for a certain amount, you can use a deck chair, umbrella and swim in the Marble Sea all day.
The islands are calm and quiet. After a few hours, you can stroll along the narrow winding streets, which are magnificently overlooked by beautiful villas, smug flowers, carved balconies decorated with sculptures, bays loaded with yachts. It’s as if the alley of palm trees is calling you, the waves of the sea are silently talking to you, and the horizon is decorated with views of Istanbul.
You will find girls who choose a floral wreath in every corner - I recommend you buy it too.
For reference, a number of popular Turkish TV series and films have been shot on these beautiful islands.
On the islands tourist with all tastes and budgets will choose the hotel room that he needs, and if you visit the island for just one day, in the evening ferry trumpet will remind you that it is time to return to the fast pace of modern Istanbul. `
