Escape to the Princes' Islands (Adalar): The Car-Free Paradise

The Magic of the Adalar

If the chaotic traffic and endless noise of Istanbul become too much, the ultimate escape is just a 90-minute ferry ride away. The Princes' Islands (Adalar) are an archipelago in the Marmara Sea. The most unique and magical aspect of these islands? Motorized vehicles are completely banned.

How to Get to the Princes' Islands

Public ferries and faster sea buses leave for the islands from Kabataş and Beşiktaş on the European side and from Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side — tap on with an Istanbulkart and take the ride slowly; the approach past the islands is half the pleasure. Coming straight from the airports, the smart move is a fixed-price transfer to the correct pier: from Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) to the Bostancı ferry it is only 25 km and 30 to 45 minutes (from €40), while from Istanbul Airport (IST) plan 50 to 70 minutes to the European piers (from €55).

Büyükada: The Grand Island

Büyükada is the largest and most popular island. The streets are lined with incredibly beautiful, ornate 19th-century wooden Ottoman mansions (köşk). Because cars are banned, the only sounds you hear are bicycle bells, the clip-clop of horses (though horse carriages have recently been replaced by silent electric buggies for animal welfare), and the sea breeze.

What to Do on the Islands

• Rent a Bicycle: The absolute best way to explore Büyükada or the quieter Heybeliada is by renting a bike near the ferry terminal and cycling the coastal loop.
• Hike to Aya Yorgi: Climb the steep hill to the Aya Yorgi Church on Büyükada. The panoramic view of the sea and the distant Istanbul skyline is breathtaking.
• Eat Seafood: The waterfront is lined with excellent seafood restaurants (Meyhanes). Sit by the water, order meze, and drink Rakı.

When to Go — and When Not To

On summer weekends the ferries and the waterfront of Büyükada are genuinely packed; go midweek if you can, or in May, June, September or October when the light is soft and the crowds thin. Winter visits have their own melancholic charm — misty piers, empty mansions, and seafood restaurants to yourself — just check the ferry timetable, which runs less frequently off-season.

Getting to the Ferry in VIP Comfort

To get to the islands, you need to catch a ferry from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Kadıköy or Bostancı. The ferry terminals are heavily congested, and getting there with a family during morning rush hour via taxi or tram is highly stressful.

Start your relaxing island day the right way. Have our VIP chauffeur pick your family up from your hotel and drop you exactly at the ferry terminal gates in cool, air-conditioned luxury.