Full-Day Princes' Islands Tour from Istanbul: Ferry, Forests & Ottoman Mansions

THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel

Read the full experience

You step onto the ferry as Istanbul recedes — the Bosphorus opens into the Marmara, gulls challenge the wake, and the city’s silhouette pulls back like a curtain. Within an hour the crowd thins and the islands appear: pine-wooded slopes, faded wooden mansions, and car-free lanes where electric vehicles hum and horses used to tread.

Trip highlights

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

6–7 hours.

Fitness level

Suitable for most travellers; requires 1–3 miles of walking on uneven paths and short stair/grade sections

Frequently asked questions

How long is the ferry crossing from Istanbul to Büyükada?

Expect about 45–70 minutes depending on departure point and vessel; this tour departs from Unkapanı and schedules for a roughly one-hour crossing.

Are the islands car-free?

Private cars are restricted; transport on the islands is by foot, bicycle, electric car taxi, or local service vehicles.

Is lunch included and what is served?

Lunch is included and served on the boat, typically seafood-focused with seasonal mezze and salads; vegetarian options can usually be accommodated if requested in advance.

Is the tour suitable for children and strollers?

Yes; the tour notes stroller accessibility for infants, but expect uneven sidewalks and some short stair sections at attractions.

Local insights

Wildlife

Mediterranean gulls and common terns along shorelines
Resilient urban foxes and varied passerine birds in island pines

History

The islands were favored summer residences for Byzantine and Ottoman elites and later became mixed Greek-Turkish communities; many wooden mansions date to the 19th century.

Conservation

Adalar’s car restrictions help limit pollution; visitors should stick to marked paths, avoid littering beaches, and support local businesses that follow sustainable practices.

About Enjoy Turkiye Travel

Enjoy Turkiye Travel operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.

Base locationIstanbul, Istanbul

Tours offered4+

Specialtyboat-charters

StewardshipLeave No Trace

Adventure tips

Arrive Early for BoardingFerry boarding can be orderly but tight—arrive at the Unkapanı meeting point 15 minutes early to secure seats and avoid standing on deck.

Layer for the CrossingSea breezes on the Marmara can be cool even in summer—bring a light windbreaker or fleece for the ferry ride.

Comfortable FootwearPaved roads give way to cobblestones and packed dirt; wear supportive shoes for short climbs and uneven surfaces on Büyükada and Heybeliada.

Cash for Small PurchasesSome cafes and craft shops on the islands prefer cash or small bills—carry local currency for souvenirs and seaside snacks.

Recommended gear

Comfortable walking shoes: Support on cobbles and short uphill sections makes walking more enjoyable.
Light windbreaker: Cuts the wind on the ferry and shaded trails in spring and cooler evenings.
Swimwear & quick-dry towel: Bring if you plan to swim from a jetty or pebble beach after lunch.
Sunscreen and hat: Open decks and exposed shores mean sun protection is essential in warm months.