Istanbul: Princes Islands Tour with Heybeliada and Büyükada

Here is the starting point

Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi

Heybeliada

There are some interesting buildings on Heybeliada; one is the Naval Academy from 1838 and other one is the Halki Greek Orthodox Theological Seminary from 1844. The theological school is a large building up on a hill in the middle of pine trees, but it's closed today. Halki Palace is a well-known hotel built in 1862 for the parents of the Greek high School, it was destroyed by a fire and then restored as a hotel in 1995. A small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands in the courtyard of the Naval Academy. Degirmen is a nice picnic area on the side facing to Kasik island. There are also a public beach set in a nice cove and a water sports club on this side of Heybeli. One can enjoy many restaurants and cafeterias around the pier to try local dishes and fresh fish. The island is also busy during winter months because of many schools and the sanatorium, there are also many trekking and hiking trails over the hills and through the pine groves.

Buyukada

Buyukada is the largest and the most famous of this Islands chain. There are several small hotels where people stay for the weekend. Some of the historical buildings are Aya Yorgi Church and Monastery from 6th century, Ayios Dimitrios Church, Hristos Church and Monastery, and Hamidiye Mosque built by ottoman sultan Abdulhamit II. A long route or a short route can be chosen to visit the island when you rent a horse drawn carriage. Unlike the calm and forested southern part, the northern part of Buyukada is a heavy residential area being close to the pier, therefore most of the private yachts anchor on the southern tip. Dil promontory is a favorite spot for picnickers, and Yoruk Ali beach is open to the public for swimmers. There are many restaurants, cafeterias and shops situated around the pier. There is also a small museum on the island.

Dentur Avrasya Kabataş İskelesi