A getaway to the Princes' Islands

The Princes' Islands (Adalar in Turkish) are part of the megalopolis of Istanbul and float in the Sea of Marmara. Historically, the islands served as a place of exile, before becoming the ideal holiday destination for wealthy Istanbulites. Why do they have this name?

The islands refer to the many emperors, empresses and other nobility who were exiled there during the Byzantine period. As an anecdote, the Soviet revolutionary Trotsky took refuge on one of these islands for 4 years.

In the 19th century, sumptuous villas were built by Ottoman high society.

This haven of peace and greenery stands in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city. Here, silence reigns. All motor vehicles are banned and the locals mainly use bicycles, buses and electric taxis to get around. The only sounds you'll hear are bicycle bells.

Time passes very slowly, to the rhythm of the boats that drop off travellers and residents. As mentioned in the introduction, not all nine Princes Islands are accessible. Only four islands are worth a visit and are served by ferry. The four largest are Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Büyükada. The ferry journey between Istanbul and these islands takes about an hour.

The archipelago represents a fine cultural and ethnic mix. Burgazada was a Greek fishing village and Heybeliada was home to the Greek bourgeoisie. Büyükada was popular with Juis and Europeans. As for Kinaliada, it was once home to the Armenian bishops. Synagogues, churches and mosques are all to be found here.

A one-day getaway is more than enough to visit these islands, but for more serenity, we recommend you go during the week, as they are overrun by locals at weekends.

The largest and most popular of the Princes' Islands: Büyükada. Not far from the quay, the famous Çankaya street is within easy walking distance. It is lined with Victorian-style wooden villas. The island's star attraction is the Greek Orthodox monastery of Aya Yorgi (St George) at the top of Büyükada hill. From here, you can admire a breathtaking view of the archipelago and even Istanbul. On another hill nestles one of the largest wooden structures, which used to be an abandoned Greek orphanage. The building was in use until the 20th century.

-Tour the island by electric bus

-Hire a bike for a great ride around the island

-Explore the leafy lanes and beautiful Victorian houses

-Visit the monastery of Saint Georges

-Relax on one of the many private beaches

The second largest island in the archipelago, Heybeliada is the most unspoilt thanks to its lush vegetation. Like its neighbour, Büyükada, the island hides a number of historical treasures, including beautiful wooden houses and a Greek Orthodox monastery. The Halki Institute of Orthodox Theology, also known as the Halki Seminary, has been closed since 1971. Backed by an 11th-century Orthodox monastery, this religious establishment is a powerful symbol of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

-Hire a bike for a great ride around the island

-Explore the charming Rue Lozan Zaferi with its elegant houses

-Visit the Greek Orthodox School of Theology

-Take a look at the huge building of the Turkish Naval Academy

Less well known than its big sister Büyükada, the island is just as charming and bucolic. The island was once a holiday resort for the Greek, Armenian and Jewish minorities, who built beautiful summer residences. People come here mainly for its Orthodox church and, above all, for a country walk among pine and fruit trees. The rocky landscapes are reminiscent of the beauty of the Côte d'Azur.

-Visit the Orthodox church built on an ancient Byzantine monastery

-Explore the magnificent coastline on foot or by bike

-Discover the house of the writer Sait Faik, which has been transformed into a museum

The smallest island in the archipelago has been spared mass tourism. It has three hills offering beautiful views: Çinar, Tesrifiye and Manastir. The island has little green space and its soil is mainly rocky and rich in minerals. As a matter of interest, the Byzantine walls of Istanbul were built from Kinaliada stones. The main attraction is the Armenian church of Surp Krikor Lusarovic, dedicated to Saint Gregory. On the hill of Hritos is a former monastery that was converted into an orphanage and then into a military headquarters during the First World War.

-Visit the Armenian church and the Hristos monastery

-Discover the wooden houses of the Sikaryan twins, with 11 rooms designed by the architect Avedisyan Kalfa.

Admire the Kinaliada mosque, with its triangular-shaped plaofond and freestanding minaret

-Relax on one of its beaches