Listen to a curated audio guide in 25 different languages
Plans can change, no problem. Learn about the refund policy.
4 Hours
Start at Kabatas Pier, show your Princes' Islands ferry ticket, and board without fuss. Grab a window seat and watch the skyline slide by while gulls chase the wake. Load your self-guided audio tours on Wi-Fi before you go, or stream with mobile data once you’re at sea.
Step off into calm. Follow the audio guide to leafy lanes, wooden villas, small viewpoints, and the waterfront. Take it slow, pause for photos, and enjoy the soft hush of the island—so different from the city you just left.
Ride on to Buyukada and wander the promenade, churches, and rows of elegant mansions. Walk as long as you like or rent a bike locally if you want to cover more ground. Your Princes' Islands ferry ticket keeps the day flexible, so follow your mood.
Head back when you’re ready. Use your Princes' Islands ferry ticket to return from either island and cruise to Kabatas or Besiktas. Time it near sunset if you can—the Marmara turns gold and the city lights up as you glide home.
Buyukada is the largest island, and it rewards an unhurried pace. Start along the seaside promenade, then duck into back streets lined with wooden mansions and flowering balconies. If you’re up for a short climb, head toward a hilltop chapel for wide views over the Marmara; bring water and take breaks in the shade. Walking is lovely, but you can also rent a bike locally or hop an electric shuttle to cover more ground. Keep an eye on the last ferry back to Kabatas and make sure your Princes' Islands ferry ticket is handy when you return to the pier.
Heybeliada moves a notch slower. Follow pine trails to simple viewpoints, then circle back along the waterfront for a calm loop that passes wooden villas and small cafés. You can glimpse historic sites from the outside, like the island’s naval school, and spend extra time in quiet coves if you want a longer pause. The audio guide helps you link these stops into an easy route—download it over Wi-Fi before you sail or stream with mobile data on the island—so you can enjoy the day with your Princes' Islands ferry ticket and no fixed schedule.
This is not a guided tour. Explore Buyukada and Heybeliada Islands at your own pace with an audio guide on your smartphone.
Departures are from Kabatas only; arrive 15–20 minutes early with your Princes' Islands ferry ticket ready to scan.
The Princes' Islands ferry ticket is valid for round-trip travel on your selected date and lets you visit both Buyukada and Heybeliada at your own pace.
The audio guides need an active internet connection, or you can download them in advance on Wi-Fi for offline listening; bring earphones and a fully charged phone.
This is a self-guided experience; there is no live guide on the ferry or on the islands.
Ferry schedules can change with weather and sea conditions; check the same-day timetable posted at Kabatas.
Islands are best explored on foot or by renting a bicycle locally; wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and use sun protection in summer.
Accessibility varies on boats and island paths, and some areas have stairs or uneven surfaces.
Keep an eye on the last return sailing and use your Princes' Islands ferry ticket to come back to Kabatas from either island.
Free Cancellation: Free cancellation available. Get a full refund if you cancel within the allowed time.
Visit the istanbul.com Help Centre for any further questions.
Product code: BHIR44
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Ferries to both Buyukada and Heybeliada depart from Kabatas, Bostanci, and Besiktas; however, ferries to Heybeliada also depart from Kadikoy and Kartal. These ferries are operated by Istanbul City Lines, Istanbul Sea Buses, and several private companies.
Yes, both Buyukada and Heybeliada are worth visiting for their beautiful landscapes, relaxing beaches, local shops, historical sites, and charming atmospheres.
Yes, there are several beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing in Buyukada and Heybeliada, including Ada Beach Club and Aquarium Bay on Heybeliada.
In short, the islands are called the Princes' Islands because they were once home to exiled princes who lived there.
Each island has its own unique charm! Büyükada is the largest and most popular, while Heybeliada is lively and car-free. The other islands offer a more tranquil atmosphere.
Take the metro or a bus to Kabatas or Besıktas, and then transfer to a ferry to the Princes' Islands from there.
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