Princes Islands Tour from Istanbul — 2026 Guide
TL;DR.Two ways to visit Istanbul's car-free Princes Islands: a shared full-day ferry tour at €45/person (8 hours, lunch + guide included) or a private yacht charter from €280 for up to 8 guests (flexible 6–8 hour day, pick your islands and swim coves). The four inhabited islands — Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada — have no private cars, only bicycles, electric shuttles and walking paths.
Shared ferry tour vs private yacht charter
€45 per person
- 8 hours total · 09:00 departure
- Max 50 guests · solo & couples welcome
- Public ferry → Büyükada → guided walk → lunch
- Lunch + ferry + guide included
From €280 per yacht
- 6–8 hours flexible · pick start time
- 2–150 guests (Essential 8-guest yacht)
- Your route — Büyükada, Heybeliada, swim coves
- Captain + crew included, catering optional
The four inhabited Princes Islands
Nine islands total in the archipelago — four inhabited and reachable by public ferry. Ferries call at all four on a fixed loop from Kabataş and Kadıköy.
Büyükada
Largest · 5.4 km²
The main attraction. Victorian-era wooden mansions, the Aya Yorgi monastery atop the highest hill, pine-shaded streets and the popular Yörükali beach. About 75–90 minutes by public ferry from Kabataş.
Heybeliada
Second-largest · 2.3 km²
Quieter than Büyükada, with the historic Halki Greek Orthodox seminary, a beautiful coastal walking path and Değirmenburnu picnic area. Same ferry stops as Büyükada.
Burgazada
Mid · 1.5 km²
Compact and intimate. Best for a relaxed day with seafood lunch at Kalpazankaya cliffs, easy walking loops and far fewer tourists than the two bigger islands.
Kınalıada
Closest to Istanbul · 1.3 km²
First stop on the ferry route — a 40-minute hop from Kabataş. Sandy beaches, fish restaurants on the pier and small Armenian-heritage churches in the village.
How to get to the Princes Islands from Istanbul
Public Şehir Hatları ferry from Kabataş (European side): the most common route. About 75–90 minutes to Büyükada, stopping at Kınalıada, Burgazada and Heybeliada along the way. Ferries depart every 1–2 hours; first one around 06:50, last return from Büyükada around 21:30. One-way fare ~₺40 with Istanbulkart.
Public ferry from Kadıköy or Bostancı (Asian side): faster — Bostancı to Büyükada takes about 30 minutes. Useful if your hotel is already on the Asian side.
İDO sea bus (deniz otobüsü): faster catamaran service from Kabataş and Bostancı, reaches Büyükada in about 45 minutes. Slightly higher fare (~₺70). Schedule is less frequent than the public ferry.
Private yacht charter from Kuruçeşme Marina or Kabataş: 60–75 minutes to Büyükada depending on yacht. Door-to-door — no ferry queues, no fixed return schedule, and your route is yours to design. MerrySails handles the marina booking and captain.
FAQ — Princes Islands Tour Istanbul
What is the cheapest way to visit the Princes Islands from Istanbul?▼
The public Şehir Hatları ferry from Kabataş costs about ₺40 (€1.20) one-way and reaches Büyükada in 75–90 minutes. The full-day guided MerrySails tour at €45 includes round-trip ferry, a guide, lunch and a structured island walk — useful if you do not want to navigate alone or read Turkish ferry schedules.
Are cars allowed on the Princes Islands?▼
No — private cars are banned across all four inhabited islands. The only motorised transport is municipal electric vehicles. Locals and visitors get around by bicycle, electric shuttle or walking. The car-free atmosphere is one of the islands' main attractions.
How long does a Princes Islands tour from Istanbul take?▼
A full-day guided tour is 8 hours door-to-door (09:00 departure, return ~17:00). A private yacht charter day trip is typically 6–8 hours and is fully flexible — you choose departure time, route across the islands and how long to stay on each.
Princes Islands shared ferry tour vs private yacht — which one is better?▼
Shared ferry tour (€45/person) is best for solo travellers, couples on a budget and visitors who want a guide and lunch handled. Private yacht charter (€280+ for the whole boat, 2-hour minimum, full-day available) is better for groups of 4+, families, or anyone wanting flexibility — pick your islands, your stops, your timing, and bring catering on board.
When is the best time of year to visit the Princes Islands?▼
Late April to early June and mid-September to October are ideal — warm enough for swimming, light enough for hiking, and far less crowded than peak summer. July and August weekends are extremely busy with Istanbul residents escaping the city. Winter visits are atmospheric but most beach restaurants close.
Can I swim at the Princes Islands?▼
Yes — Büyükada has Yörükali Plajı and Nakibey Plajı (entry fee, sun loungers). Heybeliada has Değirmenburnu and Yelken Klübü beaches. Most public beaches are open mid-May through mid-October. Water temperature in July–August is around 22–24°C.
Is there a private yacht charter from Istanbul that visits the Princes Islands?▼
Yes — MerrySails offers private full-day yacht charters from Kuruçeşme Marina or Kabataş. A typical Princes Islands yacht day is 6–8 hours starting from €280 for up to 8 guests (Essential package), with stops at Büyükada, Heybeliada and your choice of swim cove. Larger yachts available for groups up to 150.
Plan your Princes Islands day from Istanbul
Send your dates and group size on WhatsApp — we'll confirm shared-tour availability or quote a private yacht for the same day, usually within minutes. TÜRSAB A Group licensed (#14316) · 50,000+ guests hosted since 2001.