Perhaps the reason the island of Heybeliada is internationally known is the controversy surrounding Halki Seminary (Θεολογική Σχολή Χάλκης), which sits on a hill just above town. It’s the main school of theology for the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The second biggest of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul is Heybeliada (Saddlebag Island), also known by its Greek name, Halki (Χάλκη). It makes for a nice, relaxing day trip from the bustling and chaotic mainland.
One of my favorite places to visit in Istanbul is the Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi in Turkish). It’s located on Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. It’s a peaceful place at the top of the highest hill on the island. It isn’t usually a priority for tourists, but it’s a unique place to visit.
The biggest of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands is Büyükada, which literally translates to “Big Island”. It’s the most frequently visited of the islands and probably has the most attractions.
The smallest of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul is Kınalıada. It also happens to be the first stop on the ferries, and one of the quieter and less visited islands.
Perhaps the least visited of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul is Burgazada. For this reason, it’s also my favorite.
In my introduction to the Princes’ Islands, I noted there are nine islands altogether, four of which can be visited by public ferry (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, and Kınalıada). What about the other five islands?
Going to the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul feels like a special occasion. They’re technically still within the city limits, but when you step off the ferry you immediately feel like you’re in a different world. With daily ferry service to four of the nine islands to choose from, each island has something different to offer on a memorable day trip.