Perhaps the least visited of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul is Burgazada. For this reason, it’s also my favorite.
The Princes’ Islands in Istanbul are a popular day trip to escape from the city. Each island has something different to offer.
The Church of St. George (Aya Yorgi in Turkish) is a peaceful place at the top of the highest hill on the island of Büyükada, in the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul. It’s not typically a priority for tourists, but it’s a unique place to visit.
Büyükada, which literally translates to “Big Island”, is the biggest of Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands. It’s the most frequently visited of the islands and probably has the most attractions.
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.
Heybeliada is the second biggest of the Princes’ Islands in Istanbul. It makes for a nice, relaxing day trip from the bustling and chaotic mainland.
Kınalıada is the smallest of the four biggest Princes’ Islands in Istanbul. It also happens to be the first stop on the ferries, and one of the quieter and less visited islands.