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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.
Introduction to Kınalıada
If you want to avoid crowds and are happy just to sit near the sea or take a leisurely walk, Kınalıada is a good island to visit.
Kınalıada translates to “Henna Island” due to its reddish color. It’s dominated by three hills – Çınar Tepesi (Plane Tree Hill) at 115 meters (377 feet), Teşrifiye Tepesi (Visiting Hill) at 110 meters (360 ft), and Manastır Tepesi (Monastery Hill) at 93 meters (305 feet).
During the Byzantine period, the island was used as a place of exile. It was then home to a Greek community. The Greek name for the island is Proti (Πρώτη), which translates to “first”, in reference to it being the closest island to the mainland. In antiquity, it was called Akonitis (Ακονίτις) due to its rocky terrain.
By the middle of the 17th century, there was a small settlement of about 100 houses with vineyards and olive groves. The island was almost completely deserted by the middle of the 18th century and repopulated by Armenian Protestants between 1828 and 1830. A small number of Greeks followed.
After ferry service connected it to the mainland in 1846, unlike the three larger Princes’ Islands, Kınalıada took several years develop as a summer retreat. It wasn’t connected to the power grid until 1947. The Greek population drastically reduced after forced expulsions in 1964, and the Armenian population has also dwindled.
Getting to Kınalıada
There’s ferry service from Kabataş and less frequent service from Beşiktaş with the Istanbul City Ferry lines (İstanbul Şehir Hatları). Be prepared for a long journey. It takes about an hour from Kabataş. If you’re on the Asian side, you can catch the Kabataş ferry from Kadıköy, and there are a few ferries from Bostancı that are a bit shorter.
All ferry terminals for departure are current as of August 2025. You can use your Istanbulkart to board. The ferry terminal in Kınalıada is located in the center of town.
Getting Around Kınalıada
The small town is easily walkable. Getting around the rest of the island is also easy. You don’t really need a bike. If you’re up for walking, the island is fairly flat unless you plan to climb the hill in the center.
What to See in Kınalıada Town
The town is very quiet and peaceful, especially compared to Büyükada and Heybeliada. It feels almost deserted at times. You’ll even be able to find a nice place to sit and drink çay or have a meal right next to the sea.
Exploring town is much like exploring the other islands, but without the crowds. You’ll be able to see some impressive Ottoman homes and new construction as well.
Kınalıada Port Beach
Upon arrival, you’ll notice right away that there’s a beach next to the ferry terminal. It’s not the cleanest beach for swimming but it’s a relaxing place to catch some rays.
Kınalıada Mosque
There aren’t many more points of interest in town other than a few religious buildings. Kınalıada Mosque (Kınalıada Camii), for example, is a newer construction, built in 1964. Architects Başar Acarlı and Turhan Ayuroğlu designed it in the shape of a yacht.
Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator
The Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator (Surp Krikor Luravoriç Ermeni Kilisesi) is the only Armenian Apostolic church on the island. It’s a short walk uphill from the ferry terminal. Construction began in 1855 and it opened to worship in 1857. In 1988, the church was renovated and the bell tower was rebuilt. The church typically caters to Armenians living on the island during the summer. There’s also a cemetery belonging to the church.
Nativity of the Virgin Greek Orthodox Church
The Nativity of the Virgin Greek Orthodox Church (Ἱερός Ναός Γενεθλίων τῆς Θεοτόκου / Panayia Rum Ortodoks Kilisesi) is nearby. It’s usually closed, but I was able to meet the caretaker who let me inside to take a few pictures. I sat with him a few minutes to chat. He was a funny old Greek man who joked that our connection was not that we were both Greek, but that neither of us had any hair. The church was open by 1881.
Exploring the Rest of the Island
It’s very relaxing to walk along the seaside road that circles nearly the entire island. It’s not very difficult or hilly, except for a section on the northwest side of the island.
There’s a beach on the southwest side of the island. I guess on the day I visited, they were still preparing for summer. Overall, it looked like a fairly clean place to swim.
Climbing up to the top of the island is worth the time. It’s not too steep or too difficult. The views of the city from the top are amazing.
Transfiguration of Christ Monastery
The Transfiguration of Christ Greek Orthodox Monastery (Μονή Μεταμορφώσεως του Χριστού / Hristo Rum Ortodoks Manastırı) is on the top of a hill on the south side of the island. It was originally built between 1070 and 1080 and was used as a place of exile for Byzantine emperors. The first was Romanos IV Diogenes, who had his eyes gouged out and was sent into exile after the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, when the Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine Empire. The monastery was rebuilt in 1722 by a group of wealthy merchants from Chios.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the monastery housed the All-Girls Orphanage of Proti (Ορφανοτροφείο Θηλέων της Πρώτης). The funds for the orphanage were bequeathed by Symeonakis Siniosoglou and it was established in 1906 by Ecumenical Patriarch Joachim III (1834-1912). The monastery is open to visitors on Friday mornings in July and August from 9am to 12:30pm.
