Islands Travel Guide

IstanbulFor travelers who want to get away from the crowds and noise of Istanbul and have a peaceful getaway, the Islands offer a unique route. Known as the pearl of the Marmara Sea, this region feels like a place where time has stopped with its historical mansions, pine-lined roads and nostalgic atmosphere. Exploring the Islands, where motorized vehicles are prohibited, by cycling or walking is one of the best ways to have pleasant moments in touch with nature. Islands such as Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada, each with their own unique texture, await their guests. If you want to experience the historical heritage of Istanbul in touch with the sea and relax your soul, the Islands may be just the escape you are looking for!

When to Visit the Islands?

Although the Adalar district of Istanbul offers different beauties in every season of the year, the most ideal time to visit is generally spring and summer. With the awakening of nature in April and May, the Adalar is adorned with lush green landscapes and fragrant flowers. In the summer months, it becomes an attractive option with its beaches for those who want to enjoy the sea. The Adalar, which turns into romantic walking routes for travelers looking for peace in the fall, offers a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere in the winter. If you want to escape the crowds of Istanbul and be alone with nature, determining the right time to go to the Adalar depends entirely on your travel style!

How to get to the Islands?

Transportation to the Islands, one of the unique natural and historical treasures of Istanbul, is quite easy with ferry, motorboat and sea taxi services departing from different points of the city. Kadıköy, Bostancı, Beşiktaş, Eminonu and Kabataş, you can reach Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada with trips organized from piers. Journeys made with Şehir Hatları, private motorboats and sea buses vary between approximately 30 minutes and 1,5 hours. For those looking for a faster alternative, sea taxis offer a special and comfortable option. You can embark on this enjoyable journey by choosing the most suitable transportation option to get away from the noise of Istanbul and step into the peaceful atmosphere of the Islands!

What to Eat and Drink on the Islands?

One of the most peaceful escape routes of Istanbul, the Islands attract visitors not only with their natural beauties but also with their delicious stops. The Islands cuisine, which has a wide range from seafood to fresh appetizers and fish, from traditional island breakfasts to desserts such as ice cream and lokma, appeals to every palate. In popular spots like Büyükada and Heybeliada, you can enjoy fish at beachside restaurants, try delicious desserts at historical patisseries, or enjoy the island view with a cup of strong tea in tea gardens. Get ready to embark on a delicious discovery when you come to the Islands!

Islands Nightlife

One of the peaceful escape spots of Istanbul, the Islands offer an atmosphere intertwined with nature during the day and hosts its guests with a calm but enjoyable entertainment concept at night. The seaside cafes, boutique bars and live music venues located in Büyükada, Heybeliada and Burgazada offer ideal options for those who want to spend a romantic and intimate night. Especially in the summer months, acoustic concerts under the stars by the sea and delicious meals accompanied by fasıl add a different touch to the nightlife of the Islands. If you are looking for a night where you will find peace with the sound of the sea and spend time with pleasant conversations rather than crowded and lively entertainment, the Islands are just for you!

What to Buy from the Islands?

There are many options for those who want to buy special souvenirs and local products that will remind them of this unique atmosphere when returning from the Islands. The boutique shops in Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada offer visitors a pleasant shopping opportunity with handmade jewelry, ceramic products and island-themed magnets. Bicycle-shaped accessories, which are one of the symbols of the Islands, ornaments made from seashells and nostalgic postcards are also among the most preferred souvenirs. You can also take local delicacies such as homemade jams, natural soaps and special teas prepared from island herbs to your loved ones. Don't forget to add these special pieces to your shopping list to keep the unique texture of the Islands alive!

Festivals and Fairs on the Islands

The Adalar district of Istanbul, which stands out with its historical and natural beauties, hosts many cultural events, festivals and fairs throughout the year. Offering enjoyable moments to its visitors with art, literature, music and nature-themed events, the Adalar comes alive with colorful festivals, especially in the spring and summer months. Concerts, exhibitions and open-air events held on the streets of the Adalar add a cultural touch to the unique atmosphere of the region. katarHere are some important festivals and fairs held on the Islands:

Thanks to these events, you can have enjoyable moments surrounded by art and culture while exploring the Islands. If you want to make your trip more colorful, you can make your plan by following the dates of these festivals!

Holidays, Festivals and Important Days on the Islands

One of the peaceful corners of Istanbul, the Islands are lively with different holidays, festivals and important days throughout the year. While religious holidays and national days are celebrated with nostalgic and traditional events on the Islands, interest in the region increases during summer holidays and special days. The Islands, which are especially preferred for family visits during Ramadan and Eid al-Adha, are flooded with both local and foreign tourists in the summer months. Here are some important holidays and festivals celebrated on the Islands:

The islands experience a busier atmosphere on these special days and it is important for those who want to visit to plan ahead. If you like crowds, you can consider the holidays and vacation periods, or travel outside of these days for a quieter island experience.

Things to Consider and Important Information on the Islands

One of the peaceful escapes of Istanbul, the Islands offer a pleasant experience to its visitors with its natural beauty and historical texture, while there are some important points to consider. First of all, transportation is provided by bicycle, walking and electric vehicles on the Islands, where the use of motor vehicles is prohibited. In the summer months, long queues may form on ferries and steamboats due to the intense influx of visitors, so it would be advantageous to set off early in the morning. In addition, it is important to take care of environmental cleanliness and not to light fires outside of designated areas against fire risk in order not to harm the natural ecosystem of the Islands. Making restaurant and accommodation reservations in advance will make it much easier to find a place, especially in the summer months. It would be useful to pay attention to this important information in order to have a pleasant and trouble-free holiday on the Islands!

Transportation in the Islands

Transportation on the Islands, one of the quietest and most natural areas of Istanbul, offers a very different and enjoyable experience due to the ban on motor vehicles. Transportation within the islands is generally provided by bicycle, walking and electric vehicles, while sea taxis and private boats can be preferred for crossing between the islands. Transportation to islands such as Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada is possible with ferries, motorboats and sea buses departing from various points in Istanbul. Due to the increasing number of visitors in the summer months, ferry services may fill up early, so it is recommended to buy your tickets in advance. A peaceful journey away from traffic noise awaits you while discovering the unique nature of the Islands!

Islands Travel Guide, is a unique guide for those who want to escape the crowds of Istanbul and have a peaceful journey in touch with nature. With its historical texture, magnificent views, unique flavors and cultural events, the Islands offer unforgettable moments to its visitors in every season. You can make your trip more enjoyable by getting information on many issues such as transportation, accommodation, festivals and shopping. If you are wondering about the most beautiful spots to discover in the Islands, Places to Visit in the Islands You can take a look at our article titled, to discover other touristic spots in Istanbul. Places to Visit in Istanbul You can review our guide. Make your plans now to discover the Islands, one of the most special routes in Istanbul, and don't miss this unique experience!