La spring is the best season to explore the "> Princes' Islands (affectionately called "The Islands" by the Istanbulians) favorite destination for day trips and weekends in the sun for those who want to escape from the chaos of glittering Istanbul.
The main islands, immersed in the Sea of Marmara, are four: Kınalıada, Burgaz, Heybeliada e Büyükada, and they are truly idyllic.
To say the least beautiful, they have been the favorite destination of the rich Greek, Turkish and Armenian since the past. Some of the most beautiful arise here colonial buildings of the world: wooden houses with bright white terraces and patios, surrounded by bougainvillea and mimosas blown by the wind. A walk through its streets and you will fall in love with it!
Time on the islands seems to have stopped: the only means of transport are the feyton, colorful buggies that with about 50TL will drive you everywhere on the island, perhaps in search of its hidden coves. No cars! If you feel adventurous and athletic you can rent a bike and take a nice tour of the island: the climbs are within everyone's reach and the splendid panorama will repay you for the effort!
Arriving from Istanbul is very simple and also cheap: there are public ferries to the pier every hour Stone (Adalar İskelesi) or of Kadikoy if you are on the Asian side, they take just over an hour and cost only 3,75TL each way. There are also private ferries, they take a little less but cost a lot more.
The islands are all beautiful: the first (Kınalıada) a little less, the last (Büyükada) truly spectacular! Arrived at the pier of Büyükada, head towards the center of the island: from here you can take a carriage to visit it all, or divert to the cafes for aperitifs served with fresh fish. I recommend the Feyton Café, a delightful seaside kiosk located at the end of the promenade, quieter and cheaper than the others.
