The peculiarities of moving around the huge Istanbul include the ability to travel from one point of the city to another by water transport. So, for example, anyone who wishes can take a ferry from the European part of the city to the Asian part in a few minutes or go on a boat trip along the Bosphorus. Those who wants to take a break from the hustle and bustle of a huge metropolis go to the Princes' Islands, they are located about an hour's drive from Istanbul.
A trip to the Princes' Islands
The small archipelago consists of nine islands of different sizes. We went to the largest of them, it is called Büyükada. Ferries leave to it from several marinas of the city. We sailed from the Kadıköy metro station; the fare was 35 Turkish liras (summer 2022).
The history of the Princes' Islands is quite interesting: in the past they were known as a place of exile for objectionable nobility. At the same time, before being sent to the island, many exiles were blinded. Despite these sad facts, today the islands are a favorite vacation spot for visitors and locals.
Tourists choose different options for recreation on the island of Buyukada: you can walk around it on foot, ride a bicycle or an electric car. The movement of ordinary cars, by the way, is prohibited here. We decided to just walk around the island. The territory is dotted with roads; it is not at all difficult to lay a walking route here.
Many people come here to climb the Aya Yorgi hill and visit the monastery of St. George (Aya Yorgi Kilisesi). The height of the hill is 202 meters, during the summer heat climbing the hill turns into a real torture under the scorching sun. True, those who have reached the top will be rewarded with excellent views of the huge metropolis.
While planning a trip to the island, I found one interesting sight - the House of L. Trotsky. They write on the Internet that only load-bearing walls remained from it, so I did not take the time to inspect this building. A Russian revolutionary who was expelled from the USSR lived here from 1929 to 1933.
On the way back from the monastery to the ferry, we walked along the cozy streets of the island and looked at one of the paid beaches. Swimming in the Sea of Marmara is a dubious pleasure, the water here does not warm up even in summer, but in order to take a break from the bustle of the city and lie down near the water, the island is ideal.
Another option for a trip to the island of Buyukada is to stay in one of the hotels. There are many hotels for every taste and budget.
In the northern part of the island, near the pier, there are many cafes and shops. If desired, tourists can arrange a truly heavenly vacation away from civilization. Finally, I would like to note that the Princes' Islands are far from the most popular tourist destination in the vast Istanbul.
Many people come here after visiting the main sights of the city. If you are planning your first trip to this beautiful city, I can suggest you start getting to know it in my article about the world-famous Hagia Sophia.
Have a nice trip!
