Heybeliada (Princes' Islands)
The second-largest of the Princes' Islands, Heybeliada is a car-free escape with pine-scented hills and wooden houses, a short ferry ride from the city.
Heybeliada takes its name from the saddlebag-shaped valley between its two hills. It’s the kind of place where you come to slow down: no traffic, just the sound of cicadas and distant ferry horns. The island still feels lived-in year-round, with a small permanent population that keeps its lanes and waterfront in everyday use.
You can walk the whole island in a few hours. The main drag near the pier has a handful of lokantas and tea gardens, but the real draw is the network of footpaths that weave through pine groves and past old Greek Orthodox buildings. Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar’s former house is here, now a museum, and the hilltop Naval High School looks out over the Marmara Sea.
Weather permitting, bring a towel. There are a couple of small public beaches tucked behind the picnic areas. It’s less manicured than Büyükada and all the better for it.
“For a quieter island day with pine-forest walks, wooden houses, and a local rhythm that hasn't been scrubbed away.”
Grab simit and cheese from the pier bakery before heading up the hill; the shaded picnic spots near the middle of the island have no kiosks nearby.
Princes' Islands Day Trip
Ferry and guided time on Büyükada — horse-carriage or bike options on the island.
Many lanes are steep and cobbled, making wheelchair use difficult; the electric minibus ring road helps but doesn't reach all paths.
Good to know
- Is Heybeliada (Princes' Islands) free to visit?
- Entry varies. Ferry fare only; quieter than Büyükada, good for a half-day
- How long should you spend at Heybeliada (Princes' Islands)?
- ~3h
- When is the best time to visit Heybeliada (Princes' Islands)?
- Morning
- Is Heybeliada (Princes' Islands) wheelchair accessible?
- Many lanes are steep and cobbled, making wheelchair use difficult; the electric minibus ring road helps but doesn't reach all paths.
