PRINCES' ISLANDS Istanbul

There are a total of nine Princes Islands in Istanbul's Sea of Marmara not far from the city center, known as Adalar in Turkish, as they served as the place of exile for many a disgraced prince in days gone by.

Only four of the nine are inhabited - Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Buyukada. However most are in fact 'summer houses', used seasonally by some of Istanbul's wealthier inhabitants.

As the use of cars, trucks or motorcycles are banned here, the only vehicles to be seen are bicycles or horse and carriages on land, or boats and yachts dotted around the little bays and inlets - the most pleasant ways of touring these tranquil islands.

For a custom trip around the islands with only your own companions, you can also rent a boat for a private Princes Islands Cruise tour, for swimming stops at secluded bays and beautiful coves. This is quite popular among locals at summer weekends when many try to escape the heat of the city for a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the islands followed by a tasty seafood lunch.

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