The island’s name means saddle bag in Turkish, deriving it from the two hilltops that embrace the lower harbours, though the Greeks called the island Chalki.

1 – Visit Halki Seminary:
Dating from 1844, it was the main school of theology of the Eastern Orthodox Church’s Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It’s on the top of a hill covered with pines; and the harmony of the dark green and dark blue adds to the beauty of this old seminary. You can visit the monastry except on Sundays. Reservation: 0216 351 85 63 – 0216 351 84 17.

2 – Have a breakfast at Halki Palas:
It’s the oldest and the most glamorous hotel in Princess Islands dating back to 1850s, renovated after a fire in 1991. The hotel rooms have a wonderful view, it’s a good weekend break for Istanbul residents. If you are on a daily visit to the island breakfast at this hotel is highly recommended. You can also enjoy the swimming pool from June to the end of August.
Check their website here.

3 – Eat at a fish restaurant in the marina:
There are many restaurants close to the marina with good service quality and delicous food, especially fish with the combination of beautiful mezes and raki.

4 – Relax at Değirmenburnu:
It’s a picnic area with a broad view of Anatolian coast of Istanbul and other Princess Islands with a walking distance of 5 mins from the marina. A bottle of beer at the sunset would be a highlight for your Heybeliada visit.

1 – Burç Beach:

Originally as a private facility of Boğaziçi University for the graduates, Burch Beach does not strictly require this university’s IDs. If you’re not permitted ask for Dalia Beach which is also in Kilyos. The sea is usually rough, and this offers a great fun; you should do “body surfing”on the waves. International kiteboard championships are held here, and if you stay till sunset, you will have the chance to bump into some concerts or festivals like “Electronica Festival” held in July for 2 days.

2 – Altınkum (Golden Sand):

Being a cooling facility for Istanbul residents from 1930s, this beach is now run by a private enterprise. On weekdays it’s open for only women, so, on some weekends it’s likely to be overcrowded, so try to get there as early as possible. There’s a decent cafe in the facility, but you should also consider one of the fish restraurants by the seaside from the beach to Rumeli Kavagi.

(0212) 325 55 83

Marmaracik Koyu, Rumelifeneri

3 – SuADA:

If you want to swim in the middle of Bosphorus on a floating swimming pool, Suada is the matchless option. Suada is a floating club in the middle of Bosphorus with a splendid 360 degrees İstanbul view.  The restaurants and the bars on the facility are of good quality; the music gets louder in the late hours of the noon.

Click here for the info about location. 

4 – Kamos Beach Club – Kınalıada:

Princess Islands offer many beaches to İstanbul residents, and Kamos could be a good alternative, because the facilty has also a swimming pool apart from the beach. It’s on a very quiet bay surrounded by green trees on the back part of the island; the nature is beautiful and relaxing.

Kamos is in Kinaliada – in one of the Prince’s Islands, you can get there by ferries departing from Bostanci or Kabataş.

Although there are some alternatives to go for swimming in Istanbul, if you have a few days to spend for sun and sea, some beautiful places are available out of Istanbul. These places can be reached by motorway, and since you’ll need mobility where you visit, you are recommended to rent a car.

1 – Bozcaada:
Bozcaada is a tiny island on North Aegean Sea, with wonderful food, wine, beaches and a bohemian atmosphere. There’s something that makes you feel peaceful and happy on this island as soon as you get off the ferry. There are many pensions and guest houses to stay in the center which are owned by local, friendly people. The sea is crystal clear and it’s usually cool even at the hottest time of the year.

2 – Gokceada:
Gokceada is the greatest island (more than 40 km from one to the other end) in Turkey, being on the furthest west of the country. The island is not very touristic and this makes it a bit more unique and peaceful. The sea is clean and beautiful, and it’s also a suitable place for windsurfers. If you want to see natural beaches, old villages and eat good food as fish or the famous puding with mastic, Gokceada is the place.

3 – Assos:
It’s a tiny town on the shore in the North Aegean Sea where Aristotle lived before. Though the town is historic and offers old stone houses, temples, castle; it also has beautiful beaches in the surrounding areas. The restaurants in the center serve delightful fish with a wonderful seaview.

4 – Kıyıkoy:
A small village on the shore of Black Sea with a beautiful beach. It’s a wonderful spot where nature is still untouched and having the features of Black Sea and Meditarenean climate together. You can enjoy the sea, food, nature all at once.