Istanbul is not only an amazing city to visit it also boasts a variety of other touristic options and superb sites with the
cheap tickets Istanbul offers travelers wishing to take short domestic flights not far from the city. These cheap flights can get you in no time to some breathtaking areas with fares that are considerably lower than any other driving options.
You may also reach regions of popular interest in under two hours either by ferry or land, without having to change hotels. Therefore, while keeping Istanbul as your starting point you can set off each day to visit the most popular locations the country has to offer.
The Princes Islands count among these breathtaking locations, at just a stones throw from Istanbul this area offers a welcomed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Originally this region was a site of exile for the clergy and royalty and was later used as a summer residence for the more affluent city dwellers.
What renders this site so special is the total absence of motor vehicles, which creates a setting of total calm, the only sound being the characteristic clip-clopping of the horse-drawn phaeton. These horse-drawn carriages, as well as bicycles and donkey are the only means of transport on the islands creating an ideal retreat for those in quest for calm and quaint locations and the area is easily accessible by ferry rides or sea-buses that can get you to the islands in just over one hour from Istanbul.
There are a total of five islands, the largest being the Big Island or Bykada. This is also the most crowded during the summer boasting some lovely beaches and scuba diving activities. The Ayayorgi monastery at the top of the hill provides the ideal location for striking views over the sea as far as Istanbul. This island offers a characteristic setting with its cobblestone streets and typical restaurants where you can savor delicious menus and homemade wines.
The second largest of the islands is Burgazada, which was originally a Greek fishing village and was later taken over by the richer citizens of Istanbul who restored the remaining buildings and built mansions for their summer vacations. Here the beaches are not as striking as on the other islands, but there is an interesting museum you can visit dedicated to Sait Faik, a renowned Turkish writer.
Heybeliada is just next to Bykada and is resplendent with natural sites as well as magnificent beaches, with an attractive promenade along the seafront. This island is less crowded during the summer months as it offers less dining options and mundane activities.
Kinaliada boasts a striking monastery built during the Byzantium period and still stands despite the many attacks by pirates and the later invasion by the Armenians. The climate on the island is harsher than on the other islands, thus attracting few tourists and you can only get around on foot and bicycle.
Throughout the islands you can take advantage of the beaches and soak in the characteristic atmosphere of the islands and admire the Victorian-style clapboard mansions. This is really a location that permeates calm and offers typical summer activities.
When you check out the availability for cheap tickets to Istanbul you can also book an IDO ferry that leaves from the Kabatas docks and takes two hours to reach the islands. You may also get there faster if you catch a catamaran service which only runs from June to September. Make sure you confirm the time of departure for they may change without notice.
Dining options are plenty and mostly offer fish platters to be savored on the restaurants terraces facing the sea down on the wharf. However, the prices here are not very reasonable as you can get better value for your money on the main squares far from the seafront.
There are also hotels and cheaper accommodation options on the islands, but it is probably better to organize your expeditions from Istanbul and book a hotel in the capital when you are looking for
cheap flights to Istanbul and make the city your headquarters for visiting the surrounding areas.
