Adalar District, also known as the Princes' Islands, is a group of islands located in the Sea of Marmara and administratively belongs to the city of Istanbul. It consists of nine islands, but only four are open to residents and visitors. These are the largest and most famous:

Büyükada: The largest island in the group, known for its historical summer houses, wooden villas, and car-free roads. Residents and visitors typically get around using bicycles or horse-drawn carriages.

Heybeliada: The second-largest island, distinguished by its natural beauty, historical military schools, and ancient monasteries.

Burgazada: Known for its tranquil atmosphere and pleasant living environment, it features pine forests and seaside restaurants.

Kınalıada: Known for being the closest island to Istanbul, it features rocky beaches and open spaces.

Adalar is a popular tourist destination for escaping the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, offering a serene atmosphere and picturesque landscapes. Cars are banned on the islands, adding to the tranquility and traditional character of the place.

Adalar

How to get to the Princes' Islands (Adalar)

Public ferries (Şehir Hatları): Depart from Kabataş port on the European side, also from Kadıköy and Bostancı on the Asian side. Public ferries are an economical option and can be accessed with the Istanbul public transportation card (Istanbulkart).

Private ferries (Mavi Marmara and Dentur Avrasya): Offer faster and more frequent services to the islands but at slightly higher prices than public ferries. They can be accessed from the same public ports like Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı.

Sea taxi: Provides a private and luxury transportation option allowing direct access to the islands without adhering to the public ferry schedule.

Main departure points in Istanbul to get to the Princes' Islands:

Kabataş Port: Located on the European side of Istanbul, it is one of the busiest ports for trips to the Princes' Islands. Easily accessible by tram or buses from many parts of Istanbul.

Eminönü Port: Also on the European side, it is another starting point close to many tourist areas in Istanbul.

Karaköy Port: Located near Kabataş and can be used as an alternative to reaching the islands.

Kadıköy Port: Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, a convenient option for those living or staying on the Asian side.

Bostancı Port: Also on the Asian side, it is an important and busy port providing fast services to the islands.

Transport within the Princes' Islands

Cars are generally banned as a means of transport to preserve the peaceful and clean character of the islands. Instead, several alternative transport methods are used by residents and visitors:

Bicycles: A very popular way to travel around the islands. You can rent a bicycle from many shops scattered across the islands.

Horse-drawn carriages (Phaetons): These carriages were a main means of transport in the past but have been significantly reduced in recent years for animal welfare and environmental reasons. They are now gradually being replaced by electric vehicles.

Electric shuttles: The Princes' Islands offer small, environmentally friendly electric shuttles for travel between their main areas, introduced as an alternative to horse-drawn carriages.

Is investing in the Princes' Islands a successful real estate investment?

Investing in the Princes' Islands can be a good option for some investors looking for opportunities in the tourism and hospitality sector, or those wishing to invest in areas known for their beauty and tranquility. However, it's important to conduct comprehensive feasibility studies and consult local experts before making any investment decisions.

Real estate value in the Princes' Islands: Property prices may be high on the islands due to limited supply and increased demand, especially in sea-view locations.

Buying an apartment on the Princes' Islands:

Cost: Due to limited lands and available properties on the islands, prices can be higher compared to other areas in Istanbul. It's important to define your budget and research available options that fit it.

Property prices in the Princes' Islands

In general, the prices of small and moderate apartments are relatively high as it is a tourist area. As for luxury apartments or villas, the prices are incomparable to those in Istanbul as the islands have their unique characteristics. To get the apartment prices in the Princes' Islands, you can follow the Adwhit website to get the prices directly listed by the owners or real estate agents, and they are updated directly.

Renting an apartment on the Princes' Islands:

Some points that may help you decide on renting an apartment in the Princes' Islands:

Comfort and tranquility: The Princes' Islands are an ideal place for those looking to escape city noise and enjoy a more peaceful and serene atmosphere. This may be suitable for families or individuals seeking a less stressful living environment.

Available services: Ensure the availability of essential services such as shops, restaurants, public transport, and healthcare facilities. While the islands provide what you need for daily life, the variety and abundance may be less compared to the main city.

Transportation: Access to the islands mainly relies on ferries, so you should consider the ferry schedule and availability, especially if you plan to frequently travel between the islands and the mainland.

For renting a tourist apartment on the Princes' Islands

you can search through sites like Adwhit or local real estate agencies: Contact local real estate agencies in Istanbul or on the islands that specialize in tourist rentals for recommendations and special offers.

Before heading to the islands, it is advisable to check the ferry schedules, as they can vary based on the season and day of the week. The trip to the islands typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the departure point and the target island.