Adalar
Istanbul district guide · Islands side · Updated 2026
The Princes' Islands are a car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, reached by ferry from Kabataş, Eminönü or Bostancı. Pine forests, wooden mansions and a slow pace make them Istanbul's favourite summer escape.
At a glance
- Side of the city: Islands
- Nearest rail station: Atalar (~7.2 km from the centre)
- İETT bus stops: 117
Why visit Adalar
Adalar is one of Istanbul's 39 districts, on the Princes' Islands. Come for Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada & Kınalıada — and for the everyday life of its neighbourhoods (Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada). The Princes' Islands are a car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, reached by ferry from Kabataş, Eminönü or Bostancı.
What to see
- Büyükada — the largest island, phaeton or e-bike loops and the Aya Yorgi monastery hill
- Heybeliada — pine woods, the former Naval Academy and quiet coves
- Burgazada & Kınalıada — smaller, calmer swimming islands
Neighbourhoods
Büyükada · Heybeliada · Burgazada · Kınalıada
Transport access
Buy an İstanbulkart for the metro, tram, ferries and buses. The nearest rail link is Atalar, about 7.2 km from the district centre. Adalar has 117 İETT bus stops. Traffic is typically slowest in the evening peak — check live conditions before you set off, and prefer rail or ferry across the Bosphorus.
Nearby places
Explore the neighbourhoods of Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada, Kınalıada within Adalar, then continue across the Princes' Islands — see all 39 Istanbul districts for what's next door.
Local tips
- Tap an İstanbulkart for the metro, tram, ferries and İETT buses — transfers are discounted.
- The nearest rail link is Atalar (~7.2 km from the centre); rail beats road traffic at peak times.
- Local flavour: seafood meze at a harbour-front meyhane, then ice cream on the promenade.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) is the season for Adalar: warm enough to swim, with frequent ferries. Weekends are busiest — go midweek for a calmer visit.
Eat & drink
Seafood meze at a harbour-front meyhane, then ice cream on the promenade.
See it live
Open Adalar on the live City OS map for current traffic colour, weather, air quality and the nearest transit — real İBB and Open-Meteo data, updated through the day.
Map
Open Adalar on the live tactical map →
FAQ
Is Adalar on the European or Asian side of Istanbul?
Adalar is the Princes' Islands group in the Sea of Marmara, reached by ferry from both sides of the city.
How do I get to Adalar?
Take rail to Atalar (about 7.2 km from the centre), or use the metro, Marmaray, tram, ferries or İETT buses with an İstanbulkart. Adalar has 117 İETT bus stops.
What is Adalar known for?
The Princes' Islands are a car-free archipelago in the Sea of Marmara, reached by ferry from Kabataş, Eminönü or Bostancı. Pine forests, wooden mansions and a slow pace make them Istanbul's favourite summer escape.
When is the best time to visit Adalar?
Late spring to early autumn (May–September), ideally midweek.
Plan your visit
Keep exploring Istanbul with the rest of the platform:
- Istanbul transport & smart routes — metro, Marmaray, tram, ferries and İETT buses.
- Live traffic & city pulse — the İBB index and the busiest districts right now.
- AI trip planner — ask how to get to Adalar or what to see.
- All Istanbul guides · all 39 districts.