With pine-scented roads, rolling green hills, and a nostalgic atmosphere, Heybeliada is the perfect short escape from Istanbul…
🚤 Ready for a Quick Getaway?
Often overshadowed by Büyükada, Heybeliada is a hidden gem with its serene vibe and rich nature. In this guide, you’ll start the day with a scenic ferry ride, explore the island by bike, take historical breaks, and end your trip with ice cream by the sea.
Let’s rent a bike and pedal beneath the pines — a calm day on the island awaits!
📍 Starting Point: Bostancı, Karaköy or Kabataş Ferry Pier
🕰️ Duration: Approx. 6–7 hours
🚶♂️ Route: Heybeliada Pier → İnönü House → Değirmenburnu → Halki Seminary → Çam Limanı → Coastal Road
Morning Ferry to Heybeliada (09:00)
Catch an early ferry from Bostancı, Kadıköy or Kabataş. After about an hour on the water, you’ll arrive at Heybeliada’s charming pier. Pine scents and seagulls will greet you as soon as you step ashore.
🚲 Start by Renting a Bicycle
Just to the right of the pier, you’ll find several bike rental points. Choose a light, geared model for a more comfortable ride.
- Average daily rental (Summer 2025): 350–450 TL
- Don’t forget to ask for a helmet!
🍽️ Breakfast Spot
Enjoy a classic Turkish breakfast with a sea view at one of the cafes along the coast.
A Glimpse into History: İnönü House Museum (10:30)
Your first stop is the İnönü House Museum, a charming wooden home turned into a small museum. Here, you’ll find personal belongings and archival materials of Turkey’s second president, İsmet İnönü.
The area is lush and tranquil — a peaceful start to the day.
🧭 Worth a Detour
Bet Yaakov Synagogue – View from outside. A hidden architectural gem for curious eyes.
📸 Photo Spot:
On the way down from the museum, frame the sea through the pine trees.
📷 Shooting Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture both the path and sea in the background.
📱 Instagram Moment: Park your bike in the shade and pose while reading a book.
Picnic & Nature at Değirmenburnu (11:30)
This is one of the most peaceful areas of the island, right by the sea. Sit beneath the pines, dip your feet in the water, or simply listen to birdsong — it’s hard to believe you’re still in Istanbul.
☕ Take a Small Break
Bring your own coffee in a thermos. There’s a small kiosk, but island prices apply 🙂
The Seminary Hill & Panoramic View (13:00)
Halki Seminary is one of the island’s most iconic landmarks. Though closed to visitors, the building and the adjacent Aya Triada Monastery can be admired from the outside.
The real highlight is the stunning panoramic view — on a clear day, you can spot both Büyükada and the Istanbul skyline.
📸 Photo Spot:
Take a shot from the stone wall viewpoint.
📷 Shooting Tip: Use HDR mode around noon to balance shadows and highlights.
📱 Instagram Moment: Classic pose — “Green foreground, blue horizon.”
Lunch by the Sea (14:00)
After your half-island tour, head back to the pier area for lunch with a sea breeze. Choose any spot that catches your eye — fresh meze and grilled fish are the go-to choices here.
🍽️ Local Flavors
Try the trio: Fava + Fried Calamari + Grilled Sea Bass
Pair it with homemade lemonade.
Peace & Solitude at Çam Limanı (15:30)
A short 15-minute bike ride from the center will take you to Çam Limanı on the island’s southwest corner.
It’s a peaceful spot with almost no crowds — just the sea and the sound of waves.
🚀 Alternative Option:
Want to swim? Bring flip-flops and a towel. It’s free to enter, but there’s limited shade.
Ice Cream & Farewell (17:00)
End your day the sweet way: treat yourself to some local island ice cream before leaving.
Try seasonal fruit flavors — Melon + Sour Cherry is a winning combo!
☕ One Last Break
Sit on one of the benches near the pier. Take in that final island breeze.
🎁 Bonus: Terk-i Dünya Monastery
Off the main route, but a dream for nature lovers.
Tucked away in the island’s southern part, the ruins of this forgotten monastery are shrouded in forest. It’s only reachable by foot — if you start the day early, you can include this spot too.
📸 Photo Spot:
Capture the crumbling stone walls peeking through the trees.
📱 Instagram Moment: “Places nature reclaims” — moody and poetic.
📌 Location Info
Heybeliada, Princes’ Islands, Istanbul, Turkey
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