The car-free Turkish holiday islands with sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
BRITS heading to Turkey often go straight to Bodrum or Antalya for cheap hotels and beautiful beaches.
But like Greece and Spain, Turkey also has some amazing islands to visit.
The Adalar Archipelago, also known as the Princes’ Islands in English, is a collection of nine islands in the Sea of Marmara.
Set just off the coast of Istanbul, the islands have been attracting holidaymakers for centuries thanks to their history and culture.
Before becoming a popular tourist destination, the islands are where Byzantine Emperors and Ottoman Sultans banished princes and political foes into exile.
Of the nine islands, only four are open to the public, including Büyükada, Burgazada, Heybeliada, and Kınalıada.
Büyükada is the largest of the car-free islands, an it’s just an hour away from Istanbul on a public ferry service.
Set within the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Marmara, one of Büyükada’s best attractions is its picturesque coastline.
Along the coast visitors will be able to walk past old buildings, mansions and villas where local residents live.
While the island’s horse-drawn carriages are no longer in use, visitors can hire bikes or ride a mini electric bus around the island.
To delve deeper into the island’s history, holidaymakers are encouraged to visit the Monastery of St. George Koudounas.
Set atop Yüce Tepe, a hill on the island, the monastery also has breathtaking views across the island.
There are also several museums on the island, including the Museum of Princes’ Islands.
While the former Greek Orphanage has also be described as another must-see by visitors.
The Turkish island is also home to several beaches, including Halik Koyu Aile Plajı – a large sandy beach.
The Turkish island group has been praised by holidaymakers on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “It’s a must-see. We’ve been staying in Istanbul for five days and managed to visit this magical island group.”
While another added: “What a lovely day out of the hustle and bustle of Istanbul. A really nice long boat ride, and a stroll around the island.
“There are plenty of shops and cafes. We had a lovely seafood lunch, then caught the last ferry back at 5pm.”
Both Wizz Air and Pegasus Airlines operate direct flights between London and Istanbul, with flights starting at £29 for a one-way ticket.
Despite the small size of the islands, there are plenty of overnight accommodations for those visitors who want to spend the night, including homes on Airbnb from £36 per night.
There are plenty of other little-known islands to visit in Turkey, including Bozcaada.
The island remains untouched by tourism, but still has an interesting history, as its beaches played a part in the Trojan War.
The island’s beach, Sulubahçe Beach, has even been compared to the Maldives.
Meanwhile, another secret European island is known as the “Maldives of Turkey”.
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