On the second day of our visit to Istanbul, we decided to escape the bustle of the city and headed to idyllic Princes’ Islands. During the Byzantine era, princes and other royalties and later Ottoman sultan families were exiled on the islands, giving the islands their present name. It comprises of nine islands in Marmara Sea, close to Istanbul. We visited the largest island named Buyukada via a short ferry ride.
On the island, motorized vehicles are not allowed except service vehicles which makes it amazingly peaceful, exactly the opposite of the bustles of Istanbul. Visitors explore the island by foot, by riding a bicycle or in a horse-drawn phaeton carriages. We explored the island beautiful scenery riding the famous phaeton carriages.
After enjoying the cool breeze, ornate Ottoman houses and elegant mansions, we had our lunch at one of the fish restaurants that line the waterfront.
Indeed, it was a peaceful and relaxing day to explore the other side of Istanbul.