Istanbul's Gorgeous Islands…
Erdem Kabadayi, Istanbul Life Magazine, Photos by Tijen Burultay Translated by Turkish Times) - The nine gorgeous islands off the shore of Istanbul, the Princes' Islands, are sparkling gems at a city that is full of splendid jewels. They are collectively known as the Princes' Islands, because in the old days that's to where those Byzantines princes out of favor used to be exiled.

Four of these nine islands, Kinaliada, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Buyukada, are inhabited. These are where the inhabitants of Istanbul keep their summer houses. The largest and perhaps the most popular of them all is Buyukada.

The Princes' Islands offer an attractive haven to those who'd like to take refuge from the hustle-bustle of the metropolitan grind with their total lack of cars, trucks or motorcycles (only horse-drawn carriages are allowed), the romantic rural atmosphere, and the beautiful pine woods and beaches.

Taking a ride to these islands on a municipal ferry boat is a rejuvenating pleasure in itself.

Some people visit Istanbul hundreds of times without ever stepping a foot on the islands. Others, on the other hand, regularly visit these beauties for a daily or weekend stay to recharge their batteries for the workweek ahead.

Here is a quick rundown on some of these beauties:

Buyukada - is the largest, busiest of them all. Plenty houses are available for the vacationers at monthly or "seasonal" rates. Splendid Otel is indeed one of the splendid places to stay on the island. Built in 1911 by Sakizli Kazim Pasa as a hotel, it still serves the same function. Club Mavi, originally built as a sanatorium in 1920s, is another large hotel of choice for many.

Heybeliada - Halki Palace is a well-known hotel built in 1862 as a place to stay for the parents of Elen [Helenic] Commerce School. After a fire, the hotel was rebuilt by Net Holding. It is registered as a Historic Site. The island also offers smaller bed-and-breakfast inns. Present Pansiyon is one such bed-and-breakfast that you might check out.

Burgazada - This is the home of the famous Turkish story writer Sait Faik (1906-1954). Don't leave the island without paying homage to one of the most lyrical pens of modern Turkish literature. That's the good news. The bad news is - there are almost no places to stay overnight. Burgazada Ogretmenevi, with only 28 beds, is one exception that requires advance reservations. Kalpazankaya Gazinosu is another choice with only four rooms.

Kinaliada - The best way to spend quality time on this lovely island is to rent a house since there are few hotels or inns available. The choice location is Alsancak Caddesi. You can rent a nice single-family house with its own garden, balcony, and in some cases even a swimming pool, for $7,000 a season. However, there are seasonal rental available for as low as $2,000.

Related sources on the Internet: www.istanbulcityguide.com | www.turkishodyssey.com