Princes' Islands with a stroller: a 1-day family plan

The Princes' Islands with a stroller make a perfect day away from the traffic of the city. There are no private cars on the islands, the air is cleaner, and old wooden mansions line the streets. The ferry ride is part of the adventure. The catch: Büyükada, the largest island, is hilly away from the harbour. Here's how to plan the day.

Getting to the Princes' Islands with a stroller

City ferries leave from Kabataş, Eminönü and Kadıköy and also stop at Bostancı. The trip to Büyükada takes 60 to 90 minutes. Timetables change by season, so check Şehir Hatları on the day. Board early to get a seat inside near the door, where there's room for a stroller.

• Go on a weekday: weekend ferries in summer are packed.
• Take the morning ferry out and come back before the evening rush.
• Pack snacks and water; the ferry café sells tea and simple snacks.

A 1-day plan on Büyükada

Morning: the harbour and the clock tower

The area around the pier is flat, with cafés, ice cream shops and the clock tower square. Have a second breakfast and let the children watch the boats.

Late morning: the mansions

Walk along Çankaya Street, which has the island's grandest wooden mansions. It rises gently, so a stroller is fine for the first part. Turn back when it gets steep.

Lunch: by the sea

Fish restaurants line the waterfront. Most are relaxed about children; ask for a table outside away from the road the electric buses use.

Afternoon: a beach or a ride

In summer, small beach clubs around the island have shallow water and sunbeds. Electric minibuses go around the island; with a toddler on your lap, they're an easy way to see more.

Heybeliada: the quieter choice

If Büyükada feels too busy, Heybeliada is one stop earlier. It's smaller, calmer and has a pine forest close to the pier. Paths are gravel and gently sloped.

What to bring

A compact travel stroller is easiest on the ferry, and a baby carrier is useful for the hills. Bring sun hats, sunscreen, a light jacket for the boat and swimwear in summer. For more ferry tips, see Bosphorus ferry with a baby.

Princes' Islands with a stroller: timing the day

Timing makes or breaks a trip to the Princes' Islands with a stroller. In summer, catch a ferry around 9:00 and you'll arrive before the crowds. Explore the harbour area and the mansions while it's cool, eat lunch early around 12:00 and head to the beach or a shady garden café for the afternoon. Aim for a return ferry around 16:00 to avoid the busiest boats back to the city. In spring and autumn the islands are calmer and greener, and you can stay later. In winter many cafés close, but the walk by the sea is peaceful and the ferry is half empty. Whatever the season, keep the return ferry time in mind: missing the last convenient boat with a tired toddler is no fun.

Remember to top up your Istanbulkart before leaving the city; it pays for the ferry both ways.

Questions parents ask

Are the Princes' Islands stroller friendly?

Near the harbours, yes: flat streets, cafés and the waterfront. Further inland the streets climb, and a carrier is easier.

Which island is best with a toddler?

Büyükada has the most to see and do. Heybeliada is quieter and greener, and the ferry is a little shorter.

Can I take a stroller on the island buses?

Folded, yes, but they can be crowded. Many parents hold the child and keep the folded stroller beside them.