Visiting Heybeliada: A Guide to History, Attractions, Beaches, and Getting There

Heybeliada: A Historical Overview

Heybeliada, the second largest among Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, is known both as “Saddlebag Island” in Turkish, due to its hilly shape, and Halky by locals, its Greek name. Its name is linked to copper, with ancient mining operations dating back to Byzantine times—an aspect that embedded the island in regional history. While suffering from plagues, fires, and earthquakes over centuries, Heybeliada remained inhabited and evolved into an important cultural and health retreat.

Notably, the island hosted a Greek Orthodox seminary training clergy since the 19th century and later became well-known for its tuberculosis sanatorium opened in 1924. Turkey’s early statesman İsmet İnönü’s connection, purchasing a summer residence here, left a lasting mark on Heybeliada’s story. Today, much of the island’s greenery is preserved, partly thanks to military ownership of large land portions, creating a peaceful escape from Istanbul’s urban buzz.

Top Attractions on Heybeliada

Heybeliada features four distinct hills with multiple attractions scattered across them, making on-foot exploration in just one visit a tall order. Visitors often divide their sightseeing over several trips or opt to rent bicycles to cover more ground. The following sections highlight the key sites across the island:

Heybeliada Town Center

• Marine High School (Deniz Harp Okulu): Founded in 1773 and now the Naval High Command base, though the grounds are closed to public visits, including the historic Church of Panagia Kamariotissa within.
• St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church: Dating from 1857 and built atop Byzantine ruins, this cruciform structure houses relics and is occasionally accessible to visitors.
• Bet Yaakov Synagogue: Serving Jewish holidaymakers since 1956, this modest structure reflects the island’s diverse history.
• İsmet İnönü House: Now a museum showcasing the former Turkish president’s memorabilia, open Tuesday to Sunday.

Ümit Tepe (Priest Mountain)

The prominent Heybeliada Greek Orthodox Seminary, once a vital institution for orthodox clergy education, sits atop Ümit Tepe. Though closed since 1971, its library and gardens featuring biblical plants and free-roaming peacocks remain accessible. Nearby, the Değirmen Point Nature Park offers picnic areas, a family beach, and barbecue facilities, with entrance and swimming fees applying.

Southwest Island Circuit

A roughly 7-kilometer coastal route begins south of the harbor, passing notable spots such as İnönü Park, the Kızılay Youth Camp, and Aya Yorgi Monastery, a historic refuge from past plagues. Along this route, visitors also encounter the former sanatorium, military-owned lands including historic tombs, and the Monument to Russian Prisoners honoring those who perished in the 19th century Ottoman-Russian conflict. The circuit ends near picturesque wooden houses leading back into town.

Heybeliada Beaches at a Glance

While somewhat modest by global beach standards, the island offers a few bathing spots worth mentioning:

Where to Eat on Heybeliada

Dining options concentrate near St. Nicholas Church, with small eateries offering traditional Turkish fare and local friendly service. A pide salonu and an upscale restaurant nearby provide satisfying meals, while waterfront cafes serve refreshing iced coffees. Although slightly pricier than mainland Istanbul, these spots offer pleasant atmospheres to enjoy local flavors.

Getting to Heybeliada

Various ferry operators serve Heybeliada, with departure points depending on your location in Istanbul. European side travelers often use Kabataş wharf, with city line services stopping at Kadıköy. Dentur Avrasya ferries run multiple daily trips from Beşiktaş, while Mavi Marmara departs from Eminönü and Bostancı. It’s essential to check timetables as frequencies vary. For a stress-free arrival, booking private airport transfers or taxi services via platforms like GetTransfer.com enhances convenience by allowing travelers to select vehicles that fit their needs precisely with transparent fare options.

Heybeliada Walking and Exploration Tips

• Divide touring into sections based on area and your stamina.
• Consider renting a bicycle to cover hills and longer distances easily.
• Plan beach visits for warmer days and allocate time for local meals and scenic breaks.

まとめと最終的な感想

Heybeliada combines intriguing history, tranquil natural landscapes, and cultural sites that reward visitors wanting more than just a day at the beach. Its naval heritage, religious architecture, and the seminary offer glimpses into rich traditions. The island’s quiet beaches and picnic spots provide relaxing ways to unwind. Getting there is straightforward through multiple ferry choices and personalized transfer services. Platforms like GetTransfer.com stand out by allowing travelers to choose vehicles with full transparency on prices, drivers, and vehicle details, ensuring a smooth, exact, and affordable ride to this serene destination.

The highlights of Heybeliada speak to its blend of history, nature, and leisure, making it an attractive spot just a short trip from Istanbul. While reviews and feedback help, nothing replaces the firsthand experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices, helping you make well-informed choices without surprises or extra costs. The platform’s vast selection of vehicles and options ensures you travel in comfort and style. 乗車予約 で GetTransfer.com.

Looking ahead, while Heybeliada may not transform global tourism trends, it remains an essential part of the local travel tapestry around Istanbul. GetTransfer remains committed to providing up-to-date, reliable transfer services that adapt as travel landscapes evolve. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer.

In conclusion, Heybeliada offers visitors a peaceful getaway enriched by history, religious landmarks, and natural beauty. With multiple ferry routes and private taxi services available, reaching and exploring the island is accessible for all types of travelers. Thanks to platforms like GetTransfer.com, booking an exact, cheap, and comfortable ride—whether to the airport or your island destination—is now easier and more transparent. This ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination itself.