Escape to Paradise: Exploring Kınalıada, Istanbul's Closest Princes' Island

Kınalıada is generally used as a summer resort. Kınalıada, which is the closest to Istanbul among the Princes' Islands, is also one of the 5 neighborhoods of Adalar district. Kınalıada, the smallest of the four big islands in the Marmara Sea, is a unique place with its places to visit. We are sure that you will not understand how time passes when you come here.In this content, you can reach the places to visit in Kınalıada; You can discover Kınalıada closely.Kınalıada is the closest one to Istanbul in the island community known as the Princes' Islands. Kınalıada, one of the 5 neighborhoods of Adalar district, is preferred as a summer place today. There is a local population living on the island in summer and winter, but the total population exceeds 20 thousand with those who come in summer.It is easy to swim at almost every point of the island. In this respect, it is considered one of the most comfortable among the Princes' Islands. It also attracts many people in this way.During Byzantine times, the majority of the island's exiles were here. The most important of these exiles was Roman Diogenes. Kınalıada, one of the most bare islands, has the fewest trees. Almost all of the island is covered by settlements.It is possible to reach Kınalıada with Istanbul City Lines, Mavi Marmara and Turyol companies. Motors departing from Bostanci reach the island in about 30 minutes. The ferries departing from Kabataş reach the island in 1 hour.The companies traveling to Kınalıada use 2 schedules as summer and winter. The frequency of the trips may also vary between weekdays and weekends.Transportation within the island is mostly provided by bicycles and electric vehicles. Previously, phaetons were used.Kınalıada is a unique place with countless beauties. The list of places you should visit here is as follows:Kınalıada MosqueSurp Krikor Lusavoriç ChurchGreek - Orthodox Panayia ChurchChristos Hill and MonasteryKınalıada Mosque is located on Çarşı Street. This mosque was built in 1964. The history of the mosque dates back to the 1950s. When the demand for a place of worship increased due to the growing population, it was decided to build a mosque here. The decision was made to dismantle the Karaköy Mosque and move it to Kınalıada, but the ship carrying the mosque was lying on its side in the Bosphorus. A few years after the incident, the mosque is built on the island with the support of the public.Adress: Kınalıada, Kınalı Çarşı Cd. No:15, 34977 Adalar/İstanbulSurp Krikor Lusavoriç Church is dedicated to Surp Krikor Lusavoriç, from whom it takes its name. This church was built in 1857 on Narçiçeği Street. Surp Krikor Lusavoriç Church, which is an extremely aesthetic building, also contains the most exquisite examples of Armenian stone carving.Adress: Kınalıada, Akgünlük Sk. No:10, 34977 Adalar/İstanbulHristos Greek Monastery is located on Hristos Hill. Overlooking a breathtaking view, this monastery is also known as the final resting place of Emperor Leo V, who was killed in a clash at the Hagia Irene Church in 820.Once used as a military headquarters, Christos Greek Monastery hosted White Russians during the 917 Russian Revolution.Adress: Kınalıada, Kınalı Çarşı Cd. No:77, 34977 Adalar/İstanbulThis is one of the most elegant and naive buildings on Kınalıada. Sikaryan Twin Houses consist of two wooden mansions with three floors each. The architecture was undertaken by Avedisyan Kalfa. This 11-room building belonging to the Sikaryan Family stands out as a wonder of architecture and symmetry.Sikaryan Twin Houses are located on Fazıl Ahmet Aykaç Street. We strongly recommend you to visit this architectural wonder.If you come to Kınalıada in summer, you should also enjoy swimming here. The beaches you can go to in Kınalıada are as follows:Ayazma BeachKumluk BeachUlker BeachTeos Beach ClubKinaliada Pier BeachKınalıada is one of the richest islands in Istanbul in terms of food and drink. Here, as in other Istanbul islands, you can enjoy seafood and appetizers to the fullest. You can enjoy fish and appetizers at the restaurants along the coastline; if you arrive in the morning, you can enjoy breakfast.There are many places in Kınalıada where you can take a tea and dessert break. You can also prefer the patisseries and cafes here. Also, while you are in Kınalıada, don't forget to eat ice cream from the ice cream shops on the beach.If you want to stay here for a while while you are in Kınalıada, you can benefit from many businesses. There are many facilities here in the form of boutique hotels or luxury hotels. With the accommodation facilities in Kınalıada, you can extend your Kınalıada trip; you can enjoy the island to the fullest and get away from city life.