Princes Islands

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Revision as of 21:26, 28 September 2010

Princes' Islands

(Click links for more information)
GPS:	40°52.2′N, 29°05.1′E
Gallery:	Photo gallery
Chartlet:	Local chartlet

Background

The Princes' Islands (Πριγκηπονήσια - Pringiponisia) just a few miles south of Istanbul have been a resort for the rich and famous since the Byzantine times. They consist of: Büyükada or Pringipos (Πρίγκηπος), Heybeliada or Halki (Χάλκη), Burgazada or Antigoni (Αντιγώνη), and Kinaliada or Proti (Πρώτη). Of these Pringipos is the most affluent while Halki has the most history.

On all the Princes' islands there are no motor vehicles allowed. There are no cars, nor motorcycles, nor scooters, save the garbage truck and a couple of police motorcycles. People and goods are moved by horse-drawn carriages and carts. This is very smart and makes a huge difference in the overall ambiance. Charts See Marmara Sea Radio Nets Also see Cruiser's Nets Submit details of local radio Nets. Approach and Navigation All the approaches to the Princes' Islands are straightforward. Anchorages There is only one protected anchorage Can Limani in Heybeliada (Halki) island. There are however, several coves in the island of Büyükada (Pringipos) but are not suitable for overnight anchoring. Nor is the "harbor" of Heybeliada.

Chart of Princes' Islands Click for larger view

Can Limani

GPS: 40°52.2′N, 29°05.1′E Can Liman in the island of Heybeliada (Halki) is the only protected anchorage in the Princes' Islands. It is an attractive anchorage and very popular with motor cruisers from Istanbul. It natural beauty is spoiled, however, by so rather ugly institutional building ashore. From here, if you have an outboard on your dinky, you can visit the crowded small harbor of Halki and the opulent Pringipos about 1 nM away. Anchor anywhere in the cove. Routes/Passages To/From Popular passages/routes, timing, etc.

Chart of Can Limani - Chartlet Click for larger view

Tourism & things to do ashore

Büyükada

Büyükada or Pringipos island is a very affluent but attractive resort. The houses are large and very well kept. Some are magnificent villas and overall there is an air of great opulence. There are many old fashioned, very plush hotels, and mansions, all with beautiful gardens enclosed by intricate ironwork fences and gates. The best way to see the island is to hire one of the horse drawn buggies. They can take you to a complete tour of the island.

Pringipos Island Click for larger view

Heybeliada

An Old House in Halki
Click for larger view

Heybeliada or Halki has been a resort for wealthy Istanbul Greeks for centuries. Today, it has the run-down look of a "has-been" place. Still it is a pleasant place with many wooden houses attesting to its past.

Also, located here is the Halki Theological School and monastery. This school has educated generations of Christian Orthodox clergy including the present Patriarch Bartholomew. It is an imposing building both from the inside and from the outside. The building is large and imposing. The enclosing gardens are well kept and lovely with many colorful blooming flowers. Inside the garden there is a lovely church. All the classrooms in the main building are clean and it is furnished by old, well polished, wooden furniture. There used to be 300 students here until 1971 when the school stopped operating by order of the government. The Patriarch is very active in trying to obtain permission for the school to function again. You can see the dinning room and the reception room, all very opulent. All the signs, including the large plaque at the entrance, are exclusively in Turkish. It is a piece of Byzantium in moth balls transported to modern Turkey. Very strange!

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

N/A.

Laundry

Grocery & Supply Stores

• Several stores in Büyükada and Heybeliada

Eateries

• A number of attractive restaurants and pastry stores in Büyükada and Heybeliada

Internet/WiFi

Available?

Motorbike & Car Rentals

N/A. But, you can hire a horse drawn buggy or rent a bicycle.

Marine Stores & Facilities

None.

Repairs

N/A.

Transportation

Ferries to Istanbul.

References & Publications

See Turkey.

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

• Princes' Islands (Wikipedia)
• Büyükada or Pringipos
• Heybeliada or Halki
• Burgazada or Antigoni
• Kinaliada or Proti

Personal Notes

Personal experiences?

Last Visited & Details Checked (and updated here)

Date of member's visit to this Port/Stop & this page's details validated:

• June 1998 --Istioploos

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