Heybeli Ada, Abandoned island or Attractive tourist place?
Summer is approaching, and it's time to enjoy the sunshine! Let's kick off our summer travels with a visit to the Princes' Islands. Our second stop is Heybeliada, the second-largest island in Istanbul. Heybeliada is rich in history, having been home to notable figures such as İsmet İnönü, Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar, and Ahmet Rasim. let's together to discover Heybeli island attractions. If you want to visit Heybeli Ada from Istanbul you can get information of Istanbul city tours of our website TripFloric, as you know there are lots of things to do in istanbul.
Heybeliada's Rich History
Heybeliada, renowned for its historical significance and lush greenery, boasts a storied past dating back to the Byzantine era. Originally named Halki, derived from the Greek word for copper, referencing its ancient copper mines. The Turkish name, Heybeli, stems from "saddlebag," likening the island's geography.
Steam-powered ferry service to Heybeliada commenced in the 19th century. The island sustains a year-round population of approximately seven thousand, swelling in the summer. Like other Princes' Islands, motor vehicles are prohibited; instead, electric vehicles conduct tours. Two main touring routes, the 'Big Tour' and the 'Small Tour,' offer exploration, with the latter affectionately known as the Lovers Tour.
How to Get to Heybeliada
Cityline Ferries
You can reach Heybeliada via Cityline ferries departing from Eminönü, Beşiktaş, Kabataş, Kadıköy, and Bostancı. The journey takes about 90 minutes from the piers on the European side and approximately 30 minutes from Bostancı.
Passenger Ferries
Mavi Marmara Ferries
Mavi Marmara ferries to Heybeliada typically depart every 30 or 60 minutes from Bostancı, Eminönü, Beşiktaş/Kabataş, Yeşilköy, and Çınarcık. Note that the Yeşilköy and Çınarcık routes are only available during the spring and summer seasons. For the latest schedules and routes, visit the Mavi Marmara website.
Dentur Avrasya Ferries
Dentur Avrasya ferries depart from Kabataş, Beşiktaş, Eminönü, Avcılar, and Yalova, making their first stop at Heybeliada before continuing to Büyükada. Currently, Dentur Avrasya operates two trips to the islands daily.
Prenstur Ferries
Prenstur Ferries run daily ring trips between Kartal, Büyükada, and Heybeliada. The trip from Kartal to Büyükada takes about 25-30 minutes, and from Kartal to Heybeliada takes approximately 30-35 minutes.
Places to Visit on Heybeliada
Heybeliada Sanatorium
Established in 1924 by order of Atatürk, the Heybeliada Sanatorium was a renowned health center for treating tuberculosis and served as a training and research hospital until 2005. Notable figures such as statesman İsmet İnönü, poet Ece Ayhan, and writer Rıfat Ilgaz received treatment here. The sanatorium also features in the film “Kelebeğin Rüyası” by Yılmaz Erdoğan. While the building itself is not open to the public, the surrounding grounds are worth exploring.
Halki Seminary
Located on Ümit Hill, the highest point on the island, Halki Seminary has a rich history dating back to the 9th century. Originally the Byzantine-era Ata Triada Church, it became a seminary in 1844, known as the “Higher Orthodox Theology School” until 1923, when it was renamed “Halki Seminary.” The seminary was closed in 1971 when all schools in Türkiye were nationalized. Previously known as the “Heybeliada Private Greek High School,” it ceased operations that same year.
Heybeliada Naval High School (Bahriye)
As you approach Heybeliada by sea, the first prominent structure you'll likely notice is the Heybeliada Naval High School, also known as "Bahriye." Founded in 1773 at the Kasımpaşa Shipyard as the “Mühendishane-i Bahr-ı Humayun (The School of Naval Engineering),” it relocated to Heybeliada in 1946 and functioned until 2016, when all military high schools in Türkiye were closed. Today, the historic building remains open to visitors.
Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar Museum
The house of Hüseyin Rahmi Gürpınar, a notable Turkish literary figure, is located on Heybeliada. Gürpınar lived in this residence for 32 years until his death in 1944. It was converted into a museum in 2017, showcasing his personal belongings, including 350 Turkish books, 304 French books, and 110 newspapers. The museum is currently under restoration.
Aya Yorgi Cliff Church
Dating back to the late 16th century, the pink-hued Aya Yorgi Cliff Monastery was originally named “Hagios Georgios tou Kremnou” (the Monastery of Saint George of the Precipice). Perched on a hillside with breathtaking views of Büyükada, this monastery is a must-see for its historical and scenic significance.
Bet Yaakov Synagogue
As the Jewish community on Heybeliada grew, the need for a synagogue arose. Built by the Neve Shalom Foundation, the Bet Yaakov Synagogue opened on June 10, 1956. This modest structure is open for visits on Saturdays and religious holidays.
Hagios Nikolaos Church
Constructed in 1857 by architect Stefanis Gaitanakis, the Hagios Nikolaos Church stands on the ruins of a Byzantine-era church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of mariners. The church was damaged in the 1894 earthquake and later restored with the approval of Sultan Abdülhamid II. Today, this domed church remains an active place of worship.
Dining in Heybeliada
Although Heybeliada's dining scene isn't as extensive as that of the larger Büyükada, you can still enjoy classic Turkish mezes and seafood dishes at several charming waterfront restaurants. Additionally, there are cozy cafes offering herbal teas and refreshing beverages. Don't miss the Nazlıgül Pudding Shop, famous for its delicious pastries.
Heybeliada Beaches
Ada Beach Club
Located along Çam Limanı Bay, Ada Beach Club is a top choice among Heybeliada beaches. Surrounded by lush pine forests, this resort offers sandy and grassy areas, mini golf facilities, and a beach volleyball court.
Değirmenburnu Beach
Just 400 meters from the Heybeliada Pier, Değirmenburnu Beach is a cozy and easily accessible spot, popular with visitors for its convenience and charm.
Aqua Green Beach
Aqua Green Beach on Heybeliada features an aquapark along with its beach area. The beach provides free transportation from the pier, making it easy to reach.
Akvaryum Bay
Akvaryum Bay is often regarded as a hidden paradise on the island. Known for its famous mussels, this tranquil beach is a short walk from the Merit Halki Palace hotel.
German Bay
Situated further from the center, German Bay offers a pebble beach facing the open sea. Although more challenging to reach compared to other beaches on Heybeliada, it is noted for its cleanliness and serene environment.
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