Kınalıada (Princes' Islands)

Kınalıada is the fourth and smallest of the main Princes' Islands — a short, hilly island just off the Asian coast near Kadıköy and Bostancı. It's the closest island to the city and the only one that doesn't have a Victorian-era phaeton tradition (the streets are too narrow), so visitors either walk or use the handful of electric golf carts the locals run.

The island gets its name ("Henna Island") from the rust-red color of its iron-rich soil, which is most obvious on the south side where the cliffs drop into the sea. Walking around the perimeter takes about 1.5 hours; the north side has a small sheltered cove with a tea garden and a couple of fish restaurants. Kınalıada's main claim to fame historically is the Greek Orthodox Halki Theological School's summer campus, which is up the hill — visible from the ferry as you approach but not generally open to visitors.

Most Istanbulites come to Kınalıada for two reasons: the swimming (the water off the small beach is the cleanest of any of the islands, since there's less ferry traffic) and the quiet — no big tour groups, no phaeton bells, just a fishing village with a couple of cafés. It's a perfect half-day escape rather than a full day.

Ferries from Bostancı (Asian side) are frequent and the ride is only 25–30 minutes. From Kabataş (European side) you can come via Eminönü + Bostancı, or directly on the slower Şehir Hatları service (~80 min).