Best swimming spots in Istanbul — Prince Islands vs city beaches

On Büyükada, Halik Bay Family Beach has a free section in the corner without umbrellas. It is reached by stairs through the restaurant; the shore has large pebbles, so water shoes are useful. Walking there from the monastery area is demanding, particularly on the uphill return.

For getting to Büyükada: the public ferry from Eminönü with a transfer costs about 210 lira one-way but can be crowded with no seating available. The return trip via Turyol ferry (cash tickets available onboard) costs 230 lira and is much more comfortable, with sunset views and city lights on a 19:15 departure; the upper deck can be windy, so going below helps.

On Heybeliada, there is a free swimming spot where you can jump from the pier; the water access is easy, almost pool-like. Using the toilet and changing cabin costs 20 lira.

Yörükali on Büyükada was clean and relatively uncrowded, with a sandy shore and a gentle entry into the water. Entry was 1,000 lira per person in July.

Reaching the calm cove on the side of the island opposite the pier involves a significant uphill and downhill walk, so allow extra time and energy. There are expensive, budget, and free beach options; the budget option includes a sun lounger and allows outside food and drinks. The free beach may charge separately for the toilet.

On Büyükada, boats depart from the right side of the pier to the Ank'Ada Ayanikola beach club — about a 10-minute ride. Weekday entry is 1,200 lira. It can get crowded but sun loungers are usually available.

Büyükada also has a municipal public beach, Kartal Belediyesi Sosyal Tesisleri Halk Plajı, which is closer than Yörükali and served by a boat from the same ferry piers.

The free Caddebostan Plajı beach on Istanbul's Asian side compares well to the Prince Islands — water felt slightly warmer, no jellyfish, and no entry fee. A solid alternative to avoid ferry costs and paid beach clubs.

The paid beach club Asaf on the islands was a letdown — jellyfish in the water and unclear value for money. Visitors who tried the free Caddebostan beach afterward found it far more satisfying.

On the Prince Islands, head to the side opposite the ferry pier for calmer, cleaner water. The rocky beach exit is rough — water shoes are essential. There's a pier but no ladder to climb back up.

Florya beach is not recommended for swimming — water quality is poor enough that even in hot weather many visitors skip it.

On Büyükada (the largest Prince Island), you can reach Yörükali beach by taking the city ferry from Kabataş, then a free island shuttle boat. Beach entry is paid. In mid-June the water was cold but clean.

The first island from Istanbul has a quiet cove with clean water on the far side from the pier. You can walk across the island or take local transport. Waves pick up near the ferry dock in the evening, so swim earlier and further away.