Is it worth paying for a beach club on the Princes' Islands near Istanbul, or is it better to split the cost of a boat trip with a group?
Based on 1 discussion with 2 participants · Last activity: 4 days ago
TL;DR
Beach entry on the Princes' Islands runs about 1200 lira, but travelers complain it's often dirty and crowded. Splitting a boat rental among 5-6 people costs roughly the same but gets you cleaner, warmer water and a nicer swim.
What the community said
Even at 1200 lira, the beach turned out dirty — dirty cups and dishes lying around, lots of bees, and a very small fenced-off swimming area. Not considered worth the money.
4 days ago 1200 lira beach entry fee
With a group of at least 6 people splitting a boat rental, the per-person cost ends up similar to a paid beach entry, but the experience is much better.
4 days ago 6+ people — cost comparable to beach entry
After trying boat swimming a few times, the water is described as much cleaner and warmer than at the most popular beach on the Princes' Islands, with better scenery — making the 1200 lira beach fee feel not worth it.
4 days ago