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Which Princes’ Island in Istanbul has a sandier beach, and are there rocks when entering the water?

From messages by 3 participants in 2 sources · Last activity: 51 days ago

TL;DR

Among Istanbul’s Princes’ Islands, Büyükada is the better-known beach option, but truly rock-free entry is not guaranteed. Kınalıada has sand, though swimmers report stones and a less comfortable water entry; even sandy stretches can have boulders a few meters from shore.

What the community said

A recent report says there have been many rocks at the waterline on the islands’ beaches, with a sharp drop starting roughly half a metre from shore. Entering the sea may be uncomfortable.

Sharp drop about 0.5 m from shore

One review describes the local “sand” as dense, cement-like and sticky, which can cling to feet and footwear. A sandy beach does not necessarily mean a comfortable surface.

Dense, sticky sand

In short, expect some stones on Princes’ Islands beaches, so don’t assume a completely soft, rock-free entry into the sea.

Princes’ Islands

Some travelers say the shoreline entry is sandy and fairly comfortable, but there can be large rocks about 5 meters from shore that you may hit with your feet. That matters if you’re swimming barefoot or with kids.

Boulders about 5 m from shore

Büyükada is the island most often mentioned for beach time. Kınalıada also has sandy sections, but reviews say there are stones and the overall water entry is less pleasant.

Büyükada, Kınalıada

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