The Princes’ Islands: Istanbul’s Tranquil Paradise and A Guide to Büyükada’s Beltur Beach

Have you ever longed to escape from the bustling city life to a serene island paradise? Let me take you on a journey to the Princes’ Islands, an Istanbul district and archipelago brimming with history, natural beauty, and tranquillity. This post also includes the most current information on the Big Island’s Beltur Municipal Beach and its 2023 rates.

What are the Princes’ Islands?

The Princes’ Islands, also known as the Istanbul Islands, are a chain of nine islands nestled in the northeastern part of the Sea of Marmara, just off Istanbul’s Anatolian side. This tranquil oasis serves as a district of Istanbul, allowing you to escape the bustling mainland yet stay close to Turkey’s cultural heartbeat.

How does Büyükada stand out among the Princes’ Islands?

Büyükada, the largest island and district center, has a rich history and offers tranquil streets and splendid houses with sprawling gardens. The island is home to Beltur Cafe and Beach, a seaside retreat offering visitors a memorable experience amidst Büyükada’s stunning natural beauty.

What can I expect from Büyükada’s Beltur Beach and Café in 2023?

Situated in Büyükada, the Beltur Café and Beach offers sunbeds, umbrellas, lockers, showers, and more on a wooden pier by the sea. It operates from 9 am to 7 pm, with the cafe open until 9 or 10 pm. There’s no reservation system, and visitors can’t bring their own food or beverages. The café provides these services on-site.

The beach fee is 200 TL on weekdays and 300 TL on weekends. These fees include sunbeds, umbrellas, and transportation to the beach. Special discounts are available for children up to 12 years old.

Transportation can be arranged directly from Bostancı and Kartal with daily ferry services. If you’re coming from the European side, you can use the Marmaray to the Bostancı stop or the city lines for direct transportation to the island. Once you reach Büyükada, you can take the BA 4 electric vehicle line to the “Aya Nikola Church-Beltur” stop, with the beach being an 8-10 minute walk away.

What’s the verdict on Büyükada’s Beltur Beach?

Reviews of Beltur Beach on Büyükada are mixed. Some visitors praise the easy transportation and the island’s serenity, while others mention rocky, algae-covered sections of the sea and uncomfortable sunbeds. Issues with long wait times, lack of ice at buffets, and low-quality food have been reported as well. Still, the beach offers above-average services by Istanbul standards and, with improvements, could become one of Istanbul’s leading destinations.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or seeking a peaceful escape, the Princes’ Islands and Büyükada’s Beltur Beach promise an unforgettable experience. Pack your bags, and let the islands welcome you into their tranquil embrace.

Title: Big Island Beltur Municipal Beach 2023 Fees and Transportation

Situated amidst the stunning nature of Büyükada (Big Island), the Beltur Cafe and Beach offer a wonderful seaside experience. The establishment ensures visitors’ comfort with amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, lockers, showers, and more, all arranged on a wooden pier right by the sea. In addition, there are picnic tables, hammocks, and swings under the pine trees that can be reached by climbing a staircase.

Comparatively cleaner than the average beach on the Marmara coast, the Beltur Facilities Beach on Büyükada is a haven for nature lovers. Just be aware of the shallow and algae-covered stones where the sea begins, and it’s recommended to bring along sea shoes.

There is no reservation system for Beltur Beach and Cafe.

Key Points

Beltur Büyükada Beach operates from 09.00-19.00, and the Beltur Cafe is open from 10.00-21.00 and/or 22.00.
Visitors are not allowed to bring their own food and beverages. All food and beverage services are provided by the Beltur Cafe located on the beach.
Beach fees during the week are 200 TL, and 300 TL on weekends. This includes sunbeds, umbrellas, and transportation.
Transportation to Beltur Beach can be arranged directly from Bostancı and Kartal. From Bostancı, there is a daily ferry at 09.30 directly to the beach, with a return ferry at 17.30. From Kartal, there are ferries on Saturdays and Sundays at 09.30, with a return ferry at 18.00.

If you are coming from the European side, you can take the Marmaray to the Bostancı stop and walk for approximately 3 minutes to reach the ferry dock. Alternatively, you can use the city lines for direct transportation to the island.

After reaching the island, you can take the BA 4 electric vehicle line to the “Aya Nikola Church-Beltur” stop, from which the beach is an 8-10 minute walk.

As of July 9, 2023, the entrance fee to the beach on weekdays is 200 TL and on weekends 300 TL. This fee includes round-trip transportation, sunbed, and umbrella charges. In 2023, beach admissions are free for children up to 7 years old, and there’s a 50% discount for children between 7-12 years old.

Visitors’ food and beverage needs are to be met by Beltur Cafe located on the beach. The 2023 prices at Beltur Cafe are as follows: water 3.5 TL, tea 5 TL-7.5 TL, ayran 15 TL, cola 22 TL, cheese toast 23 TL, hamburger 43 TL, french fries 35 TL, pizza 70 TL, meatballs 79 TL.

Beltur’s Other Beaches

Beltur CADDEBOSTAN Beach, Kadıköy: Entrance fee is 40 TL, student discount available (student price 18 TL)
Beltur Florya: Entrance fee is 40 TL, student discount available (student price 18 TL)
Beltur MENEKŞE Beach, Bakırköy: Contact for price
Visitor Reviews of Beltur Beach, Büyükada

Beltur Beach on Büyükada, known for its natural beauty and tranquillity, has received mixed feedback from visitors. While some praise the easy transportation and the island’s serenity, others point out issues with the rocky and algae-covered sea, discomforting sea anemone concentrations, and uncomfortable sunbeds. Additionally, long wait times, unavailability of ice at the buffets, and low-quality food have been reported. However, considering the standards in Istanbul, the beach offers above-average services. There are certain areas of improvement, like cleanliness and better amenities, which could elevate the visitor experience and make Beltur Beach one of the leading destinations in Istanbul.