In the past, the island was called Prinkipo after the Greek word for prince, but these days it’s called Büyükada. Because it is the biggest (büyük) island (ada) of the nine Princes’ Islands. Life on the island is very laid-back. The elegant, wooden mansions together with the typical sound of horse-drawn carriages passing by create a unique fin-de-siècle atmosphere. Enjoy the magnificent mansions and gorgeous avenues... visit the Monastery of St George. Once you reach the top, you can visit the monastery’s chapel or enjoy great panoramic views well deserved glass of wine. On clear days, you can even see all the way to Istanbul.  Regardless whether you took the long or short tour, along the way you pass some beaches. One of the most famous ones are Naki Bey Plajı, Kumsal Plajı, Yörükali Plajı and Prenses Plajı. There are no cars on Büyükada. The means of transportation extend to walking, cycling or a horse. Undisturbed by nothing but hooves and your own footsteps, wandering round the island is an impeccably peaceful experience. Büyükada might only be an hour ferry ride from the modern metropolis of Istanbul, but in Büyükada, time stands still. Do not miss the time capsule that is the Prince Islands while in Istanbul.