February and March on the Islands

Now it is Mimosa time.

As we mentioned before, every season is beautiful on the islands. Islands are getting ready to be colored yellow while everywhere else colors of nature are fading due to dark winter days. With mimosas, the Islands are greeting the awakening of nature earlier than everwhere else.

Mimosas in the gardens and the hills of the Islands are going to show themselves by blooming yellow flowers starting mid February. This festivity will continue up to the end of April, depending on the weather conditions. Mimosa is one of the plants of this region, it is a kind of acacia. There are two mimosa species in Turkey. One is İzmir Mimosa that has no scent and the other is the Island Mimosa that has a beautiful fragrance. People are very much interested in mimosas because of their beauty and pleasant scent. They are sold on the Islands and in the city. But they are more beautiful on their branches. Come to the Islands to see them in their own environment. Walk around deserted roads and streets. Take pictures of yellow Mimosa trees and branches. Do not forget to bring food for cats and dogs that are waiting for you. You will feel wonderful there.

September on the Islands

It is often said "September is the best month for visiting Istanbul and the Islands". Weather is around 20 °C. There may be days as warm as summer. Seawater temperature is not less than 25 °C.

After schools are opened, summer vacationists turn back to city. Intensity of crowds decreases.

But this is true only for mornings and evenings. During the day, especially Büyükada continues to attract thousands of daily visitors. September and October are the best months for taking photographs. Sunshine softens, nature changes its color from green to yellow, red and many other colors.

Fish mongers and fish restaurants of the Islands liven up after opening of fishing season on September 1st.

For the last two years, fishing with drag net at surroundings of the Islands were forbidden for the whole year. Thanks to this precaution, fish populations around the Islands have increased considerably compared to previous years. Local fishermen of Islands carry more fish to the market. You can find various very fresh fishes such as bluefish, bonito, horse mackerel, red gurnard at fishermen’s tables on the streets.

Sedef, the quietest of islands that are inhabited, is followed by Burgaz, Heybeli, Kınalı and Büyükada with respect to quietness.

As Büyükada attracts daily visitors the most, it seems that it will also be the liveliest in September. But every island has places that are out of sight and away from crowds. We suggest that you should first decide how you would like to spend your day, then make your choice.

But, the best choice is to stay for nights on few islands during week or weekends. Although transportation is quite frequent now, do not forget that the best time on the Islands is either morning or evening hours. Enjoy beauties without having the stress of going back to the city. How about finding a hotel to stay? There are many alternatives. You can reach them from hotels page of our web site.

October on the Islands

Last days of September in İstanbul were cool and windy but after these three days of extraordinary weather, beautiful autumn days are back.

Swimming season on the Islands still continues. Water temperature is not below 23-24 degrees. Excluding mornings and evenings, weather and sea water temperatures are nearly equal. Most of the beaches on the Islands will be open until the end of Sacrifice Feast, mid October. Islands are not only beaches and the sea. As we mentioned in September article, the most beautiful days of Islands, magnificent autumn, continue till December.

Despite raining and cool winds from time to time, sunshine is always there.

It is the time for biking, trekking, photographing the colors which cannot be found in cities any more, sitting at cafes, restaurants on the seaside, watching amazing scenery of Marmara sea and Islands from Aya Yorgi or Kalpazankaya.

We also would like to remind you, Heybeliada (Halki) Seminary is now open everyday, as you know it could be visited only with special permission in the past.

August on the Islands

Ramadan Feast crowd has disappeared. Typical pace of summer months is back on the Islands. Number of visitors on Islands is changing from one island to another.

Sedef, the quietest of islands that are inhabited, is followed by Burgaz, Heybeli, Kınalı and Büyükada with respect to quietness.

As Büyükada attracts daily visitors the most, it seems that it will also be the liveliest in August. But every island has places that are out of sight and away from crowds. We suggest that you should first decide how you would like to spend your day, then make your choice.

But, the best choice is to stay for nights on few islands during week or weekends. Although transportation is quite frequent now, do not forget that the best time on the Islands is either morning or evening hours. Enjoy beauties without having the stress of going back to the city. How about finding a hotel to stay? There are many alternatives. You can reach them from hotels page of our web site.