Heybeliada is an island with a two-peaked hill with a saddle bag shape. In fact, Heybeliada means “Saddle Bag”. As with Kinaliada, this island also some copper mining activities. Its ancient name, Chalki, is in references to this. Traces of these copper mines can be seen at Pine Harbor (Cam Limani). The Greeks also called it Halki.
This is Prince Islands’ second largest island, with 581 acres to its name and this is blessed with pine forests and a number of beaches. The island has a funny shape. Its southern end looks as if the gods took a sizable bite. Pine Harbor is what remained of this bite – this circular bay is where you can see the bulk of the summer houses – fabulous 19th century villas, as well as a beach promenade.
Heybeliada boasts of beaches and forests that make for a good number of options when it comes to nature trips and water sports. For other forms of exercises, you can add strolling along the streets. You can also rent a bike and explore the island on two wheels. Trekking and hiking at the hills are also two great options. If you are not into exerting yourself too much, you can also ride the fayton or the delightful horse-drawn carriages that can be had in the island.
The island is home to several schools – the Aya Triyada (Holy Trinity) Monastery, the Turkish Naval Academy and the Greek Orthodox High School. The monastery held an orphanage, a convent and a school for girls. A new addition would be a training center for priests. Meanwhile, the Naval Academy was established in 1773. Really, Heybeliada served as an on-again off-again location for this school. The academy also had a hospital, a library, as well as a printing house. At the courtyard, you will also see a church of the Virgin Mary – the Kaariotissa. This is the last surviving Byzantine church in the island. Edward Barton, the English Ambassador to Constantinople is also buried here. The ambassador made the choice of staying in Heybeli instead of the city of Istanbul.
For the hotel, there is the Merit Halki Palace, which was built in 1862. The original structure was razed by fire but this was later repaired and established as a hotel in the mid-1990s. The Merit Halki Palace is a famous choice for tourists who decide to spend the night in the island. You can also explore the island’s two museums – one dedicated to the life and times of Huseyin Rahmi Gurpinar (a Turkish writer) and Inonu’s house. Inonu is the country’s second President.
For entertainment and sustenance, you can head for the pier, where you can find most of the island’s cafes and restaurants.
There are also some choices when it comes to cafes and restaurants.