Island escape, Istanbul
The Princes’ Islands are just a 50-minute ferry ride from Istanbul but this peaceful archipelago in the Sea of Marmara feels like another world. A popular weekend retreat for Istanbulites, who come here to swim, sunbathe and chill out at the relaxed beach clubs, these car-free islands offer a totally different pace of life, where horse-drawn carriages and bicycles are the main form of transport. The Karamanyan is a beautifully renovated Ottoman mansion on the island of Heybeliada, comprising four stylish and spacious apartments, sleeping between four and six. Head for the family-friendly Green Beach Club, with its gently shelving sandy beach and wooden jetty, explore the pine forests by bicycle or hop on one of the regular ferries that sail between the islands.
• A week in an apartment at the Karamanyan in high season costs from £760 booked through Istanbul Islands (istanbulislands.com). Return flights from London to Istanbul start from £231 in July with EasyJet (easyjet.com)
via Bargain family summer holidays | Travel | The Guardian.