Essential Island Highlights
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Scale & Status: Spanning just 0.157 square kilometers, Sedef Island is the smallest inhabited island in the archipelago, administratively managed under Büyükada's Maden neighborhood. It supports a low-density private community of 20 to 50 winter residents.
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Elio Sedef Beach & Restaurant: An acclaimed upscale private beach club and Mediterranean seafood restaurant. Features sunbed decks shaded by pines, curated cocktails, and private motor launch transfers departing from Büyükada.
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Access Logistics: Reached via regular private shuttle launches operating from Büyükada's main harbor or seasonal motor passenger boats from Bostancı and Kartal. Crossing takes 10 to 15 minutes from Büyükada.
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Satellite Islets: Surrounding islets include Yassıada (Democracy & Freedom Island memorial park), Sivriada (uninhabited sea spire and Byzantine quarry), Kaşıkadası (privately owned), and Tavşanadası (marine sanctuary).
The Mother-of-Pearl Sanctuary
Sedef Island (Turkish: Sedef Adası, meaning 'Mother-of-Pearl Island'; historical Greek: Terebinthos, named after the wild terebinth trees that once populated its ridges) lies approximately 1,100 meters east of Büyükada's southern cape. In Byzantine times, the island was designated as a site of ecclesiastical and political exile; Patriarch Ignatius of Constantinople was confined here in 857 AD before his formal restoration.
During the early twentieth century, the island was largely privately acquired by the prominent Turkish diplomat and statesman Şekip Akalın, whose descendants planned an environmentally sensitive, low-density residential community. Thousands of Aleppo and stone pine trees were planted, creating a secluded retreat of private modernist timber villas, private boat docks, and unpaved footpaths. Motorized vehicles of all varieties remain prohibited.
Explore the Dedicated Island Website: Sedef.tours
For private boat charter options, complete Elio Sedef reservation protocols, and summer villa leasing directories, visit our companion portal:
Explore Sedef.tours ↗Elio Sedef Beach Club & Marine Dining
The primary attraction for daytime visitors is Elio Sedef Beach & Restaurant, located at 1 Nolu Sokak No: 1. Positioned on the southern coastal edge, Elio combines a refined beach club with an open-air Mediterranean restaurant. Guests relax on cushioned wooden sun loungers arranged along seaside decks shaded by pine trees, with ladder access into the clear, deep waters of the Marmara Sea.
| Service Parameter | Cost Range (TL) | Equivalent USD / EUR | Details & Booking |
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| Sunbed & Towel Service | 1,200 – 2,000 TL | €34 – €56 (~$37–$62 USD) | Includes lounger, umbrella, towel service, and sea platform access |
| A La Carte Dining (per person) | 1,500 – 3,500 TL | €42 – €98 (~$46–$108 USD) | Fresh seafood, carpaccio, pasta, Aegean meze, and curated wine list |
| Private Boat Shuttle from Büyükada | Complimentary / Nominal | Included for dining guests | Departs from Büyükada's dedicated motor launch dock (reservation required) |
Reservation Advisory: Due to strict capacity limitations, visiting Elio Sedef on summer weekends requires reserving sunbeds and dining tables at least 5 to 10 days in advance through their official booking desk or verified concierge.
Private Motorboat Charters: For small groups seeking complete freedom of movement between Sedef Island and the secluded coves of southern Büyükada, private motorboat dories can be chartered at Büyükada's central fishing harbor. Typical rates range from 1,800 to 3,500 TL for one-way transfers, or 5,000 to 9,000 TL for half-day coastal cruising. Always agree on the total Turkish Lira fare with the boat captain before stepping onto the gangway.
Combine Büyükada and Sedef Island in One Day Trip
Take the morning fast-track ferry from Eminönü to Büyükada, explore the historic clock tower and Çankaya mansions, and then board a 10-minute motorboat shuttle to Sedef Island for lunch and swimming. Pre-book your main ferry voucher online.
The Uninhabited & Institutional Satellite Islets
Beyond the five primary inhabited islands, the Princes' Islands archipelago includes four smaller satellite islets with unique historical and ecological profiles:
Yassıada (Democracy & Freedom Island)
Historically Greek Plati. Infamous as the site of the 1960–1961 military tribunal prosecuting Prime Minister Adnan Menderes and President Celal Bayar following the 1960 coup. Re-engineered in 2020 as a national museum, congress center, and memorial complex featuring the 27 May Museum and preserved courtroom.
Admission: 1,250 TL adult package (includes round-trip ferry from Karaköy/Kadıköy, guide, and museum entry)Sivriada (Oxia)
A dramatic, steep pyramidal rock spire rising 90 meters from the sea west of Kınalıada. In Byzantine times, it served as a stone quarry and monastic prison for political heretics. Today it is entirely uninhabited, functioning as a protected marine nesting sanctuary for seabirds.
Status: Uninhabited nature sanctuary (Accessible only by private boat)Kaşıkadası (Pita)
Named 'Spoon Island' because its elongated shape resembles a spoon lying on the water. Situated immediately east of Burgazada. Privately owned for generations; public disembarkation is strictly prohibited by private security.
Status: Strictly private property (No public landing)Tavşanadası (Neandros)
Also called Balıkçı Adası (Fisherman's Island). The southernmost landmass in the archipelago, located 2 km south of Büyükada. An uninhabited low rocky plateau rising to 40 meters, preserved as a marine wildlife and rabbit sanctuary.
Status: Protected marine sanctuary