Buyukada: the largest island among the Princes’ chain in the Sea of Marmara, Buyukada can be a welcome escape from Istanbul given that all private motorised vehicles are banned here. Alternatives include sedate horse-drawn carriages or even the humble donkey.

The island is comprised of two small hills that make ideal walking grounds; and there are a number of historic sites to explore such as the old church and monastery. Getting here from Istanbul requires heading to Serkeci ferry pier, from where a boat takes just under 2 hours.

Given the influx of locals on daytrips to this spot in the summer, numerous cafes and restaurants line the rear of the beachfront overlooking the sea.

Silivri: this large, historic town is little more than hour’s drive from Istanbul by the Sea of Marmara on the Thracian peninsula. A harbour town, Silivri has existed alongside Istanbul for thousands of years with the relics to prove it.

Sariyer: right on the edge of Istanbul, Sariyer is the district that reaches the farthest north on the European half of the Bosphorus. Flanking the Black Sea, there are many opportunities for swimming here even although much of the coastline is rocky. The area is also blessed with scenic forests across its hilly landscape, meaning it’s a good place for walking.

Yassaida: another of the Princes’ islands, Yassaida is much smaller at only one-twentieth of a square kilometre in size. The island is extremely windy but popular as a scuba diving destination among residents of central Istanbul. Officially it is an outer part of the city belonging to the Adalar district. To get here, ask at a tour operator that does diving trips in the Istanbul region or find out the latest ferry schedule.