Dilburnu Nature Park, Nature park on the Princes' Islands, Turkey
Dilburnu Nature Park is a nature park on the western tip of Büyükada, the largest of the Princes' Islands in the Sea of Marmara. It covers pine woodland, rocky shoreline, and small grassy patches that open toward the water.
The Princes' Islands were used during the Ottoman period as a place of exile for members of ruling families and clergy. This park was officially designated as a protected area in 2011 and is managed by the national nature protection authority.
The park is only reachable by ferry from Istanbul, and cars are not allowed on the island, so visitors walk or ride a rented bicycle to get there. There are no cafes or shops inside the park, so it is a good idea to bring water and food.
The name Dilburnu means 'Cape Tongue' in Turkish, a reference to the shape of the land that juts into the sea like a tongue. The park is also home to red squirrels, tortoises, hedgehogs, and rock lizards that can be spotted along the paths.
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