HEYBELIADA (HEYBELÝADA)

In the past, the island had its copper mines which are shut down today. There are some interesting buildings on Heybeliada; one is the Naval Academy and other one is the Greek Orthodox High School. The high school is a large building up on a hill in the middle of pine trees, but it's closed today. Halki Palace is a well-known hotel built in 1862 for the parents of the Greek high School, it was destroyed by a fire and than restored as a hotel in 1995. A small church dedicated to the Virgin Mary stands in the courtyard of the Naval Academy. Degirmen is a nice picnic area on the side facing to Kasik island. There are also a public beach set in a nice cove and a water sports club on this side of Heybeli. One can enjoy many restaurants and cafeterias around the pier to try local dishes and fresh fish. The island is also busy during winter months because of many schools and the sanatorium, there are also many trekking and hiking trails over the hills and through the pine groves.