Istanbul is the historical and cultural capital of Turkey, which annually receives a huge number of tourists. However, in its surroundings there are many places worthy of attention. For those who have traveled the length and breadth of the metropolis on the border of Europe and Asia, or simply want to explore the terrain of the region, we have prepared a week-long route by car. It is the most convenient way to get to each point.
You can book a car in Istanbul on OneTwoTrip from 2300 rubles per day*.
Days 1-2. Sariyer. Belgrade forest. Kilios
Sadberk Hanim Museum
Nejdet Duzen/Shutterstock.com
We leave Istanbul. Make sure to rent a car in advance. The journey to Kilyos will take approximately one and a half hours.
First stop – Sariyer. Clean quiet beach, few tourists, Sadberk Hanim Museum and many seafood restaurants. The place is famous for the fact that a type of Turkish pie, Sarıyer börek, was invented here. The classic filling is chopped lamb with nuts and raisins, but there are many variations: from vegetables to legumes. Grab a snack on the spot or take it on the go.
Next stop is Belgrade Forest, located 20 minutes from Sariyer. This beautiful natural site, covering an area of approximately 5,500 hectares, is ideal for hiking enthusiasts. Small lakes, a river, wooden bridges – the landscapes here are mesmerizing. In the forest itself there are many parks with tables, picnic areas and playgrounds, so it’s worth walking for a few hours and staying there for lunch.
After lunch, head to Kilyos. You will arrive in 40 minutes. This place is famous for its beaches, so upon arrival you should immediately go to the sea and spend a couple of hours on the sand, sunbathe, walk along the coast, and if the season allows, swim. For the evening, leave for a walk around the city and viewing the small ruins of the castle of Kilyos Kalesi.
Kilios
We have selected three hotel options for you:
Kilyos Kale Hotel — from 3600 rub. per night for two*
Kilya Hotel — from 4700 rub. per night for two*
Erzurumlu Hotel — from 4700 rub. per night for two*
Days 2-4. Shile and Agva
Schiele
It’s worth waking up early. The next stop is the resorts of Sile and Agva, famous for their sandy beaches, where there are almost no tourists. Mostly local residents or villa owners from Istanbul vacation there. Among the free ones, Kabakoz and Akchakese are good; if you decide to visit the paid ones, you will definitely go to Kumbaba beach. There are legends that back in Byzantine times, a chemist named Kumbaba discovered the healing properties of sand from these places and used it to treat rheumatism. Entrance to the beach on weekdays is 20 liras*, on weekends – 30 liras*.
Both cities are surrounded by picturesque natural places: Kilim and Kadyrga bays, the valley of eleven lakes, Bride’s Rock, hidden lake Sakli Gol, many waterfalls (for example, Khajily), ruins of churches and castles, the Gürlek stalactite cave, as well as various parks.
The journey to Sile will take about an hour. This is the center of the district, a cozy, historical place. In the city itself, we recommend taking a walk and seeing the local Ahmet Çavuş mosque, an active lighthouse and the ruins of the medieval Šile Castle, located on a small island next to the pier. In the east of the city you can visit the Weeping Rocks spring – the shape of the rock resembles the face of a crying man.
From Šile to Agva it takes about 40 minutes. Agva is a smaller town. It is popular for its active recreation: here you can go on boat excursions or surfing, rent water skis, bicycles, canoes and ATVs. In addition, this place is known for its famous bazaar, where residents sell their own products.
Agva
The distances from both towns to natural places and beaches are almost the same, so depending on the type of vacation you need, you can stay in any of them. Two nights are enough to visit all the picturesque corners and relax on the beach.
Accommodation options in Sila:
Violet Park Hotel — from 2300 rub. per night for two*
Ucar Royal — from 2700 rub. per night for two*
Fener Motel — from 4000 rub. per night for two*
Accommodation options in Agve:
Sapphire Hotel — from 2300 rub. per night for two*
Ağva Güneş Otel — from 2500 rub. per night for two*
Assortie La Villa Hotel from 4500 rub. per night for two*
Days 4-5. Sebechi and Kefken Island. Mountain resort Kartepe
Kefken
On the morning of the fourth day, go to the northern coast of Kocaeli province, to the village of Sebechi. It’s worth leaving early – the day will be busy. From Šile the trip will take almost two hours, and from Agva – a little over an hour. Among the attractions of the city and nearby places are the ruins of an old lighthouse and fortress located on the small island of Kefken. It can be reached by boat from Sebechi Beach, where water taxi owners can often be found. The island is also notable for its beautiful cliffs made of a rare type of pink stone.
Kartepe
Then hit the road again. The next stop will be the mountain resort of Kartepe. We recommend stopping here. Travel time from Sebechi is about an hour. The resort is located at an altitude of 1600 meters and is popular for its ski slopes, but there is something to see here even in the warm season. For example, you can ride an ATV or go canoeing, climb to the top by cable cars or on foot, or take a walk in the Ormagna Wildlife Park.
Ormagna Wildlife Park
photo acorn/Shutterstock.com
Another feature of Kartepe is the picturesque view of the Izmit Bay. There are many hotel complexes with bicycle rentals, swimming pools, Turkish baths, mud baths and massage treatments:
RİVADA HOTEL — from 3600 rub. per night for two*
Doubletree By Hilton Kocaeli – from 6000 per night for two*
Days 5-6. Lake Sapanja
Lake Sapanja
On this day you can sleep longer. After breakfast, drive to Lake Sapanca, located just 20 minutes from Kartepe. In the city of the same name you can see the historical mosque of Sultan Rahim. The lake attracts hiking enthusiasts; there are many interesting routes here. The most famous routes: from Sapanj to the village of Istanbuldere, as well as through the Jigdem and Kirazli plateaus.
After long walks, you can spend the night right in the city by the lake:
Room Room Motel — from 2000 rub. per night for two*
Kumbaz Pansiyon – from 2000 rub. per night for two*
Sapanca Aqua Hotel — from 3200 rub. per night for two*
Days 6-7. Yalova
Yalova
On the morning of the sixth day, departure to Yalova. The journey will take approximately one and a half hours. You can relax in this village, which is famous for its spas and Turkish baths, at any time of the year. There are many visitors here during the season. Yalova itself is worth walking either early in the morning, when there are not many people on the streets, or in the evening, when the heat subsides. Pay attention to the main street Gazi Pasha – here is the local bazaar and the former residence of Ataturk, which is now a museum. There are also many natural attractions outside the village: Erikli and Sidushen waterfalls, Lake Iznik, Harmankaya Park.
The region is especially famous for its healing springs. The thermal complex “Yalova Thermal” is located 12 kilometers from Yalova; there are many hotels right on its territory. You can visit a resort with a swimming pool and four types of baths without staying in the hotels located on its territory – it will even be cheaper. Entrance to the outdoor pool on weekdays for 30 minutes for an adult costs 46 liras*, to the bathrooms – from 19 to 68 liras*, depending on their type. On weekends the price increases by about 20 liras*. Massage and scrubbing are paid separately. Opening hours from 7:30 to 22:30.
Thermal complex “Yalova Thermal”
Accommodation options:
BEKSİTİ HOTEL – from 3000 rub. per night for two*
Seref Hotel — from 3400 rub. per night for two*
Mirart Hotel Boutique & SPA Yalova – from 4800 rub. per night for two*
On the seventh day you can sleep off and then head back to Istanbul to return the car.
*Prices valid at time of publication.
Photo: unsplash.com; shutterstock.com
You can book hotels online on the website or in the OneTwoTrip app.
