April 23 holiday travel tips

April 23rd National Sovereignty and Children's Day, the only holiday given to children in the world and a gift from our ancestor, falls on Monday this year. Therefore, if we count Monday and the weekend, we have a 3-day spring vacation. So let's start planning now. Where to go and what to do on April 23rd? 

If you don't want to go out of Istanbul, you can plan beautiful walks and picnics by escaping to the lap of nature such as Belgrade Forest, Emirgan Grove. 

If you have not yet visited historical sites and museums with your children, this is a great opportunity for you. From Hagia Sophia to Topkapi, you can visit Istanbul's important museums, historical sites and cisterns. 

AĞVA, ISTANBUL

The best route for those who want to get away from the city is Ağva. Ağva's walking paths covered with trees that blossom and green with the arrival of spring, the sea and nature are a great stress relief point for you. You can go with your lover and your children with peace of mind. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/agva-hotels

BIGADA

Another close destination is Büyükada, which is now a classic holiday destination, but still gorgeous. Hop on the ferry and leave all the chaos, noise and polluted air of Istanbul behind. Enjoy delicious ice cream while touring the island by carriage. Click for Buyukada Hotels

SAFRANBOLU

If you want, you can go a little further afield and find yourself in Safranbolu. Safranbolu's historical atmosphere and narrow streets are perfect for walking in spring. It will be a weekend where you cannot get enough of the local dishes and buy gifts for your loved ones from local items. 

In Safranbolu, one of the most beautiful regions of our country with its unique houses and warm atmosphere, you can examine the Safranbolu houses, which are a reflection of classical Ottoman architecture, and lose yourself in the narrow streets and bazaar of the city. While wandering the streets of Safranbolu, both you and your children will be amazed by the unique beauty of the Ottoman-era inns, baths, mosques, fountains and mansions.https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/safranbolu-hotels

BURSA, CUMALIKIZIK-MUDANYA-TIRILYE

 If you'd like, Bursa, where traces of history are abundant, is just a ferry ride away. Cumalıkızık will enchant you with its houses, narrow streets where a thin stream flows, delicious gözlemes, and magnificent architecture. You can see the historical artifacts in the city center of Bursa, and after tasting İskender kebab, you can sweeten your mouth with chestnut candy. Mudanya, the charming coastal town of Bursa, is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle of crowded and stressful life without straying too far from Istanbul. You can even go to Mudanya with its old Greek houses and olive trees for a day trip. Another must-see place in Bursa is Tirilye, which takes you on a journey through the past with its Greek and Ottoman houses. Although restoration works are currently underway, the Stone School, which was built as a church in the 7th century and converted into a mosque in 1560 while preserving the general structure of the church, and the Fatih Mosque are among the places you must see here. Click here for Bursa Hotels

BOLU, ABANT-GÖYNÜK-YEDİGÖLLER

 Is there anything better than spending a 3-day vacation in plenty of oxygen? You will wander the streets feeling the peace of quiet life in this old Ottoman city and find both peace and feel like you are in another world with its view among the old Ottoman houses. On the other hand, there are many more places to visit in Bolu. Yedigöller National Park, located in the north of Bolu, will enchant you with its lakes and dense forest. Yedigöller, consisting of Seringöl, Büyükgöl, Deringöl, Nazlıgöl, Kurugöl, İncegöl, and Sazlıgöl, was formed as a result of the dams created by two landslides filling the valley. Also, if you go there, you must definitely explore the monumental trees. Abant, a must-see for nature lovers with its mountain smell, lush forests, and clean air, is an ideal place to visit on April 23. There are many natural wonders you can see and visit in the region. The most prominent of these is Abant Lake, which nature lovers should not miss in the spring months. Do not leave the city without seeing Yedigöller National Park, which is one of the natural beauties of the city, and Samandere Waterfall. Click here for Bolu Hotels

BURDUR, SALDA LAKE

 Salda Lake, which has become increasingly popular in recent years and is known as the Maldives of Turkey, is one of Anatolia's hidden paradises. Salda, which holds the title of being one of the two places with Mars-like features, also hosts many endemic plant species. Click here for Burdur Hotels

ÇANAKKALE, ASSOS 

Go to Assos in spring! Assos, located in Behramkale Village across from the island of Lesbos, offers a magnificent view of Çanakkale's nature and endless scenery. In the village and surrounding villages, rich restaurants will satisfy your appetite for fish! Click here for Assos Hotel

SAPANCA 

If you reside in Izmit, Bursa, or Istanbul and are looking for a nearby escape, Sapanca may be a very suitable route for you. Sapanca, which is only 1.5 - 2 hours away, fascinates visitors with its lake view and lush green forest. If you go there, you can eat delicious fish in the restaurants around the lake and go for a walk or bike tour. Those who want to explore the paths in the forest away from the lake can turn their ATV tours into unforgettable experiences. Kartepe and Istanbuldere are also worth seeing. Click here for Sapanca Hotels

AYVALIK AND CUNDA

 Ayvalık and Cunda Island, which welcome visitors with flowers in spring, are another popular region with its Greek architecture. If you are interested in history, you should see the Taksiyarhis Church and Ayışığı Monastery. Also, while you are there, you must taste olive oil and various types of olives. Having a fish meal against the view at Şeytan Sofrası (Devil's Table) will also be unforgettable. Click here for Ayvalık and Cunda Hotels

CAPPADOCIA 

Cappadocia, with its underground cities, boutique cave hotels, caves, fairy chimneys, and colorful sunset, is beautiful in spring! There are many places to visit and many activities to do in Cappadocia, which bears the traces of thousands of years of civilization. Ürgüp, where Kadı Castle is located, Uçhisar, which contains many rooms, cisterns, tombs, and cellars, Çatalkaya Fairy Chimneys, Hallaç Monastery, Karain, Karlık Göreme, Mustafapaşa, and Ortahisar are definitely worth seeing. A balloon tour will also be unforgettable! Click here for Cappadocia Hotels

BARTIN, AMASRA 

Amasra, a small and charming place, deserves to be visited in spring with its vast forests. Amasra, an idyllic district of Bartın in the Western Black Sea, is one of the places where visitors will not want to return from. The road between Kastamonu and Bartın is like the type of scene you see in calendar photos. Click here for Bartın Hotels

KAZ MOUNTAINS

 Kaz Mountains, with its lush atmosphere and oxygen-rich air, are beautiful in spring! If you want to have a pleasant weekend and have fun, you must definitely visit Mıhlı Creek. This region, where hundreds of plant species grow, also contains plant species that you cannot see anywhere else in the world. Click here for Kaz Mountains Hotels