Places Near Istanbul and Suggestions for Routes to Visit and Accommodations

Istanbul may be one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but due to traffic and crowds, it often ignites a desire within us to escape somewhere else every weekend…

The urge to escape from the city, which starts as early as Wednesday, continues for many of us until Friday after work... That's exactly why we've researched weekend routes where we can get away from the chaos of the city and immerse ourselves in peace, along with the best activities to do on these routes. If you can't decide where to go next weekend, don't make a decision without looking at the list we've put together of routes just 2 hours away from Istanbul!

1- Ağva

Located just 90 km away from Istanbul, Ağva is one of the indispensable routes for weekend getaways. Despite being so popular, Ağva, frequently visited by Istanbulites due to its proximity to the city, stands out with its hotels promising tranquility for those seeking peace. There are many hotel options in the region with different concepts and sizes. Most of the hotels in Ağva are located along the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers, amidst greenery. By choosing one of these hotels, you can start your day with a wonderful breakfast by the river without leaving the hotel, and enjoy the tranquility among the trees throughout the day. If you say, "This is not enough for me, I need some action," there are many activity options waiting for you in Ağva. If the weather is nice, you can join the most beautiful games of nature on the surrounding hiking trails or ride a water bike on the river. You can even canoe on the river if you wish. Another thing you can do in Ağva is fishing! We think the activity of fishing, which becomes addictive once you try it, can make both your stomach and soul happy…

For Ağva Hotel Recommendations, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/agva-hotels 
2- Sapanca Lake
Another favorite weekend destination near Istanbul is Sapanca. Offering unique beauty to its visitors throughout the year, Sapanca has become a bit crowded on weekends in recent years. With its sprawling lake, shores untouched by promenades, and its nature surrounded by greenery, Sapanca more than deserves this attention. If you're hesitant to visit Sapanca because of the crowds, we suggest you don't postpone it any longer. There are so many venue options in Sapanca that you can sit down and enjoy Sapanca away from the crowds just the way you like. These places, where breakfast is quite popular, allow you to start your day at a fabulous table. After breakfast, you can rent a water bike to burn off what you've eaten. Or you can join one of the lake tours conducted with nostalgic boats. You can also try world massages at the SPA centers in Sapanca hotels to boost your energy. In short, whatever will make a short weekend unforgettable, you can experience it all in Sapanca!

For Sapanca Hotel Recommendations, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/sapanca-hotels 
3- Yalıköy, Çatalca
Here's a serene fishing village just 80 km away from Istanbul, perfect for those dreaming of a peaceful weekend! Yes, we're talking about Yalıköy. Located within the Çatalca district of Istanbul, Yalıköy is one of the most beautiful corners where you can escape the crazy crowds on weekends. Despite being connected to Istanbul, the fact that Yalıköy still retains its pristine charm might surprise you, but you'll quickly adapt to the village's pace within a few hours. Besides, the locals are so friendly that it's impossible not to feel at home! Now, if you ask, "What can you do in Yalıköy?" our answer would definitely be 'enjoying the tranquility.' For instance, you can relish swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the village's undiscovered beach... Just a reminder, since there are no facilities around the beaches, you'll need to bring along some food and drinks.

For Çatalca Hotel Recommendations, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/Catalca-Hotels 
4- Kerpe
If you say, "I want to be by the sea but I don't want it to be as quiet as Yalıköy," we have an option for you too. Kerpe, located 230 km away from Istanbul, is waiting for you with all its beauty. Revitalized with the arrival of spring, Kerpe is located within the Kandıra district of Kocaeli. In recent years, this holiday resort has become quite popular for short getaways, offering plenty of things to do. Despite being on the Black Sea coast, Kerpe has a sheltered area and breakwaters, making it easy for you to swim in the sea. The sea season starts at the end of May and lasts until mid-September. Therefore, if you want to have a weekend beach vacation in the summer months, you can choose Kerpe. Another activity you can do in Kerpe is renting a Jet Ski! If you enjoy speed, you can take the excitement to the next level by riding a Jet Ski in the Black Sea waters. You should also add seeing the Pink Rocks, located just 6 km away, to your list of things to do in Kerpe. The pinkish hue of the rocks, one of nature's most beautiful phenomena, looks spectacular especially during the crimson glow of sunset. Here, you can witness the fierce waves of the Black Sea and take wonderful photos among the rocks turning pink.
For Kocaeli Hotel Recommendations, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kocaeli-hotels 
5- Kastro Beach - Tekirdağ
Would you like to be at a wonderful seaside spot next weekend that not many people know about? For those asking, "Is there such a place left?" we have an answer: Kastro Beach! Located in the Saray district of Tekirdağ, Kastro is a perfect destination, especially for those seeking a peaceful weekend getaway. This magnificent piece of land stands out with its exquisite sea and natural beauty. If you enjoy camping and are looking for a tranquil corner to swim, you can escape to Kastro Beach anytime you want. We're sure you'll fall in love with its tranquility and the beauty of its natural life. There's so much more to say about Kastro, but we suggest you make your plans as soon as possible. And if you're lucky, you might even come across some endangered sand lilies…
For Tekirdağ Hotel Recommendations, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/tekirdag-hotels 
6- Şile
Just like Kerpe, another weekend destination where you can dive into the cool waters from the Black Sea coast is Şile. A charming town frequently visited by Istanbulites on weekends both in summer and winter, Şile is located approximately 55 km away from the city center of Istanbul. Thanks to this close distance, Şile awaits you at the end of about a 1-hour journey with its unique sea and coastline! For those who prefer not to drive to Şile, there are municipal buses available from Üsküdar as well. Bus number 189 departs from Üsküdar and goes all the way to Şile Terminal. Besides swimming in the sea, there are also various other activities to do in Şile. Of course, water sports come first among these activities. If you want to experience an exciting adventure, you can visit the water sports center and choose the most suitable water sport for you. If you want to get to know Şile closely, you can also visit Şile Castle, Şile Lighthouse, and Kavala Park. While you're in Şile, having a meal at the famous Casa Lavanda Hotel can be a special treat.
For Sile Hotel recommendations: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/istanbul-sile-hotels  
7- Riva
Riva, a neighborhood located in the Beykoz district, is one of the closest routes for those who want to swim in the sea during the summer. With a distance of approximately 45 minutes from the central districts of Istanbul, Riva's proximity to the Black Sea coastline means that the summer season doesn't last very long. However, restaurants where you can enjoy fresh fish and breakfast, along with places to visit, make Riva indispensable for Istanbulites even in the winter. If you dream of a short holiday getaway that you can enjoy both in summer and winter, you can visit Riva. Moreover, you can make your Riva vacation more economical by using public transportation departing from Beykoz. Enjoying the sea, eating fresh fish at Beykoz fishermen's restaurants, and breathing in the clean air are just some of the things you can do in Riva...

For hotel recommendations in the Beykoz area, visit: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/istanbul-beykoz-hotels 
8- Polonezköy
Polonezköy, which brings those tired of city life together with nature, is one of the indispensable weekend destinations for Istanbulites. With its lush greenery, Polonezköy offers a breakfast spot suitable for every taste. If you want to start your weekend off happily, you can have a delightful breakfast in Polonezköy with a reservation in advance. Activities in Polonezköy are not limited to just breakfast, of course... A 5 km long hiking trail also awaits those who want to exercise amidst the greenery. Those who wish can rent bicycles and explore the beauties of Polonezköy by pedaling. For those who want to see the heritage left by the Polish, we recommend visiting the Zofia Rizi Memorial House and the Virgin Mary Church... Polonezkoy Hotels Suggestion: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/istanbul-polonezkoy-hotels 
9- Princes' Islands
We can say that the Princes' Islands, Istanbul's closest escape point, are perhaps the most beautiful routes on this list. If you ask why; it's because in the distance of a ferry ride, there's no limit to what you can do for a peaceful weekend getaway on the Islands! Whichever of the charming Princes' Islands you visit, you can ride a bike, for example. You can sit down to a delicious seafood feast by the sea at one of the island's fish restaurants where you can find the freshest fish in Istanbul. You can stroll through the warm island streets and take a coffee break at one of the adorable cafes when you get tired. You can even have a picnic if you like. After preparing everything, you can hop on an island ferry from Eminönü, Kartal, or Kadıköy and enjoy a picnic among the fresh pine trees with your loved ones. You can add island ice cream to your list of the most delicious ice creams you've ever had. The Historic Prinkipo Ice Cream Parlor, the birthplace of the island ice cream that has gained fame beyond the borders of Istanbul, is located on Büyükada. Let's not forget to mention it for those who want to taste the most delicious one!

Click the link for hotel recommendations for Büyükada. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/istanbul-buyukada-hotels 
10- Kartepe
One of the most beautiful routes you can visit year-round near Istanbul is Kartepe... Although Kartepe is generally preferred for winter holidays, it offers a completely different beauty to its visitors in the summer and spring months as well. For example, although Kuzu and Kirazlı Plateaus are among the most beautiful spots in Kartepe, they are still not well-known by many. You can take advantage of this and turn your weekend route to these plateaus, which boast magnificent natural beauty. The best activity you can do on the plateaus is camping, of course! If you love being in nature, you can set up your tent in the lush green plateaus of Kartepe and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. If you're someone who likes to mingle in crowds, Kartepe offers plenty of activity options for you too. Especially in the winter months, you can spend exciting hours on the slopes of Kartepe Ski Center, one of Turkey's best ski resorts. Don't forget to stop by Maşukiye on your way back to Istanbul! Here, you can end your weekend by trying the famous tile-roasted fish and mushrooms at the restaurants set up along the riverbanks, for example…
Check out the hotel recommendations in the Kocaeli region at https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/kocaeli-hotels