For those who can't go away this summer: 5 Weekend Getaway Suggestions

All year round we are swept away in the hustle and bustle of life. Between work, home, responsibilities, there is hardly any time left for ourselves. We get tired, sometimes mentally, sometimes physically exhausted. Not everyone has the time, means or energy to run away. But that shouldn't mean doing nothing. Sometimes, even near the city, there are escape points that refresh and relax you. Sometimes all one needs is a little breathing space. There is no need to go far; there are places nearby that are good for you, distract you and make you smile. If you are thinking “let me clear my head a bit, let me wake up somewhere else”, it might be a good idea to turn weekends into small breaks. Maybe the tranquillity you long for is much closer than you think, in a place where you can hop in the car and arrive in a couple of hours, in a quiet morning coffee or a cool evening walk.

5 Enjoyable Weekend Getaway Suggestions

1. Buyukada
2. Avşa Island
3. Marmara Island
4. Saros Bay
5. Akcakoca

Our first suggestion is of course one of the classics that will never change: Büyükada, Istanbul's largest island, is also one of the most well-known and popular weekend getaway destinations. As soon as you board the ferry, the noise of the city slowly fades away, replaced by the sounds of seagulls and the refreshing smell of the sea. When you arrive on the island, the historic mansions, flower-scented streets and the sound of bicycles quickly put you in the mood for a vacation. You can rent a bicycle and tour around the island, take a breath at the view from the Hagia Yorgi Church, or walk along the coast and watch the sunset from the fishermen by the sea. Büyükada is still one of the best options for those looking for a stop that is both close and soothing to the soul.

What to do in Buyukada?

Bicycle Tour: Büyükada has no vehicle traffic, so exploring the island by bike is a great option. You can rent a bike on the island or bring your own.

Visit Aşıklar Tepesi (Lover's Hill): Aşıklar Tepesi is the highest point of the island, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Istanbul by going up there.

Swimming at Ayazma Beach: You can swim at Ayazma Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Büyükada, and enjoy the sun.

Visit Historical and Cultural Places of the Island: While exploring the island, you can visit historical and cultural places such as Aya Yorgi Church, Rum Orphanage, and Hamidiye Mosque.

Hiking and Nature Walks: You can hike to explore the natural beauty of Büyükada. There are many hiking trails around the island.

Dining at Restaurants: The island has many beautiful restaurants. You can enjoy seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Shopping for Souvenirs: Büyükada has many souvenir shops. You can buy souvenirs as a beautiful memory of the island.

There is another island on our list: Avşa Island. One of the most enjoyable escape routes of the Marmara Sea. It is rare to find a place so close to Istanbul that smells like the sea and feels like a vacation. Although it gets a bit crowded in the summer months, if you want to “swim in the sea and sunbathe a little, eat ice cream on the beach in the evening and wander the streets”, this is the place for you. It is easily accessible by ferry from Istanbul. With a short journey, you leave the city behind and find yourself in a vacation atmosphere. What can you do on the island? Let's take a look together.

What to do in Avşa Island?

Beach Enjoyment: Avşa Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches during the weekend and engage in water sports.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours around the island. These tours usually allow you to explore beautiful bays and views around the island.

Walking and Biking: Avşa Island is waiting to be explored with its natural beauties. You can walk around or rent a bike to explore the island.

Water Sports: There are many water sports activities available on the island, especially kayaking, surfing, and jet skiing.

Nightlife: Avşa Island is also known for its lively nightlife. You can have fun at the bars and nightclubs on the weekends.

Island Tour: By visiting the small villages and historical sites in the center of the island, you can explore the island.

Seafood Dinner: You can try fresh seafood and local flavors in the island restaurants. It's an ideal destination for enjoying fish.

Beach Parties and Events: Some beaches host weekend parties and events. You can join these events and have a good time.

If you want to get away from the crowds, look at the sea, take a breath and be alone with the wind, Marmara Island is waiting for you. Neither as remote as the Aegean nor as crowded as the Mediterranean. It is a quiet beauty in the middle of the Marmara Sea. It is easily accessible from Istanbul and is good for those who want to slow down. It is neither too touristic nor completely deserted. When you walk the stone streets and have a cup of tea against the sea, you realize how good it feels to be here.

What to do in Marmara Island?

Beach Enjoyment: Marmara Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches during the weekend and engage in water sports.

Walking and Biking: You can walk around or rent a bike to explore the island. There are hiking trails filled with natural beauty.

Visiting Historical Sites: Marmara Island also attracts attention with its historical structures and places. During the weekend, you can visit the historical places of the island and travel back in time.

Fishing: Marmara Island is an ideal place for fishing. You can fish from the shore or go out to sea with fishing boats and spend enjoyable time in the sea.

Island Tour: By visiting the villages and historical sites in the center of the island, you can explore the island and see its cultural and natural heritage.

Seafood Dinner: You can try fresh seafood and local flavors in the island restaurants.

Nature Activities: Marmara Island is full of natural beauty. You can enjoy nature walks, picnics, and outdoor sports during the weekend.

Shopping for Souvenirs: You can shop and buy local products and souvenirs in the shops in the center of the island.

Marmara Island offers a peaceful and natural environment for weekend getaways.

What to do in Saros Bay?

If you want to get away from Istanbul, swim in the sea and take a calm breath, Saros Bay meets these needs. It is a few hours away from Istanbul, but it feels completely disconnected from the city. The sea is clear, the beach is calm and the air is refreshing even in the summer heat. The light wind blowing especially in the afternoons does not overwhelm you, on the contrary, it makes you feel vigorous. It is a good escape for those who want to stay away from the crowds. There are also beautiful areas for those who want to camp, and there are many options for those who want to stay in hostels or small hotels. Getting into the sea early in the morning, reading a book during the day, taking a walk, eating fresh seafood are just a few of the things to do here. Life in Saroz is slow, but that is exactly why it is beautiful.

Sea and Beach Enjoyment: Saros Bay stands out with its beautiful beaches and clean sea. You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports such as canoeing or sea biking on the beaches during the weekend.

Fishing: Saros Bay is an ideal area for fishing. During the weekend, you can fish from the shore or go fishing on fishing boats and enjoy your time at sea.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours organized in the bay to explore the natural beauty of the region. You can visit bays, take a swimming break, and watch the sunset from the sea.

Nature Walks: There are hiking trails filled with natural beauty around Saros Bay. By taking nature walks during the weekend, you can discover the flora and fauna richness of the region.

Camping and Picnics: You can set up a tent and camp or have a picnic in the natural areas around the bay. It's an ideal option for spending a weekend close to nature.

Visiting Historical and Cultural Places: You can visit the historical and cultural sites around the bay. Ancient settlements, castles, and churches reflect the history and culture of the region.

Water Sports: Saros Bay is suitable for water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and sea kayaking. You can boost your energy and excitement by doing water sports on the weekend.

Tasting Local Flavors: You can try local flavors in the restaurants around the bay. Seafood, local mezes, and fresh fish will delight your taste buds.

If you want to get some Black Sea air for the weekend, you can turn your route to Akçakoca. This quiet coastal town of Düzce takes you away from the city and into a completely different atmosphere with its long sandy beaches, clean sea and nature surrounded by hazelnut trees. While the sea sometimes rages with the familiar waves of the Black Sea, sometimes it surprises with its calmness. You can take a walk along the beach, sit in the seaside tea gardens and watch the sea while sipping your tea. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables at the early morning market and enjoy seafood at the fish restaurants along the coast. You can also go up to Ceneviz Castle and watch the view or cool off in Fakıllı Cave.

What to do in Akçakoca?

Beach and Sea Enjoyment: You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches along the coast of Akçakoca. You can swim, relax on the beach, and engage in water sports.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours organized along the coast of Akçakoca to explore the natural beauty of the region. You can visit bays, take swimming breaks, and enjoy a pleasant day at sea.

Visiting Waterfalls: You can visit the waterfalls near the area, such as Güvendik and Ceneviz Waterfalls, to enjoy the natural beauty.

Nature Walks: You can go on nature walks around Akçakoca to explore the natural beauty of the region. There are hiking trails surrounded by greenery.

Historical and Cultural Visits: You can visit historical and cultural sites such as Akçakoca Castle and historical mosques to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Tasting Local Cuisine: You can try local dishes in the restaurants in Akçakoca. Black Sea cuisine and fresh seafood will satisfy your palate.

Adrenaline Sports: You can do outdoor sports such as rafting, trekking, or mountain biking in the region. You can make your weekend exciting with adrenaline-filled activities.

Cultural Events: If you're lucky, you can participate in cultural events organized in Akçakoca. Local festivals, concerts, or exhibitions can make your weekend more colorful.

Akçakoca offers an ideal destination for weekend getaways with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Accomodations: For hotels please visit https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/