Mudanya
The first address on our list is Mudanya, a charming district in Bursa. We’re not exaggerating when we say it’s close to the city – it’s about a 95-minute trip via sea bus from İstanbul to Mudanya. Key spots in Mudanya include the Armistice House and the Tahir Pasha Mansion, as well as picturesque Trilye, 11 kilometers from the center and easily reachable within about 20 minutes via minibus. The Halitpaşa neighborhood, also known as Girit Mahallesi or the Greek Quarter, is also alluring, featuring wooden mansions and narrow streets.
While you’re there, visit one of the seaside restaurants for Cretan-style appetizers and the region’s famous red mullet.
Sapanca
Sapanca is among the most popular weekend getaways for İstanbulites. With a wide range of accommodations for every budget, Sapanca also offers green nature and a variety of activities, especially those related to the splendid Sapanca Lake.
Whether you opt for a day trip or a multi-night stay, we recommend you a visit to Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park or the Sakarya Provincial Forest Nature Park (or both) to enjoy nature. You could also soak in healing waters at one of Sapanca’s famous spa hotels. For adventure lovers, Sapanca offers activities from paintball to ATVs and from ziplines to boating. At Sapanca Lake, you can also hike or bike around the shore (bicycle rentals are available) and dine on fish and appetizers at a lakefront restaurant or even on a boat. If you’re on a weekend schedule, sample the full Circassian-style breakfast in Kırkpınar, in the Çerkez neighborhood.
Cumalıkızık
Just 11 kilometers from the Bursa city center, this beautiful village in the Yıldırım district features colorful old houses with bay windows. Exempt from reinforced concrete, Cumalıkızık satisfies history, architecture, and photography buffs. To start the day in Cumalıkızık with a good breakfast, we recommend that you get to your preferred café before 10.00 – the village is known for its wonderful breakfasts. And by dining early, you’ll have the whole day to wander the streets and shop!
Princes’ Islands
The beautiful Princes’ Islands, just a ferry ride from the city, are the go-to day or weekend getaway for İstanbulites. The Islands are easy to reach – which means they can get crowded in the high seasons – but they’re always lovely, whether you’re sightseeing via bicycle or seeking a leisurely beach day. The four most popular islands are Büyükada, Heybeliada, Burgazada and Kınalıada, and we’ve written a blog about them. And, naturally, there’s food: fresh seafood and traditional appetizers at waterfront restaurants; ice cream and desserts at the cafes and bakeries.
Yedigöller National Park
We consider Yedigöller National Park to be like a heaven on earth. Set within the borders of the Bolu province, Yedigöller National Park is popular among campers, especially during the colorful autumn season. As the name (Seven Lakes) suggests, there are seven lakes, most of which have camping areas. There are also hiking and trekking routes, along with fishing facilities – the Park is known for its rainbow trout. You can visit the link for camping areas close to İstanbul.
Ağva
Ağva, in Şile, is less than a two-hour drive from İstanbul and offers both historical and natural attractions. Our favorite Ağva sights are the 12-meter-high Ocaklı Castle, built by the Genoese; Hacılı Village, famous for its caves and waterfalls, and the Kilimli and Kadırga coves on the Black Sea. Saklıgöl is also lovely.
İğneada
At the intersection of Thrace and the Black Sea in northwest Türkiye, Igneada is connected to the Demirköy district of Kırklareli province, approximately 250 kilometers from İstanbul. The region’s acclaimed Floodplain Forests are worth a visit, as are the İğneada Lighthouse, Dupnisa Cave, and the Fatih Foundry. The ever-present beauty of the Black Sea and its beaches, along with seven beautiful lakes and opportunities for bird watching and trekking, have brought İğneada into the spotlight for İstanbulites seeking getaways close to home.
Kıyıköy
Our final route is the pretty town of Kıyıköy, on the Black Sea coast. Like Igneada, Kiyiköy is in the Kirklareli province, but in the Vize district. Kıyıköy is surrounded by forests; many local residents are involved in forestry and fishing. However, the real owners of the Kıyıköy forests – composed of larch, black hornbeam, and beech trees, are its beautiful animal inhabitants, which include roe deer, wild boars, foxes and badgers. Let us remind you that each of these animals is under protection. On your visit to Kiyiköy, stop by the Aya Nikola Monastery, the Kiyiköy Limon Bath and the Kiyiköy Mosque. And sample the local fish and the buffalo yogurt!
