Belgrad Forest
One of the best places for a lovely nature trek in Istanbul is Belgrad Forest. At 5,300 hectares, Belgrad Forest features a variety of both short and longer routes. For a forested trek with a sea view, take a turn off the beaten path from Rumeli Feneri to Kale and enjoy one of the most beautiful walks in Istanbul.
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Polonezkรถy
Polonezkรถy, a popular getaway spot in Istanbul, offers a five-kilometer route amid pine, chestnut and oak trees โ ideal for a short walk. The best time to visit Polonezkรถy is between April and September. There are also plenty of shops and eateries in the recreational areas to explore after your walk.
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Uรงmakdere
Set in the Tekirdaฤ, Sarkรถy district, Uรงmakdere is an old Greek town that offers a great and mostly moderate route. The slopes on the route can be a bit strenuous, but the incredible views at the end make the effort worthwhile. In addition to trekking, Uรงmakdere, is one of the best spots in Tรผrkiye for paragliding. Although there are no accommodation options in the village, you can camp in designated areas. If you decide to stay here โ in one of the best places for trekking close to Istanbul โ be sure to watch the skies at night; the lack of light pollution makes it a wonderful spot for photography. On the way to Uรงmakdere, be sure to see the wooden fishing shelters and fishing piers. And on your way back, pick up some of the local specialties such as homemade eriลte (noodles), tarhana, ฤฑhlamur (linden), adaรงayฤฑ (sage) and รผzรผm pekmezi (grape molasses).
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Sรผlรผklรผgรถl (Sรผlรผklรผ Lake)
Sรผlรผklรผ Lake is set within the Tavลansuyu village in Bolu, part of the Mudurnu district. Itโs approximately three hours from Istanbul. Start your trekking adventure at the entrance to the Sรผlรผklรผ Lake Nature Reserve Park. From there you can take the forest route or the dirt road, which covers 16 kilometers, while enjoying the shade of the oak and fir trees along the way. As the name suggests, Sรผlรผklรผ Lake (Leech Lake), was once filled with leeches. The leech population has diminished due to an increase in trout. Sรผlรผklรผ Lake offers a great weekend getaway.
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Erikli Yaylasฤฑ (Erikli Plateau)
Erikli Plateau, approximately 90 minutes from Istanbul, is in the district of รฤฑnarcฤฑk, Yalova. Erikli Plateau trekking tours usually start off in Teลvikiye Village. Due to the slopes on the footpath trails, this route offers a medium-level trek. You will come across the natural wonders of รifte ลelale (รifte Waterfall), Dipsiz Gรถl (Dipsiz Lake), Delmece Yaylasฤฑ (Delmece Plateau) and Erikli ลelalesi (Erikli Waterfall) during your trekking adventure. Erikli Plateau also features campsites. For trekking routes close to Istanbul, Erikli Plateau offers a magnificent experience!
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