A short ferry ride from Istanbul will take you to one of the chilled day trips from Istanbul you can find. This chilled-out island archipelago seems like it’s a hundred miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
If you’re going on a weekend trip to Istanbul and want to see something else in the area other than markets and architecture, this is arguably the best place to go.
Just an hour from Istanbul, Sile Beach makes a great choice to get your feet wet on the Black Sea Coast. Though it is part of a rocky beach, it also has some sandy sections and a unique coastal landscape that residents of Istanbul seem to prefer.
Belgrad Forest is for you if you crave nature and quiet spaces and want a day trip to Istanbul. Known locally as Belgrad Ormani, you’ll find around 5000 hectares of trees, walking trails, streams, small bridges, and a beautiful, natural feel here.
If you visit Istanbul in the summer, you might want somewhere to chill out and cool off from the heat. In that case, head to the city’s north and keep going until you hit the coastal resort of Kilyos.
You will find the gorgeous Gallipoli Peninsula, with stunning sea views north of Istanbul. The main reason to come to the national park is to pay respects to the soldiers from WWI.