Riva

Off The Grid And Up The Creek

If you are in İstanbul and want to go off the grid while not being so far from the city, the peaceful and tranquil location of Riva is the perfect spot. Situated in between Anadolu Feneri and Şile on the Anatolian side of the city, Riva is a small coastal village filled with an abundance of beauty. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful beach, plenty of green fields, large ponds, unspoiled landscapes and wonderful valleys. Riva has been said to be the most stunning area of İstanbul due to its natural scenic surroundings, its forests and nature trails, and the unmissable Riva Creek and Riva Castle.

With its wide beaches and creek flowing into the sea. You can easily unwind by renting a sunbed and sunshade on Elmasburnu Beach. The water is clean, and the sand will tickle your toes as it's pretty secluded from any other tourists or locals. The water is shallow and has some rocks that are perfect for tide pooling. There is also an abandoned boat nearby where you can swim or snorkel if you are feeling more adventurous. But there is nothing more irresistible than a peaceful stroll along the beach first thing in the morning and watching the sunrise kissing the surf of the water.

Beyond the beach, the water views where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea are amazing. And there are many great places surrounding the beaches including speciality fish restaurants and the chance to take a boat trip along the Riva Creek. A stone's throw away is Riva Castle is also an important historical site and the view from there is simply divine.