Şile

Unwinding Tranquillity

If you prefer a place of tranquillity to unwind, then immersing yourself in the quiet village life of Şile is the perfect escape. Known for its natural beaches, off the beaten track trails for trekking, and beautiful scenery, which attracts city dwellers at weekends. You can also take a stroll through the quiet streets of the village, especially Saklıgöl, a beachside lake almost hidden in the mountains, where you can have dinner on the water or take a boat trip.

As one of more picturesque spots along the Black Sea, Şile is a wonderful destination, the neighbouring villages and town offer a variety of accommodations for a comfortable stay and the surrounding eateries offer a wonderous variety of sumptuous pescatarian delights and yes, we do mean fish!

Uzunkum Beach is one of the few public beaches in Şile. Its fine clean sand and picturesque coast is one of the best places for amateur and professional photographers to enjoy. The waves of the Black Sea can be overwhelming, but the shallow ends of the bay are suitable for families to paddle in.

There are nearby beach bars and eateries with tasty food and delicious beer. And a few places to grab sunbeds and umbrellas for a more comfortable beach experience.

As one of the best beaches for photography, this place is a true blue beach.

Akçakese Beach is one of the most unspoilt beaches on the Black Sea. It consists of several natural coves of white sand against a backdrop of grassy cliffs. The facilities are basic, but the attraction is that it is truly a wonder of a wild landscape, unlike the more active water sports stretches of the coast. There are also nearby campsites for the adventurous trekkers and some simple guesthouses in the nearby village for a little cosy creature comfort whilst visiting.

One of the longer sandy coasts in the popular Black Sea coast of Şile is the Kumbaba Beach, historically popular during the Eastern Roman era, when bathers came to soothe their rheumatism in the supposedly healing waters and sand. Take a stroll along the roadside filled with sand lilies or you can also reach the beach by stepping on the local raft service.

The main attraction for families and adventurers is the campsite where you can pitch your tent or caravan just a few metres from the water, which is the cleanest you will find in the İstanbul area.

If you are looking for more of a beach holiday vibe, Golden Beach is the perfect destination. The secluded beach with its wooden bungalows and boutique hotels promises you a paradise of rest and relaxation, and much-needed seclusion and tranquillity.

Soak up the sun in the private bays or take part in sporting activities such as diving and surfing. This stretch of the coast is perfect for snorkelling. There is even a nearby enchanting lake that shimmers blue in the sun.

Ayazma Beach, the largest beach with a 10 km long stretch of sand, is also known as the public beach of Şile. The blue flag beach is located at the entrance to Şile and is a regular summer pitstop by people who want to escape the heat of the city and enjoy the coastal breeze.

Ağlayankaya Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Şile with its clean water and tranquillity. It is also a blue flag beach. Accessible from the centre of Şile via Ağlayankaya Street towards the east.

Situated behind the Şile lighthouse, it is formed by the confluence of a water source between the rocks and the sea. And it was given this name because its appearance and current are reminiscent of a weeping face.

Şile is another great boon of İstanbul for those who enjoy roughing it in the great outdoors. Sahilköy is a charming place where you can camp in safety. The campsites here are connected to the complex called Sahil Camp İstanbul. Depending on your outlook for a particular view, there are two different camping areas by the sea and in the forest.

For a more mellow meadow experience, the Hacıllı Falls, located in the village of Hacıllı in Şile, is one of the places where you can feel nature without having to go too far from the city. In this area, you can camp on the edge of a stream in the middle of lush greenery. And if you are feeling a little more adventurous, you take a swim in the stream.