It is not just the beaches or the historical texture that make Şile so appealing. This lovely municipality’s tree-lined streets will steal your heart. Şile is the ideal location for a few quiet days away to make you feel like you are out of the city!
In the winter, enjoy an art film vacation, while in the summer, drink in history or just enjoy the beaches. It is easy to spend time among the places to visit, in nature, and around the friendly locals of Şile, which has been described as the lungs of İstanbul, bearing traces of the Phrygian, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods! We carefully noted our suggestions for you while driving down the green, tree-lined roads of Şile, Odamax’s Şile guide is available below!
1. Where is Şile?
Şile is located on İstanbul’s Anatolian side, northeast of the Marmara Region. Şile is located on the Kocaeli Peninsula’s Black Sea coast, with Kandıra to the east, Beykoz to the west, and Pendik and Gebze to the south. Şile is located 77 kilometres from İstanbul’s city centre.
2. How to get to Şile?
The İstanbul-Şile road and its surrounding connections allow easy access to Şile. If you enjoy sea travel, sea buses departing from Bostanci can take you directly to Şile in only one hour and twenty minutes. You can also take buses 139, 139A, 139T, and 14YK, or the Çekmeköy–Şile minibuses. However, you should be aware that bus schedules and travel times differ between weekdays and weekends so double check the schedules before you leave.
3. For what is Şile famous?
3.1. Kestane Balı (Chestnut Honey)
Chestnut honey is well-known in Şile. This flavour is likely to be present almost everywhere you go in the district. This well-known honey is frequently served in the breakfasts of Şile hotels, pensions, and boutique hotels. Indeed, it is expected that chestnut honey produced in Şile villages will be given a coveted geographical indication in the near future.
3.2. Mancarlı Pide (Pide with Herbs)
If you’re wondering, “What is mancar?” let us explain right away: Mancar refers to all edible herbs in the region. In other words, pide with mancar is prepared differently in the summer and winter depending on what herbs are in season. Baking pide in a karafırın (traditional oven), of course, adds extra flavour to your meal.
3.3. Şile Bezi (Şile Cloth)
Şile cloth is woven on hand looms with cotton threads and is essential for the dresses that add colour to the spring and summer months. Şile cloth is entirely unique to Şile. In other words, save a small space in your suitcase for colourful Şile cloth dresses.
4. Where to go in Şile?
4.1. Şile Lighthouse
The Şile Lighthouse, which was built during the Crimean War, still guides sailors from the Black Sea region today. You can enjoy the view from a bench in the park directly beneath the Şile Lighthouse, which is currently the largest lighthouse in the country. You can stay in the island’s central hotels and take a short trip to the lighthouse, which is a favourite location of many popular TV shows and movies.
4.2. Ağva
You should go to Ağva if you want to have a little weekend getaway or just to explore a part of İstanbul away from the chaos. You can relax at the picnic areas in Sakligöl, go fishing in Göksu Creek, or cool off at Kurfalalti Beach. Peaceful days await you in Ağva hotels or nature resorts surrounded by rivers and forests.
4.3. Şile Castle
You can go to Şile Castle, which is close to Şile beach, early in the morning to enjoy the view in peace. After that, you can relax at one of the breakfast spots found in the centre. However, we do not recommend swimming here, because the unpredictable sea water is extremely wavy and varies in depth.
5. What to do in Şile?
5.1. Spend time on Şile beaches
Crying Rock Beach is one of the most well-known beaches on the island. The famous Crying Rock is the subject of the legend of the lovers who couldn’t meet and so flung themselves in the waters. Sakliköy Bay, located in Kabakoz, provides an excellent alternative to enjoying the sea at the private Blue Flag beaches lined up along Uzunkum. However, due to the choppy and dangerous waters of the Black Sea, it is recommended to only swim at beaches owned by businesses and surrounded by safety lines.
5.2. Discover the caves of Şile
Zeki Müren was known to have a fondness for Şile before he settled in Bodrum. Müren is also said to visit the Evening Sun (Akşam Güneşi) Cave here frequently because of its acoustic qualities. You should try it out too! This cave, located in Feneraltı, can only be reached by boat. If you enjoy caving, you should also visit the Sofular Cave, which was used as a church by Christians in ancient times. Inkese Cave, which was also once used as a church and is notable for its 12-step entrance and 355-metre length, should be added to your list of must-see places to visit.
It is impossible to be indifferent to the beauty of Şile! You’re probably already planning your trip. So, where are you going to stay in Şile? Odamax has accommodation options that will meet all your requirements!
