If you are ready to take a short break from city life, there is always a way. Breathing fresh air, purifying and resting without leaving the city; if this idea got you excited, now is the time to choose the most beautiful greenspaces in İstanbul for you!
İstanbul is so magnificent and fascinating that a single adjective cannot do it justice. İstanbul has a culture rich enough to meet any one’s nature, history, or social interests. When it comes to İstanbul, it is not difficult to find places that are close enough to feel the rhythm of the city but calm enough to get away from the chaos. There are many diverse places to visit in İstanbul that are intertwined with nature. If you are ready to explore the nature parks, forests, and hiking paths of İstanbul that will give you a short break of serenity, keep reading!
1. İstanbul Forests
İstanbul can make you forget that you are in the most vibrant and dynamic city in the country when you enter its forested areas. Moreover, the options are quite broad. You can start the day with a pleasant breakfast in İstanbul’s Belgrad Forest or you can enjoy calm by the lake in the Aydos Forest. As you will see, İstanbul has several good options for places to visit when you want to step into nature. If you are not convinced yet, no problem, join us as we introduce some natural beauties of İstanbul. Here are the walking paths of İstanbul, which we have carefully selected.
1.1. Belgrad Forest, Sarıyer
When it comes to places to go hiking in İstanbul, the first alternative that comes to mind is the Belgrad Forest. The Belgrad Forest, is the largest forest of İstanbul and is also known as the lungs of İstanbul. It offers an ideal option for a long walk or just a place to sit to listen to the sounds of nature.
When you enter through the main gate on the Bahçeköy side, the road splits into two. To reach the embankments bearing the traces of the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, proceed on the right side of the road. By following the left side, you will reach the Neşet Suyu Hiking Trail. Hotels catering to nature lovers are located nearby and are an ideal option for short stay holidays and for those coming from outside the city. Atatürk Orman Çiftliği (Atatürk’s Forest Farm) is located in the southeast area of the Belgrad Forest.
1.2. Atatürk Forest, Florya
Located within the borders of the Bakırköy neighbourhood, İstanbul’s Florya Atatürk Forest is an area that was forested in 1937 at the request of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk Forest is one of the most popular destinations among the forested areas and hiking trails in İstanbul. It is ideally located for quick trips into nature. However, there are currently no active business inside the grounds. For this reason, you will need to take your own food and beverages with you.
1.3. Aydos Forest, Kartal
We continue with a peaceful escape route in the heart of the Anatolian Side. İstanbul’s Aydos Forest is loved by İstanbulites for its easy access, clean air and pleasant view of Aydos lake. The top of Aydos Hill, which you can reach with an easy and non-tiring hike, allows you to see unique views and experience peace at this hidden treasure. So, would you like to explore these places alone or with your loved ones?
1.4. Sevgililer Forest, Eyüp
Once you spend some time here, Sevgililer (Valentine’s) Forest, which is sure to be one of the places you will want to come back to again and again It is located in the Eyüp district of İstanbul. Seen as a continuation of the Belgrad Forest, this pleasant area offers the opportunity to tour around the lake on foot, or by renting a bicycle or battery-powered vehicle. Hotels in the forest near here are diversified with options that will meet all expectations for romantic getaways in İstanbul.
1.5. The Urban Forest and Adventure Park, Kemerburgaz
We continue without slowing down our forest hiking trail suggestions. The Urban Forest Adventure Park (Kent Ormanı Macera Parkı) is in the Kemerburgaz neighbourhood. Standing out with its plant and animal diversity as well as trails and amusement playgrounds, The Urban Forest is a family friendly place, but, entertainment options are not limited to only children’s activities. Adults also have the chance to participate in exciting activities such as climbing walls and ziplining.
1.6. Validebağ Grove, Üsküdar
Validebağ Grove is an ideal option for long nature walks, cycling, picnics, or just spending time quality time in nature with your loved ones. In addition, there are also historical structures located here which you can see while spending time enjoying the greenery.
1.7. İstanbul Fatih Forest, Maslak
İstanbul’s Fatih Forest, which is rich in plant diversity and hosts dozens of different animals, proves that you can find nature without leaving the city. A walk on one of its paths will be accompanied by the scent of dozens of different trees filling your nose. Unique fragrances on the breeze can be a great support for you in fighting daily stressors and if it is your lucky day, peacocks as colourful as rainbows can suddenly appear!
Now that you know enough about the most pleasant and peaceful nature escape routes, now is the time for exploration! If you say that it is not enough to hike in such peaceful places, you need to also rest afterwards, İstanbul hotels await you on Odamax, book now!
