Istanbul, besides being a large metropolis, offers a unique opportunity for physical and mental renewal through the Bosphorus, forests, parks, and green spaces. If you want to escape the stress of the city and start your day surrounded by the sounds of birds and the scents of flowers, there are several stops in areas near Thrace where you can immerse yourself in nature.

Çatalca

Çatalca, home to the largest green areas on Istanbul’s European side, is a true natural area thanks to its oak and hornbeam forests, which mark the beginning of the Istranca Mountains. The trees around the villages of İhsaniye and Binkılıç provide challenging but enjoyable trails for hiking and cycling enthusiasts. One of the most distinctive points of the region is the İnceğiz Caves, attracting visitors with their geological structure and the wide valley in front of them.

Moving toward the sea, the Yalıköy–Ormanlı line welcomes you. Here, the wide coastal strip starting where the forest ends is one of the calmest spots in Istanbul. The high hills favored by paragliding enthusiasts are a major attraction for adventure seekers.

Silivri

As you move toward the interior of Silivri, the characteristic vegetation of Thrace and its wide plains become more prominent. The most important natural area in the region is the Danamandıra Nature Park, which, along with Sazlı Lake, is a haven of silence. This area is very suitable for birdwatching and lakeside walks, providing an ideal atmosphere for those who want to escape the city noise and listen only to the wind.

Arnavutköy

The Arnavutköy route greets nature lovers with one of Istanbul’s key water sources, Lake Terkos (Durusu). The reeds and untouched forest paths around the lake give the area a wild, natural habitat. This quiet landscape, where forest and water meet, gradually transitions into the striking views of Karaburun as you move north of the lake.

Kemerburgaz

Kemerburgaz, a natural extension of the Belgrad Forest, is one of the points that makes nature accessible thanks to its vast city forest. Its ponds and organized walking paths allow visitors to enjoy the forest air with a modern touch. Gümüşdere, located along this line, with its horse farms and wide agricultural fields, transforms the character of the region. This special point, where the forest meets the Black Sea, offers both the simplicity of farm life and the freshness of the coast, allowing you to feel nature without leaving the city.

Başakşehir

Although close to the city’s residential areas, Şamlar Nature Park surprises visitors with its expansiveness. The park is covered with pine trees, especially impressive are the open spaces under the tall pine trees with views of the Sazlıdere Dam, giving it an authentic Thracian rural feel. This area, one of the largest and most accessible on the European side for nature walks and fresh air, offers different natural landscapes at all hours of the day.

Source: ENUYGUN.com