6 BEST PRISTINE NATURAL PLACES TO VISIT IN ISTANBUL

Formerly known as Constantinople (after Constantine II), Istanbul is the biggest transcontinental city in the world with a huge list of tourist attractions to visit on both it's European and Asian sides. While today, it is a top travel destination famous for shopping and exploring the fine blends of European and Asian history dating back to 4500+ years, Istanbul also has some totally offbeat and truly picturesque natural places that offers a pristine environment to retire within the nature.

1. PRINCES' ISLANDS, ISTANBUL

Originally, one of the 9 unique islands of the archipelago on the Maramara Sea, its picturesque peaceful waters and sand away from the noisy world, its the most soothing abode in Turkey. It's a perfect weekend getaway destination for couples, families, and friends alike - for anyone looking forward to waking up on to pristine deep waters on golden sands. Princes' Island gives the best deals to live with the locals, try out local Turkish cuisines, and eye the horizon as the setting Sun draws below inside the calming blue waters.

This island is one among the group of 9 islands, and the most popular for its majestic royal Arabic horse-drawn carriages along the coast, called phaetons. Motorcycles being banned on all the 9 islands, cycling and phaetons are the only options. This is one of the reasons why it's so pretty along the coast and free from crowds. You can also visit the 6th century-old Hagia Yorgi church near the island, which offers a magnificent view of the island.

2. GULHANE PARK, ISTANBUL

Once a part of the Topkapi Palace in the city center, Gulhane Park also offers a pristine, calm atmosphere within trees, blossoms, water bodies, fountains, and others. You can easily plan a small outdoor picnic with your group to spend some time in the park within the woods, diverse blossoms, and other natural formations if you visit the Topkapi Palace. Most travelers only explore the Palace area and leave out the park, so it is not difficult to find a calm corner to pass out with your books and some lively music. With bright and diverse blossoms of tulips, roses, marigolds, jasmines, etc. the place looks especially extraordinary in the winter snow and during the months of April in the time of Tulip Festival.

3. POLONEZKOY

If you enjoy hiking in the countryside, taste some exquisite handmade local cuisines, camp inside the woods, Istanbul also has a divine place to welcome you. Located on the Asian side of Istanbul, Polonezkoy, a small Polish-built countryside is a perfect place for all the adventurous souls with vast hiking grounds, serene trails, and pretty woods. Not only this, you get an amazing chance to interact with the locals, learn about their lives.

Besides, this place has some deep 19th-century historical roots and stories attached to the place that are worth hearing from the locals while you hike. You can smoothly plan a forest picnic or camp inside the woods, trails, and meadows; join some locals into your group (they heartily participate with tourists), live and dine with them, learn about their lives in the countryside. It is recommended you spare few nights and not hurry for the best experience. If you are looking for a real experience in Turkey, take out some time from your Istanbul itinerary and go explore the amazing natural landscapes in Polonezkoy.

4. BURSA

Bursa is another very magnificent and popular natural attraction in Istanbul both during the winters and summers because of it’s unique scenes in both these seasons. It is an important industrial center of Turkey towards the Northwestern side yet beautifully painted by natural landscapes. If you plan properly, you can explore Bursa and come back to Istanbul within a day, but you should really take your time to see its unique winter and summer landscapes. In winters, it turns into a magnificent snow-filled landscape perfect for skiing. In summers, you can reach the other side of the mountains, hike, and picnic in the foothills, and enjoy the scenic beauty.

5.BLACK SEA

No matter how hot it gets during the summers, Istanbul will not let you taste a bad trip ever! Because, no matter on which side you are on, you are never far from the sea and cool sea beaches! Having said that, Istanbul has some truly beautiful Black sea beaches to offer to travelers that are unparalleled with any other place. With an unending list of beach options both on the European and Asian sides of Istanbul, you can adjust according to your itinerary because none of them are worth skipping. This is one of the most popular reasons why thousands of visitors flock to Istanbul every year.

Sile

For any beach lovers planning for a trip to Istanbul, Sile should be on top of the list of beaches ideally. Situated along a quirky Turkish countryside, the list of what not to miss there is truly unending. It is safe to say it houses the largest lighthouse that has a history dating back to the 1860s, and is also the first spot to visit on Sile. But, what’s more attractive is the white-sand beach overlooking the vast Black Sea, perfect for day trips, swimming expeditions, and of course beach stays and parties. And while you’re there, for a more dramatic vacation, don’t forget to try out the wine selections at Iyot Restaurant while tanning at the bay.

Agva

Go snorkelling into the deep blue waters, watch from inside the foamy waves, or go for a fishing expedition, Agva will truly touch your heart over and over again at every glance. A perfect place for beach babes to sit at the bay, go fishing, watch the swimmers come back washed in the white foam, or wake up to the bright blue sea. You get plenty of lodge options on even some beautiful backwater areas and of course resorts by the coast. With an added fresh coffee and breakfast at the bay, it is truly an evergreen life experience.

Among other prominent Black Sea beaches and spots you can visit in Istanbul are Antalya, Uzunya, Babylon Beach, Burc, Nakibey, etc. Each beach in Istanbul offers a different experience – some are famous for water sports, weekend trips, some for pristine and less crowds, pool parties, beach weddings, and so on. Solar Beach, Aqua Green Beach, and Suma Beach Clubs are extremely popular for poolside parties among tourists.