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Şile
Şile is one of the few places in Istanbul with proper sandy beaches, making it a top destination for those seeking a seaside escape. Located on the Black Sea coast, it boasts long, golden shores and clean waters, attracting locals looking for a refreshing retreat from the city's chaos. Over the years, Şile has become a favorite spot for summer houses and seaside resorts, offering a mix of relaxation and natural beauty. With its charming coastal atmosphere and historic vibes, the district combines leisure, culture, and scenic landscapes, making it a perfect getaway for Istanbul residents.
Understand
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Taking its name from the Turkish word for 'marjoram', Şile’s history dates back to ancient times, with evidence of settlements in the region from as early as the Stone Age and forming into a city in Hellenistic period named Hilea. The district’s strategic location along the Black Sea coast made it an important maritime hub for trade and defense. In the Byzantine era, Şile was part of the larger Chalcedon region and was known for its proximity to Constantinople. The Ottoman period saw the construction of its iconic lighthouse in the 19th century, which has since become a symbol of the town. Over time, Şile transitioned from a small fishing village to a popular resort destination for Istanbul locals, with its natural beauty and sandy beaches becoming a key draw. Today, it retains its historical charm while embracing its role as a peaceful coastal retreat.
Get in
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See main Istanbul page for overall transportation within the city.
- 1 Şile Bus Terminal (Şile Otobüs Terminali), Bayrak Cd. No:35, Çavuş Mh.
A dedicated motorway D020 is providing the main conveyance to the district while also having a connection to the O-7 highway. Public transportation IETT-run buses are as follows:
- 139 (Üsküdar-Şile)
- 139A (Üsküdar-Ağva)
- 139S (Üsküdar-Şile outskirts)
- 139T (Tepeüstü-Şile)
- Also, a minibus line runs between Taşdelen-Şile
See
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- 1 Old Town (Tarihi Çarşı), Balibey Mh, Üsküdar Cd. Essentially the heart of the town.
- 2 Şile Castle (Şile Kalesi), İskele, Balibey Mh. The was built by the Eastern Roman Empire, which was taken over by the Genoese in 1305,[4] was conquered by the Ottoman army under the command of Yıldırım Bayezid in 1396.
- 3 Şile Lighthouse (Şile Feneri), Balibey Mh, Fener Cd. Commissioned by the Ottoman sultan Abdülmecid I, it was constructed in 1859 by French engineers.
- Tahlisiye Boathosue (Tahlisiye Kayıkhanesi), Hacı Kasım, Plajyolu Sk. No:15. Built in 1866 by the Ottoman Coast Guard.
- 4 Şile Culture Centrum (Şile Kültür Merkezi), Çavuş, Atatürk Cd. No:30.
- 5 Ağlayankaya, Balibey, Ağlayan Kaya Cd. Literally means 'wailing rocks', it is a marvel of nature.
- 6 Yeniköy. A old Greek village with multiple ruins and a small waterfall.
- 7 Ağva. Initially a sister town and now a borough of Şile, evidences of settlements in and near Agva has been found dating the 5th and 7th centuries BC.
Do
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Şile has fabulous nature combined with sandy beaches that makes it a staple option for outdoor activities like camping, trekking, suring and beach volleyball tournaments. Visitors could also observe the local festivals such as 'Şile International Culture and Art Fest' or 'Şile Wresting Tournament'. Remember to visit the coves like Akçakese or Kabakoz.
- 1 Uzunkum Beach (Uzunkum Plajı), Balibey, Halay Sk. The only beach in Istanbul with a 'Blue Flag'.
- 2 Kumbaba and Ayazma beaches (Kumbaba and Ayazma plajları), Çavuş, Kordonboyu Cd. Popular spot for both relaxation and watersports.
- 3 Akkaya Barn (Akkaya Çiftliği), Çayırbaşı, Sahil Yolu. Either for a lunch or some horse-riding.
- 4 Safari Life Istanbul. Outdoor vehicle driving.
- 5 Darlık Dam Lake (Darlık Barajı Gölü). Arguably the best place for a picnic or an offroad ATV drive.
- 6 İncekum Adventure Park (İncekum Macera Parkı), Karakiraz, Kurna. Children's favorite activity.
- 7 Hacıllı Village (Hacıllı Köyü). A perfect trekking route with a waterfall and a cave nearby.
- 8 Avcıkoru Nature Park (Avcıkoru Tabiat Parkı), Avcıkoru, Alemdağ Şile Yolu 155/5. Popular amongst campers.
- 9 Esenceli Camp Site. Right next to the Esenceli Village.
Buy
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Şile is renown for its unique 'Şile Cloth' and handmade ornaments. Most of the shops are located in 'Üsküdar' and 'Cumhuriyet' streets.
- 1 Center for the Handcrafted Goods (Şile Bezi El Sanatları Merkezi), Çavuş, Deniz Sk. No:03.
- 2 Bazaar and Market (Şile Yeryüzü Pazarı), Çavuş, Pazar Sk. No:2. A farmers market with shops just across.
Eat
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For a quick snack; döner shops can be found in main streets and carts selling kokoreç, corn and simit/poğaça can be encountered randomly.
- 1 Pier fisheries and restaurants. Scaterred along and nearby the pier; you can find budget-friendly 'fish&bread' sheds, mid-option restaurants like Massha and full-course luxury restaurants like İyot, Lotus and Marin.
- 2 Mercanköşk, Çavuş, Ortanca Sk. Run by the municipality itself, it offers a budget friendly solution.
- 3 Horozlu Ev, İmrendere caddesi, Mürşit Sk No:22. A solid breakfast option.
- 4 Saklıgöl. Literally as 'the hidden lake', Saklıgöl is a perfect option for a breakfast with fantastic view.
Drink
[edit]For non-alcoholic refreshments, you can easily find teashops such as kıraathane, lokal or çaycı basically everywhere.
- 1 Dubara Bar & Lounge, Hacı Kasım, Çekekler Mevkii No:11. A shisha bar with a selection of cocktails.
- 2 Fusha, Balibey, Fener Cd. No:3. One of the best views in whole area makes it a popular choice for rakı-balık-meze combos.
- 3 Rokethane, Meşrutiyet, Kumbaba Cd. No:17. A niche seaside restaurant with a historic building. Perfect for wine-dates.
- 4 İki 1A Kafası, Kumbaba, Kumbaba Cd. No:30. A classic pub, students-favorite.
- 5 Vanilya. A cafe with selection of desserts.
- 6 Bilir, Çavuş, Üsküdar Cd. No:174. The oldest pastry in Şile. It also runs the oldest döner shop next door.
Sleep
[edit]One could look for daily bungalow, hotel, house rents, and camping.
- 1 Historical Kumbaba Hotel (Tarihi Kumbaba Otel), Çavuş Mah. Üretken Sk. NO:2.
- 2 Ramada by Wyndham, Kumbaba, Turan Aziz Beler Cd. No:43.
- 3 The Sign Değirmen Hotel, Çavuş, Plaj Sk No:2.
- 4 Şile Resort Hotel, Balibey, Ağlayan Kaya Cd. 28-46.
- 5 Akçakese Bungalow, Akçakese, Sahil. In a lovely cove.
- 6 Doğa Holiday Village (Doğa Tatil Köyü).
Learn
[edit]- 1 Işık University (Işık Üniversitesi). One of the leading private universities in Turkey.
Connect
[edit]Municipality offers free wifi on town centre. Most of the cafes also offer free wifi. A library 'Diyanet Şile Gençlik Merkezi' can be found in Şöhret Sk. A state-run hospital, 'Şile Devlet Hastanesi' offers healthcare.
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