After two or three days in Istanbul's crowds and traffic, most families are ready for a day in nature. The good news: some of the greenest spots in the region are only an hour and a half to three hours away by car. Here are the four most popular destinations, and what makes each one great for kids.
Note: all drive times are approximate and depend on traffic. Leave early, before 9 a.m., to beat the rush out of the city.
1. Sapanca and Maşukiye
Drive time: about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Lake Sapanca is ringed by mountains and forest, and it's the number-one choice for visiting Gulf families. Nearby is the village of Maşukiye, known for its small waterfalls and restaurants set right along the stream.
- For kids: green spaces, horses, bikes around the lake, and restaurants with outdoor seating.
- Best time: spring through autumn. Beautiful in the snow in winter, but the roads are slower.
2. Bursa and Uludağ
Drive time: about 2.5 to 3 hours.
Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman state. It's home to the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), the Green Mosque (Yeşil Camii) and the old bazaar, and it's where the cable car climbs up to Uludağ mountain.
- For kids: the cable car is an unforgettable ride, and in winter there's snow on Uludağ.
- Tip: Bursa needs a full day. Don't try to combine it with another destination.
3. Şile on the Black Sea
Drive time: about 1.5 hours.
A quiet seaside town on the Black Sea with an old lighthouse and wide beaches, famous for its cotton cloth, Şile bezi.
- For kids: the beach and the sand.
- Be careful: Black Sea waves are strong. Never let children swim unsupervised.
4. Ağva and its river
Drive time: about 1.5 to 2 hours.
A village set between two rivers and the sea, with boat rides along a tree-lined river and hotels and restaurants right on the water's edge.
- For kids: the river boat, and peace and quiet away from traffic.
- Tip: Şile and Ağva are close to each other, so you can visit both in one day.
Which one should you choose?
| If you love… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Lakes, forest and relaxed family picnics | Sapanca and Maşukiye |
| History, a cable car and snow | Bursa and Uludağ |
| Sea and beach | Şile |
| River, boats and quiet | Ağva |
With PARELO
With PARELO packages, you have a private car with a driver for your family only: 10 hours on every full day, plus airport pick-up and drop-off on arrival and departure days. Trips outside Istanbul, such as Sapanca or Bursa, are added at the written price in the booking form on our site if you choose them. The price is written before you book, and there is no payment before you arrive.
