The rising star of tourism: Şile

Şile Mayor İlhan Ocaklı said, "Şile is one of the most important tourism destinations in Turkey."

Şile, which has made a name for itself in the tourism sector with the investments made in the region, has become the center of attention of travelers with its rich potential, especially with its natural beauties, cultural heritage, gastronomy and geographically marked products. Şile, which is an escape point for travel and nature lovers with its lush forest texture, hiking trails, lakes and rivers right next to Istanbul, offers the opportunity to spend time with nature.

What to do in Şile, where to go?

Şile, which is an escape point especially for those living in Istanbul and working with a busy schedule, is among the top weekend escape routes with its peaceful geography as well as its historical and natural beauties. The district, which has the only Blue Flag beaches in Istanbul, is at the top of the travel lists, especially in summer, with many iconic values such as "Gauze", which is also the apple of the eye of fashion designers, and the legendary "Ağva" and "Şile Lighthouse" with its romantic atmosphere.

The only Blue Flag beach in Istanbul is in Şile

Uzunkum Beach, which is the only Blue Flag beach in Istanbul, has been inspected by the Blue Flag, where sea water, environmental cleaning and life safety services are evaluated together, is located within the borders of Şile. Tourism businesses in the region promise a Blue Flag holiday area for all visitors, both domestic and foreign, where they can spend a quiet, pleasant and unforgettable time. In addition to Uzunkum Beach, Ağlayankaya, Akçakese, Kilimli and Kadırga bays also promise peaceful times with the clear waters of the Black Sea and golden healing sands.

Fresh products from the 57 villages of Şile

The international address of natural products produced with seasonal, local and sustainable agricultural methods, Şile's "Earth Market" offers seasonal products and local delicacies produced by traditional methods by farmers living in rural areas of the district. The affordable products of farmers, have a high potential to delight those who value their health and taste.

One of the most beautiful reflections of Şile's wide historical culture is its wide range of flavors. Şile, which is one of the most special taste stops, is an indispensable spot for taste lovers with all kinds of the famous Şile bonito and sea food cuisine. The 1st Şile Bonito Festival, organized for the first time in 2022 by Şile Municipality, shed light on the gastronomic value of the region, and studies are continuing rapidly for the Şile bonito to receive geographical indication. The traditional Turkish breakfast, turns into a feast of taste with the combination of many different cultures in Şile.

Ağva: Historical, romantic and dream-like

Ağva, a town that has been the transition point of many civilizations such as the Hittites, Phrygians, Romans and Ottomans, and where all shades of green meet like a natural paradise in the middle of Göksu and Yeşilçay streams, always attracts the attention of its visitors with its fairy-tale atmosphere. In addition to its romantic ambiance, Ağva also offers organizations with canoes, sea bikes and motor boats, and also draws attention with the Hacilli Waterfalls in the 11 Lakes Valley. Offering a dream-like touristic experience to travelers with caves, waterfalls and cliffs shaped by the wind, Ağva is also very suitable for activities such as trekking and camping. Kilimli and Kadırga coves, which make photography enthusiasts fall in love with their visual feast, are among the places that should be seen.

A great history: Historical Şile Lighthouse

Şile Lighthouse, which was built during the Ottoman Empire, is an indispensable element of social media phenomena and colorful photographs of vacationers, apart from being one of the two lighthouses that ensure coastal safety in the Black Sea. Şile Lighthouse, which frequently hosts surprise marriage proposals such as Galata Tower or Maiden's Tower, one of the popular symbols of Istanbul, will continue to exist for many years after its restoration has been completed in accordance to it's original form with the cooperation of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure General Directorate of Coastal Safety and Şile Municipality.

The nature of Şile is explored with the sports academy trekking activities

Citizens and visitors living in Şile are offered the opportunity to discover the unique natural beauties and rich flora of Şile with the nature walks (trekking) activities organized by the Şile Sports Academy of Şile Municipality. The nature walks organized under the coordination of Şile Municipality Sports Academy differ every week. It takes place on daily routes with separate features and beauties with factors such as the percentages, lengths and difficulty levels of nearly 20 climbs and descents. The activities, which are also provided with transportation support by Şile Municipality, are held in the company of outdoor sports instructors of Şile Sports Academy, who are experts in their fields. In the events, where the new routes are announced until the middle of the week, the main tracks are diversified and multiplied within themselves, with alternative routes according to the weather conditions, the potential of the participants and the team leaders' discretion.

Nature lovers of all ages have the opportunity to participate in nature walks organized on a different route every weekend, for free. Route and date information is shared on the social media accounts of Şile Municipality.

The first geographically marked product of Istanbul: "Şile Bezi"

Şile bezi, known as "Gauze",  which is the biggest cultural heritage of Şile, is also Istanbul's first geographically marked product. Gauze products, which are woven and embroidered in the hands of the women of Şile, are always popular with their timeless design and breathable texture, apart from being a reflection of a great cultural heritage.

“Şile is one of the most important tourism destinations in Turkey”

Şile Mayor İlhan Ocaklı, who made a statement due to the World Tourism Week celebrated on April 15 every year; “Şile is one of the most important tourism destinations of our country with its natural beauties, Şile Lighthouse, Şile Castle, geographically marked products, Gauze and Şile chestnut honey, Blue Flag beaches, ancient culture, neighborhoods where village life continues and the Anatolian wind. Especially with the tourism investments we have received in recent years and the work we have done as Şile Municipality, Şile's name is heard more often and its tourism potential is developing day by day. As a coastal city located next to Istanbul, we continue to consolidate our position in the tourism activity of our country, which is developing more and more every year. We will carry the tourism potential of Şile much further with our ongoing works. On this occasion, we celebrate our April 15 World Tourism Week and wish all our sector representatives a successful and fruitful season in advance.”