10 Getaways Near Istanbul | Weekend Escapes
For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Istanbul’s busy pace and city life stress, weekend getaways offer a great option. Many escape destinations near Istanbul provide the perfect spots for short vacations, where you can find peace in nature’s embrace. These places, where you can enjoy tranquility away from the city’s noise, offer various options for both nature lovers and cultural explorers. Here are 10 magnificent getaway spots near Istanbul that you can discover.
Casa Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant

Located in Ulupelit Village in Şile, Casa Lavanda Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is a boutique hotel set in a natural area. It is about an hour’s drive from Istanbul and is a wonderful escape spot. Named after the lavender gardens surrounding the facility, Casa Lavanda offers a peaceful and romantic atmosphere, especially ideal for couples. The hotel, designed with wooden and stone architecture, provides a warm and intimate environment for its guests. It features 14 rooms, each carefully decorated. The rooms combine luxury and comfort, each with a different concept. Some rooms have special features like fireplaces and private terraces. The hotel’s restaurant offers meals prepared with organic products from the garden.
Grandma’s Wonderland

Grandma’s Wonderland is located in Silivri, west of Istanbul, about an hour away from the city center. This place, which will make you feel like you are at your grandmother’s house, provides a warm and friendly atmosphere. Grandma’s Wonderland stands out with its farm concept, emphasizing naturalness and simplicity. The facility offers various accommodation options, including bungalows and stone houses. Each room, overlooking the nature, is decorated in a rustic style. The facility also offers traditional Turkish cuisine prepared with fresh and local products. There are playgrounds and educational workshops for children. Additionally, relaxing activities such as yoga, spa, and meditation are available.
Suma Sanjati

Located in Şile Yeniköy, Suma Sanjati offers a bungalow vacation intertwined with nature, about an hour away from Istanbul. Here, guests can escape the stress of modern life and experience a stay in line with sustainable living principles. The facility has various accommodation units designed according to the principles of minimalism and comfort. The bungalows, offering a simple but comfortable living space, are decorated with natural materials and each has a forest view. Suma Sanjati offers various activities that integrate with nature and soothe the soul. The most popular ones include yoga and meditation sessions. You can join multiple yoga groups and spend your weekend relaxing here. Unfortunately, it will be temporarily closed in June 2024.
Greenline Guest House

This charming guest house, located by the Göksu River in Ağva, is about 1.5 – 2 hours away from Istanbul. It is definitely a wonderful destination for nature lovers and those looking for a romantic getaway. The rooms at Greenline Guest House are comfortable and tastefully decorated. The rooms include amenities such as flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, minibars, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms also feature balconies with river views. The breakfast section of the facility is particularly noteworthy, offering a rich breakfast menu prepared with natural and organic products. The restaurant section is open to both guests and external visitors. You can go canoeing and boating on the river, and ride bicycles around the facility. Additionally, you can lie in the hammocks by the river and read your book.
The Lake House

The Lake House is located in İznik, a district of Bursa famous for its historical and natural beauty, on the shores of Lake İznik. It is a 2-hour drive from Istanbul and easily accessible from Bursa city center. This facility, surrounded by nature, offers a calm and relaxing environment with its modern and elegant design. This facility, which accommodates guests aged 12 and over, is ideal for nature lovers and couples. Most rooms have lake views and spacious balconies or terraces. Breakfasts served on the lake-view terrace are generally favorites among guests. This place, surrounded by natural areas, also offers a romantic backdrop for wedding organizations. Those looking for escape spots near Istanbul should definitely give The Lake House in İznik a chance.
Nadas Kazdağları

Nadas Kazdağları is located in Ayvacık, Çanakkale, at the foothills of the Kazdağları. It is about a 4-5 hour drive from Istanbul. This facility adopts a sustainable ecological living philosophy, offering a peaceful and serene atmosphere for its guests. The stone houses are decorated in a simple and rustic style, and each room offers a magnificent view of the Kazdağları. You can go on nature walks in the Kazdağları National Park. Additionally, you can listen to the sounds of the forest while lying in your hammocks. At Nadas, you will spend a holiday in harmony with nature, away from the stress of modern life. If you say “It should be close to Istanbul but not in Istanbul,” you should definitely give Nadas a chance.
Elite World Grand Sapanca

Elite World Grand Sapanca Hotel is located in the magnificent natural beauty of Sapanca. Due to its proximity to Istanbul, it is frequently preferred for both weekend getaways and longer vacations. The rooms and suites are designed to meet all the needs of the guests. One of the hotel’s most notable features is its spa and wellness center, which offers various massages, body treatments, and therapy options. Additionally, facilities such as a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath, and indoor swimming are available. The hotel has restaurants that serve both Turkish and world cuisines. Elite World Grand Sapanca Hotel offers amenities such as an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, tennis courts, and various sports activities. Additionally, services such as free parking, 24-hour reception, and room service provide a comfortable accommodation experience.
Palivor Çiftliği

Palivor Çiftliği is a nature-integrated living area and organic farming farm located in Demirköy, Kırklareli. Located about 200 kilometers from Istanbul, near the İğneada Longoz Forests National Park, Palivor Çiftliği is an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility within natural beauty. The natural and organic products produced here include olive oil, jam, honey, cheese, and various vegetables. The accommodation options offer a comfortable experience in harmony with nature. The wooden houses and farmhouses are designed for guests to relax and enjoy nature. Palivor Çiftliği is a perfect escape spot for those who want to get away from it all and experience an organic and healthy lifestyle. If you are looking for places around the Longoz Forests and escape spots near Istanbul, you should definitely check out this place.
Barbaros Bağ Evi

Barbaros Bağ Evi, located in Tekirdağ, is a vineyard house that is particularly attractive for wine lovers. This vineyard house is located in the region famous for its vineyards in Thrace and offers a peaceful environment intertwined with nature. Barbaros Bağ Evi has extensive vineyards where various grape varieties are grown. They are known for their wines produced from their own grapes. Guests can tour the vineyards and learn about grape growing and wine-making processes. Additionally, they can participate in wine tasting events and experience different wine varieties. The modern and comfortable rooms are carefully designed for guests to relax and enjoy nature. The rooms usually have vineyard views and provide a natural atmosphere. You can taste the flavors of the region and have an unforgettable dining experience accompanied by wine. The menu typically features dishes from the local Thracian cuisine.
Terruar

Terruar Urla is a boutique hotel combining luxury and comfort, located in the charming district of Urla, İzmir. The hotel, about 35 kilometers from Izmir city center, offers an escape from the city and a chance to relax. Surrounded by vineyards and olive trees, the hotel is located in a nature-integrated setting. Guests can choose from the finest flavors of Aegean cuisine and a rich wine menu. Additionally, the restaurant offers wines from the hotel’s own vineyards. Terruar Urla Hotel is an ideal accommodation option for those seeking a peaceful holiday, gourmet flavors, and unique wine experiences.
These escape spots near Istanbul are just the first ones that come to our mind. If you visit any of them, don’t forget to send our regards. Also, if you are looking for more places to visit and stay, be sure to follow Gezgin Penguen.