Şile Travel Guide

Sile

Şile is located in the north-east of Istanbul, the largest metropolitan city in the Marmara region. With its clean nature and untouched sea, it is very busy, especially in the summer season. If you have been there before, you will want to go to Şile again after reading this travel article titled List of places to visit in Şile.

Especially those living in Istanbul prefer the Beykoz, Riva, Şile and Ağva route on the weekends. For this reason, if you have the opportunity, Şile is quieter on weekdays.

How to Get to Şile?

It is possible to reach Şile by your own vehicle, public transportation or by sea (your own watercraft). Unfortunately, there is no public transportation to Sile by sea. If you have your own watercraft, you can anchor at Şile Pier.

How can I go to Şile with my own vehicle?

To go to the Şile district on the Anatolian side of Istanbul, those coming from the European side must use the D-016 (Şile Highway) road from Üsküdar after passing through any of the 3 Bosphorus bridges or the Eurasian tunnel. After passing through Ümraniye, Çekmeköy and Ömerli districts respectively, you arrive in Şile.

The distance between Istanbul and Şile is approximately 90 km. If there is no heavy traffic, you can see the Şile entrance sign after a 1.5-hour journey after crossing the bridge.

Those who wish, like me, can set out early in the morning and go to Şile via the Üsküdar-Beykoz coast, via the Beykoz, Riva and Cumhuriyet Village routes, respectively.

Sile Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tsrRiF2KZfDVywU19

Where is Parking in Şile?

When you arrive in Şile with your own vehicle, you can park in the closed-storey car park, in the car park of Şile Beach or in the car park at the Pier. Şile Parking at the pier is free. However, others operate at very economical prices.

How to Get to Şile by Public Transportation?

You can come to Şile from several points in Istanbul by public bus, private bus or minibus. Some of these vehicles departing from Üsküdar and Ümraniye are as follows;

1. Üsküdar-Şile-Ağva private (Shuttle) buses from Ümraniye Tepeüstü Iett Final Stops.
2. Iett buses line numbers 139 and 139A departing from Üsküdar.
3. İett buses line number 139T departing from Ümraniye Tepeüstü.
4. Şile minibuses departing from Ümraniye Necip Fazıl Metro (Metrogarden Shopping Center) exit.

List of Places to Visit in Şile

Now that we have arrived in Şile, let’s create our list of places to visit and start visiting without wasting time. Visitors to Şile come in two ways: Daily or Accommodating.

Those who come for the day usually come for a single purpose. He spends time in Şile with a single plan: picnic, sea, shopping or nature trip.

Where is the I Love Şile sign that many people who come to Şile look for to take a Şile Memory selfie? I can hear you ask. “I Love Sile” sign, is next to the Children’s Park in the Harbor Embankment area. You can leave a beautiful memory of Şile here.

However, there are also many people who plan their trip to Şile by staying the night and spreading it over one or more days. The list of places to visit in Şile will be very useful for those in this category.

Ağlayan Kayalar Beach and Observation Deck

It is the name of the area right behind the famous lighthouse when you pass the Şile district center in the east direction. There are cliffs, cliffs and a beach in the Ağlayan Kaya region. The beach here is operated as Şile Ağlayan Kaya Beach.

Where is the most beautiful place in Şile? If you ask me, I would say without hesitation that it is the Weeping Rock region.

There is Ağlayankaya Public Beach and a privately run beach next to it. It is an ideal place to swim in the sea on both sides. There are 2 public beaches in Şile.

There is also a windmill on the hill at the end of Ağlayan Kaya Bay. The windmill, integrated with Şile, is a place frequently used by photography lovers. The blue painted place seen at the far end in the picture is the windmill.

There is no parking problem when you come to the beaches in this area, known as Weeping Rocks or Weeping Rocks, with your car. Free parking is available.

Harmankaya Peninsula

After passing the Şile Lighthouse and heading towards the Heliport, you will see the Harmankaya peninsula. This place consists of completely naturally formed rocks and cliffs. The karst bridge structure is the most striking part.

Since it consists of soft filling material such as karst, limestone and gypsum, it has been eroded for years by the effects of sea waves and moisture, resulting in its current appearance. This region has the status of a geological museum for both Şile and Istanbul. Also, cliffs are very dangerous.

You can fit the sea view from the Şile Harmankaya peninsula and the Şile Castle in the same frame. Harmankaya peninsula is one of the frequent destinations of bird watchers and photographers.

Şile Lighthouse

There are several lighthouses of different sizes in Şile. There are two small lighthouses on the side of the pier, allowing marine vehicles to enter easily. However, the real lighthouse is on your way before you reach Crying Rocks (Ağlayan Kayalar) when you continue from Şile Police Department.

Şile Lighthouse was built by the Ottoman Empire in 1859. It was used so that ships coming from the Black Sea could easily approach the Bosphorus. Nowadays, thanks to the developing technology, it is no longer needed and it has become a frequent destination for landscape and photography lovers.

You will come across traditional Şile houses on the hill where the Lighthouse is located. The most beautiful Şile Lighthouse photos can be taken here. When you arrive at the area where the Lighthouse is located, you will be greeted by an observation deck. Şile Lighthouse, located on the dominant hill, is like a balcony and you can see everywhere. There is a children’s playground and cafe at the back.

Şile Castle (Ocaklı Island)

It is one of the symbolic places of Şile. It is also known as Ocaklı Castle. The reason for this is that it was built on Şile Ocaklı Island. It was restored in 2015 and gained its current appearance. However, it also brought criticism. Because everyone who saw it after the restoration compared it to “SpongeBob – SquarePants”.

Şile Castle, which has a history of approximately 2000 years, is located in a very strategic place. It changed hands between the Genoese and the Ottoman Empire in the 1300s. Built with 4 floors, the castle was designed to accommodate 20-25 soldiers. The castle, which has been restored only twice over the course of 2000 years, was last renewed in 2015.

Şile Castle is located right next to today’s Şile Pier. A zipline can be made from the steel ropes stretched over Ocaklı Island. In addition, the fastest way to reach the island is provided by these ropes. You should definitely see Şile (Ocaklı) Castle, which has an important place in the list of places to visit in Şile.

Ayazma Beach

It is a public beach located in the center of Şile. It is operated by Şile Municipality and several different businesses. We can say that this is the ideal place to swim in Şile. The reason is that the harsh waves of the Black Sea cannot reach here, thanks to the artificial harbor bay. Şile Ayazma beach is a very calm beach and very suitable for swimming.

If you came with your car, you can park in the municipality’s open parking lot. Market, buffet etc. Shopping opportunities are also available. Şile’s 3 and 4-star seaside hotels are also within walking distance of this beach.

Dolgu Children’s Park

A park in Şile designed entirely for the entertainment needs of children. Since it was built by Şile Municipality on the old landfill area, it was named Şile Dolgu Children’s Park. Adults are not forgotten in the park, which has more than 100 children’s playground vehicles. Bodybuilding tools are designed for those who want to do sports.

The children’s park, which is located very close to Şile Port and Ayazma Beach, also has a jogging track and bicycle track. If you wish, you can rent a pedal carriage here and ride with your family.

Illuminated tennis courts, basketball and volleyball courts were also built with young people in mind. Be sure to visit the Dolgu Children’s Park, which is designed for people of all ages and even our animal friends.

Şile Port

Şile Port, which hosts only private boats and fishing boats today, was an important trade point in history. Until a few years ago, ferries and ships connected to Istanbul City Lines were modernized here. However, this process is carried out in a different place because it negatively affects Şile Tourism.

Vehicles can enter via the embankment road from the side where Şile Castle is located. Shops selling seafood, fish restaurants and the Public Market selling souvenirs are also located in the Port area.

A very nice children’s park is also among the places to visit in the Port. Designed in accordance with the spirit of the port, the children’s playground resembles a sea vessel. There is a toy similar to the pipes found on ships that allow sound to be transmitted. Everything you say from one end can be heard from the other end. It manages to attract the attention of children.

The parking lot at Şile Port can be used free of charge. In addition, there is a WC belonging to IMM. It works with 1 TL. Local ornaments and souvenirs such as magnets are sold at the Public Market. We are moving on to the next location on the list of places to visit in Şile.

Şile Fener Pier

The place where the most romantic photos are taken in Şile is the pier and the small lighthouse at the end. An artificial bay was built in the 1960s to create a safe area in Şile marina.

Today, it hosts the largest beach in Şile, as well as the marina where boats and yachts anchor. The parking lot here used to be paid, but now there is no charge.

There are Şile hotels just behind the marina.

The best place to take romantic photos in Şile is the pier road leading to the small lighthouse. This road was constructed artificially by placing heavy concrete blocks. For this reason, it is a very popular place among young lovers and those who come to Şile for their honeymoon.

Uskudar Street

Üsküdar Street has an important place in the list of places to visit in Şile. Actually, we wouldn’t be wrong if we say it is Şile’s shopping street. There are stores selling Şile cloth clothes, ornaments made of seashells, legendary Roman ice cream, a bakery, bank branches, fish restaurants, cafes, bars, restaurants and at the last part, the historical City Hall.

You can meet your shopping needs on Üsküdar Street, which has a different view during the day and a different view at night. You can find many things you need in the historical bazaar.

Even strolling along the street without making any purchases feels great. It has great illumination at night. Therefore, a different ambiance is created.

You should definitely see the Şile Port and Pier from the viewing balconies of the cafes and restaurants on the beach side of Üsküdar Street. Especially the sunset view is worth seeing.

Our route on Üsküdar Street generally starts from the top, where the banks are, and continues until the historical City Hall. On this route, you can eat wood-fired bagels, seafood dishes, black sea pita, pizza, ice cream and drink freshly squeezed fruit juice from the bagel oven.

Historical Fountains in Şile

Another place to visit in Şile is its historical fountains. Some of the historical water fountains located in several different points of Şile are actively used. There are 2 of them on Üsküdar Street and both are active.

These fountains, which were built as charities or soup kitchens during the Ottoman period, have survived the test of time and survived until today. Especially local tradesmen frequently benefit from these fountains. The running water is drinkable, but it is unclear whether it is spring water or tap water.

Masatlik City Park

We are slowly approaching the end of the Şile travel guide. We visited some beautiful places, how about taking a break and resting? If your answer is yes, I would like to take you to Maşatlık Park, which is located in the very center of Şile and where you can see almost all of the places on the list of places to visit in Şile.

Maşatlık Park, which also has the feature of an open-air war museum, is the large park on the left on the way to the Lighthouse. Can I see those who want to take a panoramic view of the Black Sea? Places you can see from a bird’s eye view from Şile Masatlık Park:

1. Şile Castle
2. Şile Lighthouse
3. Pier and Harbor
4. Unlimited Black Sea view

You will see two historical cannon barrels installed here during the First World War. Since it is in a dominant location, two of the cannon barrels that were placed to resist attacks from the sea or land were left here.

You can see distant places by using the paid binoculars in Maşatlık park for 2 TL. There is a cafe with a very nice view right at the bottom of Maşatlık Park, where there are children’s playgrounds. Those who wish can also use this place.

Masatlik park experiences strong winds in almost every season, summer and winter. For a while, glamping type tents were set up here, but they had to be dismantled because they could not withstand the intense wind.

Maşatlık Park is a resting point for migrating birds as well as people. For this reason, it is a frequent destination for nature and bird photographers. Different species of seagulls, cormorants and fishing birds can be seen every year until June.

Other Places to Visit in Şile

There are a few more places that are a little outside of Şile center but that you should definitely see when you come here. If you came for a day trip to Şile, you may not have enough time, but I can recommend it for those who come to Şile for a few days.

Saklıgöl (Hidden Lake) Picnic Area

Those coming via D-016 Şile highway turn left at the town junction to Şile town center, while those turning right go towards Saklıgöl. I recommend you to see this wonderful place, which is about 10 minutes from this turnoff.

If you came to visit Saklıgöl, entrance is free. However, if you come for a picnic or a meal, there are several different tariffs.

Saklıgöl Entrance Fee and Usage Fees Table:

Saklıgöl, located in Şile, is often confused as Saklıkent. However, the official name of this place is Saklıgöl. Saklıkent is the name of the national park located between Antalya and Fethiye and hosting a canyon.

Accommodation Options in Şile

Since it is located close to Istanbul, there are many accommodation options in Şile. In addition to hotels operating at maximum capacity even during the season, there are accommodation options such as villas, tiny houses, bungalows, glamping, caravan parks and tent camps. If we consider Airbnb options, your chances of choosing may be that much greater.

Hotels

Hotels located in the center of Şile are more preferred because they are located close to the port and the beach. There are many types and standards of hotels in Şile. Although there is no 5-star Şile Hotel yet, there are 4-star hotels that provide high quality service.

Bungalow, Tiny House and Apart Villa options, which have become widespread recently, are among the hotels preferred by visitors in Şile. During the summer season, you can stay in a 4-star hotel for 3000 – 4500 TL per person per night. However, in other seasons this price drops further.

Camping and Caravan

There are parking lots at the entrance of Şile where you can accommodate caravan type accommodation. You can stay in a caravan at affordable prices per person per night. You can also park your caravan in the Ağlayan Kayalar area. However, there are no services such as water and electricity here.

For those who want to camp with a tent in Şile, you can benefit from the coastal camping establishments located in the west of the district center.

In addition, you can use the Şile Beach Camping and Caravan Parking Area, which Şile Municipality started construction in 2023. This place is located on the roadside above the beach, just behind where the Port is located.

Glamping

Glamping type camping tents, which have become widespread in recent years, were used in a few places in Şile, but were abandoned because they did not withstand strong winds. You can see a few glamping tents near Maşatlık Park, but you cannot stay there because they are closed for use.

What to Eat in Şile?

It is one of the most difficult questions I encounter in my travel writing. What should we eat? The reason is that personal tastes and tastes may be different for everyone. Therefore, beyond my own personal food preferences, I can give you a few recommendations for eating in Şile. I don’t want you to go hungry.

You can start the day with a mixed breakfast or a village breakfast, and then end the day with a delicious dinner accompanied by different drinks.

Şile has a wide variety of fish since it is located on the Black Sea coast. For this reason, the number of fish restaurants is quite high. If you like fish dishes, you can try the famous fish restaurants, especially along the Şile coast, the harbor and the pier.

As an alternative to fish, I suggest you also take a look at meat and steak cuisine. The meat menu in Şile generally consists of Meatballs, Adana&Urfa Kebab, burger, liver, pita and lahmacun. You can eat at the meat and pita restaurants on Üsküdar Street, accompanied by the view of Şile Harbor and the Black Sea from the top.

For dessert, there are a few places I can recommend to you in Şile. I can describe places based on location without sharing the name of the place. There is also a dessert shop on Üsküdar Street that sells baklava and milk desserts. It is also famous for its Halka dessert. There is also a patisserie selling Roman Ice Cream.

Shopping and Souvenirs in Şile

Şile Bezi

Can we not mention Şile’s world-famous “Şile Cloth” fabric? You can find a wide range of products, especially dresses for women and shirt-style products for men. Stores selling Şile Cloth clothing products designed with traditional and local motifs are located on the historical Üsküdar street.

You can also find Şile Cloth clothing types in Agva. It is possible to see examples of it in the business center where there are shops opened next to the public beach.

Souvenirs and Şile Magnets

There are a few different places where you can find handcrafted products made of seashells and wood unique to Şile. There are several gift shops on Üsküdar street. In addition, there is a public market on Şile Pier where these products are sold. Both places have very nice souvenirs.

You can also buy Şile souvenir refrigerator magnets and trinkets from these two markets.

Activities to Do in Şile

1. Swimming in the sea
2. Picnic
3. Traveling with a rented ATV or scooter
4. Camping
5. Trekking and Walking Trails
6. Water sports

Frequently Asked Questions About Şile