Istanbul Adalari-The Princes' Islands These nine islands retreats for the Byzantine princes are famous for their beautiful pinewooded scenery and beaches. The largest and most enjoyable of the islands is Buyukada. On the island you can enjoy a rid e in a horsedrawn phaeton (carriage) among the pine trees after having relaxed on the beaches in the numerous coves of its coast. The other popular islands are Kinah, Sedef, Burgaz, and Heybeliada. There are regular ferry services to the islands, and from Kabatas a faster sea bus service operates in the summer.
Kilyos On the European side of the Black Sea coast, 25 km by road from Gayrettepe, Kilyos is famous for its long, broad sandy beaches.
Belgrad Ormanlari (Belgrade Forest): This is the largest forest in and around Istanbul set amongst the Istranca Mountains inland from the Black Sea on the European side. Istanbulians drive here for their picnics. There are seven ancient reservoirs and a number of aqueducts from Ottoman times of which the Moskova Aqueduct, built by Sinan, is the most splendid. Also a number of natural springs are nearby.
Polonezkoy This town is on the Asian side, 25 km from Beykoz. Founded in the l9th century by Polish immigrants, it is still famous for its Polish food and is another favourile weekend picnic place for the inhabitants of Istanbul.
Sile Located on the Black Sea, 70 km from Uskudar, Sile is famous for its sandy beaches, fish restaurants, and comfortable hotels. It is one of the most delightful holiday places near Istanbul. Sile Bezi cottonwear comes from here and is very popu lar with visitors.
Eskihisar This is a charming fishing town southeast of Istanbul. In the lown is the house, now a museum, of Osman Hamdi Bey, with paintings by this famous Turkish artist who was active at the turn of the century. Between Eskihisar and Gebze is the tomb of Hannibal, and a little farther off is a Byzantine castle. The Eskihisar area is good for sailing and yachting. There exists also an area for yachtsmen to moor and if necessary to winter their boats.
Yalova Located on the southern shore of Marmara, Yalova is a popular thermal resort known since Roman times for its cures for rheumatism. The main thermal resort is a few kilomelres from the town of Yalova and the thermal baths are set in pleasant gardens which add to the relaxing atmosphere. In Yalova itself there are many inexpensive hotels and guest houses. To reach Yalova see "Urban Transport". Seventeen kilometers west of Valova is the relaxing resort area of Cinarcik with lovely beaches and. modern holilday complexes.
Silivri About 65 km from Istanbul is the popular vacation area of Silivri. Here is a large holiday complex. This area offers everything from casinos with lovely shows to wonderful health and fitness centers. There are also services catering tor th e business persons' "working holiday" with convention halls that have every type of amenity. There is a regular sea bus service from Istanbul to Silivri.