Trails Beckon Adventure Seekers to Discover More of Istanbul

The ancient metropolis of Istanbul is being rediscovered by outdoor enthusiasts from around the world this year. As spring blossoms unfurl across the city’s storied landscapes, a network of scenic hiking trails is luring travelers to explore Istanbul’s greener side on foot.

“2024 has seen an absolute explosion in hiking’s popularity here,” remarked the spokesperson for the Istanbul Hiking. “After being cooped up during the pandemic years, people are yearning for fresh air, open spaces, and the chance to recharge among nature’s splendors.”

Indeed, the trend is clear. Guided hikes departing from Istanbul’s city center are routinely sold out weeks in advance. Favorites include the Basilica Cistern Trail, winding through the eerie underground caverns and waterways that supplied the Byzantine emperors’ Great Palace. For grander vistas, hikers flock to the Princes’ Islands, an archipelago in the Sea of Marmara reachable by ferry, whose quiet trails and pine-scented breezes provide a rural escape.

Yet perhaps Istanbul’s premier hiking destination is the Belgrad Forest. This sprawling ancient woodlands on the city’s outskirts seduces with its tangled paths, streams, and small lakes. “Getting lost amid Belgrade’s oak and pine groves is the whole point,” laughed Ozturk. “You quickly forget you’re just miles from one of the world’s largest urban centers.”

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Local shops are profiting from the hiking craze as well. “Can’t keep our rental backpacks and trekking poles in stock,” said a salesperson of Sport City in Beyoglu. “People want to embrace the full hiking lifestyle during their Istanbul visit.”

Unsurprisingly, the dual draws of exercise and being immersed in nature are keys to hiking’s rise. “I’m from a busy city myself,” remarked Damien Martin, a banker from Paris hiking Belgrad Forest during a work trip. “But out here, time almost stands still. You’re utterly at peace listening to the breeze and birds. Istanbul’s hiking trails are a gift.”

So lace up those boots and let Istanbul surprise you with its bounty of transcendent treks at nature’s pace. Carefree days on the trail surrounded by epic history await hikers seeking solace from the city.