Start our adventure with Istanbul's most extensive green spaces, where you can feel like you're away from civilization.

Polonezköy Nature Park is a place with a unique history and atmosphere. Founded by Polish emigrants in the 19th century, it still retains its unique character. The park offers a 6-kilometer path for walking and jogging, making it ideal for active families. There are mixed opinions among visitors - some praise the peace and quiet, while others complain about the lack of Polish touches. Nevertheless, it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.

Belgrade Forest, stretching on the northern outskirts of the city, is a true paradise for nature lovers. This huge forest complex offers miles of walking and cross-country skiing trails, ideal for beginners and advanced skiers alike. It's worth coming here early in the morning to enjoy the tranquility and fresh air. The forest is well maintained, with restrooms and picnic areas available. The entrance fee by car is 90 lira (as of November 2024), which may be a downside for some visitors.

Florya Atatürk Forest is another green gem of Istanbul, located closer to the center. This sprawling park offers not only shade and tranquility, but also beautiful views of the sea. It is ideal for families with children, thanks to its numerous playgrounds and walking paths. Unlike Belgrade Forest, admission here is free, making it more accessible to all. However, it can get quite crowded on weekends.

Each of the three areas has its own unique character. Polonezköy Nature Park stands out for its Polish history, Belgrade Forest impresses with its vastness and wildness, and Florya Atatürk Forest attracts with its proximity to the sea and amenities for families. When choosing a place for a trip, it's worth considering the distance from the city center - Belgrade Forest is the furthest away, which can be an advantage for those looking for a true escape from the city, but a disadvantage for those with limited time.

Let's now move on to places that combine natural beauty with breathtaking views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus.

Dilburnu Nature Park, located on the Princes' Islands, is a true gem among Istanbul's green spaces. The park offers not only beautiful views of the sea, but also numerous attractions for visitors. You have to pay 35 lira per person for admission (as of 2024), which may be a downside for some, but this is compensated by the beautiful scenery and well-maintained infrastructure. The park is ideal for picnics and relaxation, and there are special viewpoints for photography enthusiasts.

Degirmen Burnu Nature Park, also located on one of the Princes' Islands, is another place where nature meets history. The park offers 80 decares of green space with a beach and restaurant. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Istanbul. Admission costs 30 lira (as of 2024), which is slightly cheaper than Dilburn. The downside may be that the park is slightly less developed in terms of infrastructure.

Gülhane Park, located in the heart of historic Istanbul, is a green oasis surrounded by monuments. Unlike the previous two, admission here is free. The park is famous for its beautiful tulips in spring and is an ideal place to relax while exploring the city. It also offers great views of the Bosphorus. The downside can be more crowded, especially during the tourist season.

Each of these parks has its own unique features. Dilburnu Nature Park stands out for its beautiful viewpoints, Degirmen Burnu Nature Park offers unforgettable sunsets, and Gülhane Park impresses with its historic surroundings. When choosing between them, it's worth considering not only the natural features, but also accessibility - the parks on the Princes' Islands require an extra ferry ride, which can be an attraction in itself, but also a logistical challenge for some families.

The available amenities are also worth noting. Dilburnu and Degirmen Burnu offer more space and tranquility, ideal for picnics and longer stays. Gülhane Park, due to its central location, has better access to restrooms and food and beverage outlets, which can be important for families with young children.

At the end of our green tour of Istanbul, let's explore some lesser-known but equally fascinating places that will satisfy even the most discerning nature lovers.

Neşet Suyu Nature Park is a true paradise for runners and walkers. The park offers a 6-kilometer walking and running trail in the heart of the Belgrade Forest. It is an ideal place for those who are looking for active recreation surrounded by nature. There is a fee to enter the park (90 lira per car, as of August 2024), but this is compensated by perfectly maintained paths and clean restrooms. The downside may be limited accessibility for those without a car.

Ayvat Bendi Nature Park is another gem hidden in the forest. The park is famous for its picturesque lake and is ideal for family picnics. Admission costs 90 lira per car (as of October 2024). On the plus side, there are numerous picnic tables and barbecue facilities, on the minus side, it's sometimes crowded on weekends and problems with cleanliness of the toilets in the afternoon.

Bentler National Park, also known as Bentler Nature Park, is a place steeped in history, with three historic dams from the Ottoman period. The park offers beautiful views of the reservoirs and is ideal for leisurely walks. Admission costs 90 lira per car (as of August 2024). The advantage is that it is less crowded than more popular parks, the disadvantage - limited food and beverage facilities.

Comparing the three places, each has its own unique character. Neşet Suyu Nature Park is ideal for active people, Ayvat Bendi Nature Park attracts families looking for a picnic spot, and Bentler National Park will satisfy history buffs and lovers of quiet strolls. All three parks offer an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, but differ in their level of infrastructure development and accessibility.

It is worth noting the seasonality - in spring and autumn these parks look most beautiful, offering spectacular views of colorful foliage. In summer they provide shelter from the heat, but can be more crowded. In winter, although less popular, they can offer a unique experience for those who are not afraid of the cold.

When going to any of these places, remember to prepare properly. Comfortable shoes, a supply of water and snacks, and a charged phone are a must. It's also a good idea to check current admission prices and opening hours, as they are subject to change.

Exploring these lesser-known corners of Istanbul is not only an opportunity to commune with nature, but also a chance to see a different face of this fascinating city. It proves that even in the heart of a metropolis of millions of people you can find oases of peace and wildlife. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a seeker of beautiful sights, or simply want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Istanbul has green treasures to satisfy the tastes of even the most discerning travelers.