Beyond the City: Hiking Near Istanbul with Smileys

You can live in Istanbul for months and never leave the city. Yet forests, Black Sea beaches and car-free islands are all within easy reach, and a day among them feels a long way from the traffic.

Smileys Hiking exists to get you out there in good company. It’s a club for expats, digital nomads, international residents and locals who like walking, being outdoors and meeting people along the way.

Where You Might Go

One Sunday it’s a lake in the forest. The next, it’s a castle above the Bosphorus, or a car-free island with a swim at the end. There’s no set list of routes, and new places keep joining the calendar.

Polonezköy’s woods, Şile’s Black Sea beaches and the canyon at Ballıkayalar are all within a day’s reach too, and there’s plenty more to find around the city.

How an Outing Works

Most hikes run on Sundays. The group usually meets at a metro station, bus station or ferry pier at around 10 or 10:30 am and travels out together by public transport, often stopping at a market for supplies before setting off.

Recent hikes have ranged from about 5 to 12 km, and each outing usually takes several hours. Most are rated from 1 to 3 out of 5 for difficulty, and groups are typically limited to around 20 people. These details can change, so check the event page for each hike before you register.

Why Go With a Group

Walking is one of the easiest ways to get to know someone. You have hours side by side, something to look at and no pressure to fill every silence. Smileys members come from all over the world, so the person next to you on the trail may well be someone you’d never have met otherwise.

If you’re new to Istanbul, it’s also a simple way to learn the land around the city and come home with a few new friends.

Before You Go

Wear hiking shoes with good grip, dress for the weather and bring plenty of water and snacks. Check the forecast too, since rain can leave the trails muddy.

How to Join

You don’t need to be an experienced hiker.

Smileys is a members-only community. Apply to join, then find Hiking and follow its event listings for upcoming outings and how to register.

See you on the trail.