Days out · 1–1½ hours north-east
The Black Sea coast east of the Bosphorus: Şile’s lighthouse and castle, Şile cotton, river boats in Ağva and the starred Casa Lavanda.
Days out feature
Sandy coves, a lighthouse and two rivers meeting the sea.
Stay a night in Ağva or at Casa Lavanda and take the river boat at dusk.
Read the full back story below, then plan your trip.
The back story
Lighthouse, castle and sandy coves on the Black Sea, and a village between two rivers.
Above the Black Sea
The 19th-century lighthouse on the cliffs of Şile, looking out to the castle on its islet.
Between two rivers
A village where the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers meet the Black Sea, with riverside hotels and boat trips.
One MICHELIN Star (2026)
A country hotel with a restaurant holding one MICHELIN Star, in the forest village of Ulupelit near Şile.
Şile’s crinkled cotton
The light, crinkled cotton cloth woven in Şile, sold as shirts, dresses and tablecloths.
By bus or car
By İETT bus from the Asian side, or by car: Şile is about 1–1½ hours from the city, Ağva a little further.
Been there? Share your experience and tips with other visitors.