Photo: User:Darwinek (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source 7 places to visit in the Şile district of Istanbul: Şile Lighthouse, Şile Beaches and Şile Castle. Plan your trip to Şile with local food, practical tips and transport information.
Şile is a district on the Asian side of Istanbul province. The district covers 800 km² and has a population of 50,090; in terms of area it is one of the largest districts in Istanbul. Located on the northern part of the Kocaeli Peninsula, on the Black Sea coast, Şile consists of 62 neighbourhoods.
The Turkish meaning of the word Şile is “coral pavilion”, and the etymology of the name is said to be Greek. The word appears as Hilea in Greek texts and means “breakwater”. Settlement in the district goes back a long way; the area around Şile was settled in prehistory (the Neolithic Age), and among the earliest find sites in Istanbul province are the villages of Ağva and Sahilköy in Şile. Şile was invaded twice in antiquity: the first invasion was carried out by Xenophon, commander of the Ancient Greeks on their return from the Persian campaign, and the second by the Roman commander Lucullus. The Seljuk Turks under Kutalmışoğlu Süleyman Şah captured Şile in 1090; in 1097 the First Crusade armies took Şile back from the Seljuks.
The Seljuks captured Şile in 1090. In Ağva there are remains from the Hittites and Phrygians, as well as church ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
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Photo: User:Darwinek (CC BY-SA 3.0) · Source Built in 1859 during the Ottoman period, the Şile Lighthouse stands on a rocky headland on the Black Sea coast. One of the largest lighthouses in Türkiye, it is a favourite of photographers with its sea views.
View on mapŞile, on the Black Sea coast, has Istanbul's closest natural beaches. Ağlayankaya, Uzunkum and Kumbaba beaches attract strong interest in the summer months for their clean sea and fine sand.
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Photo: Justinianus (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Source The castle remains on a rocky hill overlooking the sea date from the Genoese period. From the castle, you can enjoy the vast view of the Black Sea.
View on mapA nature park in the interior of Şile, suitable for forest walks, picnics and camping.
View on mapA river east of Ağva; its name comes from the reflection of the vegetation on its banks in the water.
View on mapA cave that was used as a kind of prison during the Eastern Roman period to hold the first Christian believers.
View on mapWhile you are in Şile, you can also see the highlights of Istanbul province. These places are in other districts.
Şile Kestane Balı was registered as a protected designation of origin on 3 September 2021 (TÜRKPATENT registration no. 879). Product group: honey.
Pide holds an important place in the Black Sea-influenced cuisine of Şile. It is baked in a stone oven in minced meat, cheese and egg varieties.
Anchovy, horse mackerel and whiting caught in the Black Sea are served fresh in Şile's shore restaurants.
Şile cloth weaving is a traditional handicraft maintained for centuries. This light fabric, woven from cotton, is on UNESCO's tentative list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Şile's economy is based on tourism, fishing and the production of Şile cloth. Day-trip visitors from Istanbul in the summer months make an important contribution to the district's economy.
Şile is approximately 70 km from central Istanbul (Üsküdar). Regular bus and minibus services run to Üsküdar.
The highlights of Şile are 7 places: Şile Lighthouse, Şile Beaches, Şile Castle, Değirmençayırı Nature Park, Ağva, Yeşilçay and Gürlek Cave.
Şile Kestane Balı, Karadeniz Pidesi and Taze Karadeniz Balığı are the standout treats on Şile's tables.
Şile is known for its Şile Cloth and its Şile Cloth Weaving Tradition. A registered product with TÜRKPATENT as a protected geographical indication.
Şile is approximately 70 km from central Istanbul (Üsküdar). Regular bus and minibus services run to Üsküdar.
Suggested visit length: 1-2 days. Best time to visit: summer months (June–September).