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Ortakoy and the Bosphorus, Istanbul

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Things to do in Istanbul

Beaches

Few would wish to risk the murky waters of the Bosphorus around Istanbul, but there are sandy beaches not far from the city. Most popular with city-dwellers is Kilyos, on the Black Sea, about 30 minutes drive from the city centre, which has lifeguards on duty in summer months and a range of watersports. Yorukali Plaj, on Buyukada, is the most popular public beach on the Princes Islands, with jet-skis available for rent from kiosks on the waterfront in summer along with pedaloes and parascending rides. There are even better sandy beaches on Avsa, one of the Marmara Islands, 120 km (75 miles) southwest of the city in the Sea of Marmara, accessible by ferry from Istanbul.

Hiking

Uludag National Park, 110km (64 miles) south of Istanbul, offers a wide choice of walking trails ranging from easy woodland strolls to tough ascents to its 2,543m (8,343ft) summit. The rugged terrain and forests on the slopes of the highest mountain near Istanbul are home to a wide range of animals and birds, including golden eagles, lammergeyer vultures and many other raptors, as well as a rare, endemic butterfly.

Winter sports

Turkey is so widely thought of as a sunny summer destination that many visitors are surprised to discover that there is a flourishing winter sports scene within easy reach of Istanbul. Uludag National Park becomes a busy winter sports resort between mid-January and mid-March, offering a choice of slopes accessed by 22 lifts, along with around 30 places to stay, ranging from upmarket lodges to affordable backpackers hostels. Backpacker Travel offers a number of one-day, overnight or longer winter sports trips to Uludag.

Website: www.backpackerstravel.net

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