For those who couldn't go on vacation this summer, 5 weekend getaway suggestions

During the winter, we work quite intensively, get tired, and find ourselves under stress. The lack of sunlight weighs on our spirits, and even though summer evenings are long, we often don't even consider going out due to fatigue. So, why do we endure all of this? For a magnificent summer vacation, of course. We spend all this time imagining a wonderful holiday.

However, unfortunately, not everyone can always live the vacation they dream of. If, due to various reasons, you have to postpone the vacation you've been dreaming of this year, don't worry at all. We have 5 suggestions for places nearby, easily accessible, and capable of refreshing and motivating you in a short time, such as a weekend. Besides, if you go to a different place every weekend, you'll have seen many different regions in one season. Let's take a look at these suggestions.

• Our first recommendation is, of course, one of the classics that will never change: Büyükada. Büyükada is one of the largest islands of Istanbul and is a perfect place for a weekend getaway. Here are some activities you can do on Büyükada during the weekend:

Bicycle Tour: Büyükada has no vehicle traffic, so exploring the island by bike is a great option. You can rent a bike on the island or bring your own.

Visit Aşıklar Tepesi (Lover's Hill): Aşıklar Tepesi is the highest point of the island, and you can enjoy the magnificent view of Istanbul by going up there.

Swimming at Ayazma Beach: You can swim at Ayazma Beach, one of the most popular beaches on Büyükada, and enjoy the sun.

Visit Historical and Cultural Places of the Island: While exploring the island, you can visit historical and cultural places such as Aya Yorgi Church, Rum Orphanage, and Hamidiye Mosque.

Hiking and Nature Walks: You can hike to explore the natural beauty of Büyükada. There are many hiking trails around the island.

Dining at Restaurants: The island has many beautiful restaurants. You can enjoy seafood and traditional Turkish cuisine.

Shopping for Souvenirs: Büyükada has many souvenir shops. You can buy souvenirs as a beautiful memory of the island.

• Another island on our list is Avşa Island. One of the most beautiful islands in the Marmara Sea, the region is one of the important tourism centers in the summer months. You can reach the region from Istanbul by passenger ships. Although the region is a bit crowded on weekends, it won't make you miss the crowds of the Aegean and Mediterranean. Here are some activities you can do on the island:

Beach Enjoyment: Avşa Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches during the weekend and engage in water sports.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours around the island. These tours usually allow you to explore beautiful bays and views around the island.

Walking and Biking: Avşa Island is waiting to be explored with its natural beauties. You can walk around or rent a bike to explore the island.

Water Sports: There are many water sports activities available on the island, especially kayaking, surfing, and jet skiing.

Nightlife: Avşa Island is also known for its lively nightlife. You can have fun at the bars and nightclubs on the weekends.

Island Tour: By visiting the small villages and historical sites in the center of the island, you can explore the island.

Seafood Dinner: You can try fresh seafood and local flavors in the island restaurants. It's an ideal destination for enjoying fish.

Beach Parties and Events: Some beaches host weekend parties and events. You can join these events and have a good time.

Avşa Island can be a great option for a weekend getaway.

• Let's not forget Marmara Island while we're already talking about islands. Please. The island is shaded by pine and olive trees and has a very clean air. Here are some activities you can do on the island:

Beach Enjoyment: Marmara Island is famous for its beautiful beaches. You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches during the weekend and engage in water sports.

Walking and Biking: You can walk around or rent a bike to explore the island. There are hiking trails filled with natural beauty.

Visiting Historical Sites: Marmara Island also attracts attention with its historical structures and places. During the weekend, you can visit the historical places of the island and travel back in time.

Fishing: Marmara Island is an ideal place for fishing. You can fish from the shore or go out to sea with fishing boats and spend enjoyable time in the sea.

Island Tour: By visiting the villages and historical sites in the center of the island, you can explore the island and see its cultural and natural heritage.

Seafood Dinner: You can try fresh seafood and local flavors in the island restaurants.

Nature Activities: Marmara Island is full of natural beauty. You can enjoy nature walks, picnics, and outdoor sports during the weekend.

Shopping for Souvenirs: You can shop and buy local products and souvenirs in the shops in the center of the island.

Marmara Island offers a peaceful and natural environment for weekend getaways.

• If you want to get away from Istanbul a little more, Saros Bay will welcome you with its wonderful sea. The sea and beach of the region are some of the cleanest places in our country. The air is also very fresh thanks to the light breeze that blows all the time. Let's take a look at what you can do in Saros Bay:

Sea and Beach Enjoyment: Saros Bay stands out with its beautiful beaches and clean sea. You can sunbathe, swim, and enjoy water sports such as canoeing or sea biking on the beaches during the weekend.

Fishing: Saros Bay is an ideal area for fishing. During the weekend, you can fish from the shore or go fishing on fishing boats and enjoy your time at sea.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours organized in the bay to explore the natural beauty of the region. You can visit bays, take a swimming break, and watch the sunset from the sea.

Nature Walks: There are hiking trails filled with natural beauty around Saros Bay. By taking nature walks during the weekend, you can discover the flora and fauna richness of the region.

Camping and Picnics: You can set up a tent and camp or have a picnic in the natural areas around the bay. It's an ideal option for spending a weekend close to nature.

Visiting Historical and Cultural Places: You can visit the historical and cultural sites around the bay. Ancient settlements, castles, and churches reflect the history and culture of the region.

Water Sports: Saros Bay is suitable for water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, and sea kayaking. You can boost your energy and excitement by doing water sports on the weekend.

Tasting Local Flavors: You can try local flavors in the restaurants around the bay. Seafood, local mezes, and fresh fish will delight your taste buds.

Saros Bay offers a tranquil and natural environment for weekend getaways.

• Our last recommendation is from the Black Sea: Akçakoca. As an district of Düzce, Akçakoca has a coastline covered with hazelnut trees, presenting an extended and clean beach. It holds within it the unique blue of the Black Sea and every shade of green. Here are some activities you can do in Akçakoca during the weekend:

Beach and Sea Enjoyment: You can sunbathe and swim at the beaches along the coast of Akçakoca. You can swim, relax on the beach, and engage in water sports.

Boat Tour: You can join boat tours organized along the coast of Akçakoca to explore the natural beauty of the region. You can visit bays, take swimming breaks, and enjoy a pleasant day at sea.

Visiting Waterfalls: You can visit the waterfalls near the area, such as Güvendik and Ceneviz Waterfalls, to enjoy the natural beauty.

Nature Walks: You can go on nature walks around Akçakoca to explore the natural beauty of the region. There are hiking trails surrounded by greenery.

Historical and Cultural Visits: You can visit historical and cultural sites such as Akçakoca Castle and historical mosques to learn about the history and culture of the region.

Tasting Local Cuisine: You can try local dishes in the restaurants in Akçakoca. Black Sea cuisine and fresh seafood will satisfy your palate.

Adrenaline Sports: You can do outdoor sports such as rafting, trekking, or mountain biking in the region. You can make your weekend exciting with adrenaline-filled activities.

Cultural Events: If you're lucky, you can participate in cultural events organized in Akçakoca. Local festivals, concerts, or exhibitions can make your weekend more colorful.

Akçakoca offers an ideal destination for weekend getaways with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Accomodations: For hotels please visit https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/