Small and Boutique Hotels in Sile

Şile is a charming vacation destination on the Black Sea coast, where forests meet the sea, close to Istanbul but far away from the crowds. Şile hotels also offer you a quiet weekend getaway. Şile is a holiday resort famous for its cloths woven with cotton spindles, named after a wonderfully fragrant thyme variety that grows in the town. Şile is a place with wonderful views, especially in spring and fall. Free from the chaos of Istanbul, where lush green forests stretch all the way to the coast, it is a town full of peace and worth seeing. There are many different accommodation facilities in Şile, which is especially suitable for weekend getaways. You can usually find Şile boutique and small hotels with magnificent views. Sile hotels are open all year round and generally serve as bed and breakfast. Şile hotels are in nature and designed to offer their guests a quiet vacation. You can leave Şile rested even on a short weekend vacation. Şile boutique hotels also impress with their cuisine. You can taste many different flavors with natural products grown in the region in Şile hotels. The prices of Şile hotels, which are open every month of the year, are also very affordable. You can see the most suitable Şile hotel for you with reasonable price options and reservation opportunities on our website. When you go to Şile, don't forget to buy products from Şile cloth, take a nice walk in the district, ride a bike and buy thyme...

When Is the Best Time to Visit Şile?

The ideal months to visit Şile are May and September. During these months, the weather is cooler, yet the sea is still generally warm enough for swimming. These periods are perfect for those looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful vacation.

How to Get to Şile

If you’re planning to travel by bus, you’ll first need to get to Istanbul. From there, you can use public transportation options such as buses and minibuses to reach Şile in about an hour and a half.

If you're driving, Şile is located on the Anatolian (Asian) side of Istanbul. Thanks to newly renovated highways and safe roads, reaching Şile has become much easier. You’ll enjoy a scenic journey through green landscapes on your way. Here are some approximate travel distances and durations:

• Istanbul to Şile: Around 75 kilometers – approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
• Kocaeli to Şile: Around 60 kilometers – approximately 1 hour
• Ankara to Şile: Around 425 kilometers – approximately 5 hours
• Izmir to Şile: Around 540 kilometers – approximately 7.5 hours
• Bursa to Şile: Around 215 kilometers – approximately 3.5 hours

Must-See Places in Şile

When in Şile, you should start with the town’s long, clean beaches along the Black Sea coast. You can visit Şile Castle, located in the center. Don’t miss the Şile Lighthouse, which is the largest in Turkey and the second largest in the world.

You can explore Değirmençayırı Waterfall, which is about half an hour away from the town center. Also worth visiting are Hacıllı Waterfall and the Valley of Eleven Lakes (Onbir Göller Vadisi), where you can see nearly eleven lakes and waterfalls lined up consecutively along your walk.

One of Şile’s most notable touristic spots is Kumbaba Hill. The hill features reddish and orange sands with a unique texture, and it is also home to the tomb of Kumbaba, a historical figure believed to have discovered the healing properties of the sands in the area. It is said he used to cure people there and was later buried on the hill that bears his name.

You can also visit the Crying Rocks (Ağlayan Kayalar), a natural formation near the Şile Lighthouse, where water flows through rocks, creating a unique natural phenomenon. Another place to explore is the Ocaklı Island Castle (Ocaklı Ada Kalesi).

In addition to its natural beauty, the area is rich in historical landmarks, including Byzantine-era churches and monasteries, as well as Ottoman-era mosques, inns, and baths. You can also admire the distinct architecture of Şile’s traditional houses.

Another popular nearby destination is Ağva, which is worth spending a full day exploring. You can visit the breathtaking Saklı Göl (“Hidden Lake”), and see the Göksu and Yeşilçay rivers.

Shopping Recommendations in Şile

In Şile and the surrounding villages, you can find organic products and local delicacies. You might want to try or bring home items like olives, cheese, jam, and honey — all natural and flavorful. There are also shops that sell handmade crafts, where you can browse and purchase souvenirs made with techniques like ceramics, glasswork, and wood carving.

 Entertainment Suggestions in Şile

Have a Picnic at Ağlayankaya Recreation Area: If you want to spend a relaxing day in nature, visit Ağlayankaya Mesire Alanı. You can enjoy a picnic in lush greenery, go for a walk, or simply unwind and take in the scenery.

Watch the Sunset on the Beach: Watching the sunset on one of Şile’s beautiful beaches is a peaceful and memorable experience. It’s the perfect way to relax and end a long day.

History of Şile

Şile is a coastal town in the northeast of Istanbul, along the Black Sea. Throughout history, it has hosted many civilizations and held strategic importance. In ancient times, the region was inhabited by Thracians, Hellenes, and Romans. During the Byzantine Empire, Şile became an important settlement and was used as a strategic port for maritime trade.

There are different theories about the origin of the name “Şile.” Some sources suggest it comes from the ancient Greek word “Σίλη” (Sile), while others believe it has Thracian roots. During the Ottoman era, Şile played a vital role in defending Istanbul and served as a military base during the conquest. Today, Şile is a popular weekend getaway and summer holiday destination, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty  especially attracting visitors from Istanbul during the summer months.

What Is Şile Famous For?

Şile Cloth (Şile Bezi): One of Şile’s most iconic handicrafts, this lightweight cotton fabric is known for its breathable, cooling texture — perfect for warm weather.
Şile Lighthouse: A landmark and symbol of the town, this lighthouse boasts stunning views of the Black Sea and is one of the largest in the world.
Şile Castle: Built by the Genoese in the 15th century, this historic fortress is uniquely positioned on a rock in the sea.

Where to Swim in Şile

Ağlayankaya Beach: One of Şile’s most popular beaches, featuring both large and small coves, turquoise waters, and breathtaking natural surroundings.

Şile Central Beach (Şile Plajı): Conveniently located near the town center, this sandy beach is known for its clean sea and family-friendly atmosphere.

Kumbaba Beach: Located to the east of Şile, this beach offers a wide sandy stretch and a tranquil environment, ideal for families with children.

Top Things to Do in Şile

• There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Şile, so a weekend might not be enough to experience them all.
• Spend time on the long beaches and swim in the clean sea, especially in summer.
• Visit historical landmarks like Şile Castle and Şile Lighthouse the latter being the second largest lighthouse in the world.
• Explore waterfalls like Değirmençayırı and Hacıllı, as well as natural wonders like the Valley of Eleven Lakes and Saklı Göl.
• Discover Byzantine and Ottoman remnants such as churches, tombs, mosques, inns, and baths.
• Admire the local Şile houses with their unique architecture.
• See natural spots like Ağlayan Kayalar (Crying Rocks) and Kumbaba Hill.
• Hike through forest trails, or plan a picnic or camping trip.
• Join adventurous activities like ATV rides, jeep safaris, paintball, or even hunting if you're interested.
• Participate in the Şile Cloth Culture and Art Festival, held in the last week of July — enjoy concerts and events.
• Dine at lakeside or seaside fish restaurants.
• Don’t forget to take lots of nature photos during your trip!

Eating and Drinking Suggestions in Şile

The most prominent flavors of Şile cuisine are fish varieties, salads and appetizers. You can find fresh and all kinds of freshwater fish grown in the lakes and rivers in Ağva and Şile in all seasons. Salads and appetizers are flavored with herbs grown in the region. You can also find sea fish and seafood. Şile restaurants cook your fish in any way you want.   

Apart from fish varieties and appetizers, you can also find many fast food products in Şile because it is a touristic region. In addition to snacks such as toast and flatbread, you can also taste flavors such as pita bread, kebabs and lahmacun, grilled meat and chicken products or different home cooking.   

If you want to taste more of the local delicacies unique to Şile, you can also taste different local dishes such as plum soup, mındıllı soup, kazayağı salad, water beet salad, mushroom fritters, stuffed rolls, bonito meatballs with parsley, öre, vinegar dessert and bead halva.