To escape the city, this time we came to Ağva, on the Black Sea coast. Ağva is a village built between the forest behind, the sea in front and two rivers.

Ağva means “village between two streams” in Latin. Göksu and Yeşilçay streams pass through Ağva and flow into the Black Sea.

When it comes to eating and drinking in Ağva, the first thing that comes to mind is fish. Most of the fish restaurants are by the Yeşilçay stream. But this time, we say let’s eat our mullet and horse mackerel at Fener Büfe, by the sea, accompanied by the sounds of the waves. Celal Keskiner, the owner of Fener Büfe, is assertive about the freshness and taste of the fish. He says you can eat fish in Ağva both in summer and winter.

There are places here that appeal to every segment and every budget. You already see the price lists in front of every restaurant before entering. Prices increase as you go towards Göksu stream. Many foods in those regions come from Istanbul. But wherever you eat, don’t forget to throw a few pieces to the fish in the stream. It’s like all the fish in the stream are coming for the bait you throw. You can already spend hours by the stream.

The population of Ağva is around 3000 people. But in summer, especially on weekends, this number rises to 10,000. There are people who come here to swim in the sea or in the stream, or just for a delicious meal… When you go to the seaside, the waves of the Black Sea welcome you. Lifeguard Necmettin says that the sea is not always this wavy. The two-kilometer long Ağva beach is very crowded, especially on weekends. When you come to Ağva, you cannot leave without buying Şile cloth.

If you come on a Friday, you can also buy fresh milk, eggs, vegetables and fruits brought here by the villagers. Even if you don’t buy anything, wandering around the village market is enjoyable. Although we are a little late, we have to come early in the morning, but everything still looks so fresh… Mushrooms… Cherries… Cheese… Vegetables… They all come from the surrounding villages. After the market, of course, we immediately go to a shop selling Şile cloth clothes.

There are many hand embroidered varieties in every color. It is an ideal garment for summer as it does not cause sweating.

Ağva tradesmen and people are also friendly. We also look at jewelry in the shops in the center of Ağva. Various colorful beads, necklaces and earrings are waiting for us.

Those who come to Ağva generally do not leave without taking a boat tour. Tours depart when the boat is full, but you don’t have to wait long and you sail right into the blue and green waters. This time, we prefer to tour on a raft on Göksu Creek. We move forward, greeting those on pedal boats, canoes and boats that pass us. With the newly opened facilities in recent years, Ağva has taken on a brand new identity. It doesn’t feel like a small seaside town anymore.

The fact that it attracts excessive attention on some weekends does not actually please the residents of Ağva. Most operators and our regulars say that’s enough.

Göksu stream is literally a green paradise. Everywhere around you is green. Water too. But you should not be fooled by this color. We dip a glass glass into water. Göksu actually has water that is almost clear enough to drink. The green color is a reflection of the color of the surrounding trees and the moss at the bottom of the stream.

Swimming in Göksu stream. But if you want to swim, almost all of the hotels by the stream drop you off at the bays by boat and pick you up at the time you want. There are also many opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Those who want to fish are not left empty-handed. With two streams and the sea, even novice fishermen like us have plenty of luck.

It is possible to cross the Göksu stream over the bridge, but it is much more enjoyable to cross the raft houses. Ağva offers many alternatives for those who want to walk with the surrounding Kilimli and Kadırga bays, groves, waterfalls and nature corners waiting to be discovered. The tent camping area in the region also attracts attention in the summer months. When we see people making manti and pancakes right next to the campsite, we go to them.

We wrap some manti before we set off.

It is very easy to come to Ağva, but it is very difficult to leave. We leave the fish, delicious food and streams we reluctantly fed behind and return to the city.

Transport

The view you see while going to this charming town, which is 97 kilometers away from Istanbul, will be enough to fascinate you. Even seeing the trees stretching left and right during your journey is very enjoyable. To reach Ağva from Istanbul, you first need to go to Şile. The road up to Şile is of highway quality…

After reaching Şile; You can go to Ağva with two options: First, the coastal road; Two roads branch off from Şile Çayırbaşı. As you continue along the coastal road, Kabakoz and Akçakese road, you will come across Şuayipli. When you come to the return from İsaköy, Ağva signs will be very helpful to you.

The second road route from Şile to Ağva is; when you follow the road from Çayırbaşı to Teke village, you can reach Ağva by continuing in the direction of Teke, Gökmaslı and İsaköy.

For transportation from Gebze, go towards Mollafenari. Follow the Tem road, turn left to the Teke road, and follow the Yağcılar, Değirmençay road. When you come to Teke, turn right to the İsaköy road and you are in Ağva.

For transportation from Izmit, you will first come to Kandıra, Akçaova and then Ağva via the Kandıra highway.

For transportation from the Black Sea region; You can reach it by following the Akçakoca road.

If you are going to use a bus to reach Ağva, there are buses that depart every hour from our office in Harem, where the IET buses depart; You can complete your journey by first going to Şile and then to Ağva.

However, our advice for the trip to Ağva is; if you are coming with your private vehicle, choose the sea road on the way and the forest road on the way back, so that you can discover all the beauties of Ağva.

Attention to all our people who will be traveling to Ağva by bus.!!! Our office in Üsküdar has been moved to the place where IET buses are located in the harem (opposite the gas station) due to the tube crossing project. We recommend that you be careful about this.

FOOD

There are many restaurants and hotels, large and small, on both sides of the stream. These facilities are extremely modern, meeting the needs of big city people. Of course, for those looking for tranquility and peace day and night. Each facility has its own characteristics.

When you enter the rooms at Yeşilçay Holiday Village, you smell the scent of pine, the houses are entirely wooden. It is possible to completely disconnect from the city by playing with the hotel’s extremely cute dog, Shiba, in the Ottoman-style rooms of the Piccolo Mondo Hotel or on the sun terrace. You can have a more romantic weekend by eating cheese with wine at Greenline.

Or in Riverside’s villa chalets or bungalows… It is possible to stay in hostels for 10-25 million per person, in hotels in Göksu for 40-45 million on weekdays and 60-80 million on weekends.

Liman Fish Restaurant0216 721 81 99

Antique Restaurant0216 721 72 76

Fener Büfe0216 721 84 46