As I write these lines, it's snowing in Istanbul. Nonetheless, I wish to share with you my day trip to Anadolu Kavağı, a small fishermen town located on the Asian coastline of the Bosphorus near the Black Sea.

In order to get there, you must take a ferry. You can board one of the cruises in Eminönü without booking in advance.

That morning we just ate Simit (also called turkish bagel) and waited to be taken on a tour through the entire Bosphorus, stopping in both continents as we reached the last station, the port of Anadolu Kavağı.

This town is known for its fish restaurants and the Yoros castle ruin, from the 13th century. The site was first a Greek settlement and due to the strategic location, it later became a battleground for the defense against the attacks of the Germanic peoples. The castle was taken in 1305 by supporters of Osman I, the founder of the dynasty that established and ruled the Ottoman Empire.

A lot of history for such a little town, don't you think?

Well, I must admit that I had no idea of the information I just shared with you above when I first visited Anadolu Kavağı. The day we took the ferry, I thought we would enjoy the nicest views of the Bosphorus and then go back to Istanbul. Since I didn't do much research, I was surprised to see that there was a last stop and that we had to leave the ferry until the afternoon.

So we started the exploration of Anadolu Kavağı by walking around a bit and looking at the menus of the restaurants. We were tempted to sit down and eat right away because it was already past midday. However, we saw a sign with the turkish words 'Yoros kalesi' and the English translation as 'Yoros castle' and we decided to follow the red arrows to see where they would take us.  

The first vibe you get of the town is that of a very relaxing place.

The weather was perfect that day in Anadolu Kavağı, giving us the perfect chance to walk around.

We visited Anadolu Kavağı the day after the Soma mine disaster, the worst mine tragedy in Turkey's history.

So we started to walk uphill wondering if we had enough time to get to the castle, eat lunch and then go back. At some point we just forgot about being on time and as we strolled trought the quaint streets, we took in the relaxing ambiance of this place.

So many details are not to be missed as you discover step by step Anadolu Kavağı. Balconies decorated with flowers, nazar boncuğu or turkish eye amulets in the floors, small gift shops selling turkish rugs and other souvenirs; there are places whose energy you really perceive by noticing the small features that compose the landscape. 

Nazar boncuğu on the way to the Yoros Kalesi

There are restaurants underneath the castle where you can recharge batteries before going downhill. We ate at this restaurant and I just can't get over the view we had during that meal. It felt almost as if we were in Greece with the blue chairs and the clear skies.

Wouldn't you like to make a pause here?

Shameless selfie with this fantastic view.

I bought the cutest pair of glass earrings from this artist on the way to the Yoros Kalesi.

From the castle ruins you really have the most impressive views of the Bosphorus, the mouth of the Black Sea, the distant skyscrapers from Istanbul and the neighbouring towns on both sides of the strait. It's worth every step to the top.

We refreshed ourselves at a restaurant located beneath the castle ruins with Efes beer and delicious seafood. I had to laugh so hard when I read the menu and there were items like "toasts" also in spanish, but poorly translated as "brindis", when the correct word for it is tostadas. I thought it was actually really nice to read the menu in spanish and english, because it shows that locals are working hard to make tourists feel welcomed.

Lunch was perhaps my favorite part of the day; nothing can top eating your fresh seafood with a view as incredible as the clear skies and blue waters of the Bosphorus and the surrounding lush areas with villages here and there.  

The ruins of Yoros Kalesi.

You'll find fresh and delicious fish and seafood in every restaurant.

Efes beer!!!

Souvenirs near the port.

Anadolu Kavağı life.

Astrid.



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