Yoros Castle — Attraction in Beykoz

I recently took a ferry ride from Uskudar to visit Yoros Kalesi, and it was well worth the journey. The ferry ride itself was a pleasant experience, taking around 1.5 hours, allowing me to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. It was a delightful way to start the adventure.

Once I arrived at Yoros Kalesi, I embarked on a 20-minute hike to reach the top of the castle. The hike was invigorating, and as I ascended, I couldn't help but anticipate the incredible view that awaited me. And I wasn't disappointed. The moment I reached the top, I was greeted by an extraordinary panorama that took my breath away. The castle's strategic location offered commanding views of the Bosphorus and its surrounding natural beauty. It was a sight to behold and a photographer's dream come true.

The scenery at Yoros Kalesi was simply magnificent. The combination of the ancient fortress, lush greenery, and the sparkling waters of the Bosphorus created a mesmerizing backdrop that was awe-inspiring. I spent a significant amount of time taking in the beauty of the surroundings, capturing photographs, and immersing myself in the rich history and culture of the area.

Visiting Yoros Kalesi is a must for anyone seeking a unique and unforgettable experience. From the ferry ride to the hike and the breathtaking view from the castle, every moment was filled with wonder and appreciation for Istanbul's natural splendor. Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates stunning landscapes, Yoros Kalesi is a destination that will leave an indelible mark on your heart and...

It's as close as the casual visitor to Istanbul gets to the Black Sea. Not much of a vista but it allows you to appreciate the strategic significance of the Bosphorus. Due to the lie of the land, you won't be able to see all the way to the old City but you'll catch glimpses of skyscrapers of an ever-expanding urban area that's Greater Istanbul. The dirt track to the ruined castle is not well maintained and poorly signposted. But all you have to do is just follow the crowds. Not recommended to the elderly, disabled and very young children due to undulating terrain and lack of proper paths. It is rather a hike from the parking area all the way in to the ruined fortress. But having driven all the way close to an hour outside Istanbul, it's quite an overwhelming experience to actually sight the Black Sea and the vast expanse beyond. It triggers the imagination. There's little by way of shelter, so best to visit it in the late afternoon or very early in...

The castle offers unexpectedly impressive views of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea given it isn't all that elevated (it only took about thirty minutes to find and climb to the highest point of the castle from the bottom of the pier at Anadolu Kavağı, and much of that time was spent deliberating which among three or four plausible little paths was headed to the top and which to yet another plateau with a provisional shelter, food and water for the local cats to peruse). At the same time, it is one of those castles that is far more accurately described as the abandoned ruins of one, so I wouldn't advise expecting much more than excellent views in the midst of all the stone, knolls, thicket and occasional abandoned bicycle (even if the right abandoned bicycle atop the right balcony does provide one with the unexpected opportunity to take an optical illusion of a photo wherein one appears to be flying a bicycle over...