Şile Lighthouse Istanbul
Historic 1859 lighthouse on a scenic cliff overlooking the Black Sea, offering stunning views and a coastal escape from Istanbul.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For optimal Black Sea views
Şile Lighthouse Istanbul
Best Time
For optimal Black Sea views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1859 lighthouse on a scenic cliff overlooking the Black Sea, offering stunning views and a coastal escape from Istanbul.
"A beautiful historic lighthouse with breathtaking Black Sea views, perfect for a day trip from Istanbul."
🚌 Public Transport to Şile
Take the 139 bus from Istanbul for an affordable trip. Some private buses don't accept Istanbulkart.
🌅 Sunset Views
While not directly at the lighthouse, Bosphorus sunset cruises offer stunning Istanbul panoramas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Şile Lighthouse
Cliffside overlooking the Black Sea
Iconic 1859 lighthouse offering panoramic Black Sea views from its dramatic cliff perch.
Şile Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
A popular spot for swimming and enjoying the coastal atmosphere of Istanbul.
Planning Your Visit
Getting to Şile
Best Time for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚌 Public Transport to Şile
Take the 139 bus from Istanbul for an affordable trip. Some private buses don't accept Istanbulkart.
🌅 Sunset Views
While not directly at the lighthouse, Bosphorus sunset cruises offer stunning Istanbul panoramas.
🏖️ Beach Day
Şile boasts a nice beach, perfect for a swim if you're looking to escape the city.
🚗 Private Transport Costs
White buses to Şile are available but may require separate payment, not accepting Istanbulkart.
How to get to Şile from Istanbul?
Tips
from all over the internet
🚌 Public Transport to Şile
Take the 139 bus from Istanbul for an affordable trip. Some private buses don't accept Istanbulkart.
🌅 Sunset Views
While not directly at the lighthouse, Bosphorus sunset cruises offer stunning Istanbul panoramas.
🏖️ Beach Day
Şile boasts a nice beach, perfect for a swim if you're looking to escape the city.
🚗 Private Transport Costs
White buses to Şile are available but may require separate payment, not accepting Istanbulkart.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Şile Lighthouse for its scenic beauty and historical charm, offering a refreshing coastal escape from Istanbul. The picturesque cliffside location and the Black Sea views are consistently praised. However, some find the journey a bit long, and accessibility to the lighthouse interior can be limited.
"A lovely relaxed weekend morning plan. Beautiful views, history and a cafe to sit and have a tea or coffee. We went with elderly parents and children and had no problems getting around. There are bathrooms available free of charge. They aren’t especially clean but it is very difficult to find a public restroom in the area. So we were thankful for this feature."
Brittney Bragg
"A beautiful and poetic place, perfect for contemplation. There’s a café with a stunning view, and you can also enjoy a ride on the zip line."
Noor Refai
"Amazing place, crowded by locals on weekends. Had to park bit far and walk for 8 minutes to reach the lighthouse. A zip line cost 700 tl near the restaurant. Clean toilet. Amazing view makes you wonder of God creating. A stair near by leads to the shore were some people were swimming in high tide."
M.AlQabandi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient and budget-friendly way to reach Şile Lighthouse is by public bus. Route 139 is frequently recommended and departs from Istanbul. While some private buses operate, they might not accept the Istanbulkart, so confirm payment methods beforehand.
Yes, the 139 bus line directly serves Şile from Istanbul. The letter following the number 9 on the bus doesn't matter, as all these buses head to Şile.
Travel time can vary depending on traffic, but expect it to take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours by bus from central Istanbul to Şile.
The 139 numbered buses generally accept the Istanbulkart. However, some private white buses operating the route may require cash payment.
Buses back to Istanbul are readily available from Şile. It's advisable to check the last bus timings to ensure a smooth return journey.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to the lighthouse grounds and the surrounding cliff area is generally free. However, if there are any specific internal tours or exhibitions, separate tickets might be required. It's best to check on-site for any potential fees.
The lighthouse itself is an external landmark, and the surrounding area is accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening hours for viewing the exterior.
The beach in Şile is typically free to access for swimming and sunbathing. Some beach clubs or facilities might charge for loungers or services.
Yes, Şile Lighthouse can be visited year-round. However, weather conditions can affect the experience, especially during winter months.
While not as common as in central Istanbul, some local tour operators might offer day trips that include Şile. It's worth checking with local tour agencies or online platforms for availability.
📸 📸 Photography
The cliffside offers dramatic angles of the lighthouse with the Black Sea as a backdrop. The beach area also provides lovely coastal shots. Consider visiting during golden hour for softer light.
Yes, Bosphorus cruises offer fantastic opportunities to photograph Istanbul's skyline and coastline, though they don't typically pass directly by Şile Lighthouse.
Morning and late afternoon (golden hour) provide beautiful lighting for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, but still offers clear views of the lighthouse and sea.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use around the lighthouse and beach areas.
Drone usage in Turkey is subject to strict regulations. It's advisable to research and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone in this area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When traveling with children, opting for the public bus (139) is a practical and economical choice. Ensure you have snacks and drinks for the journey, as it can take over an hour. The open spaces around the lighthouse and beach are generally safe for children to explore, but always supervise them closely, especially near the water and cliffs.
💰 Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Şile's Coastal Charm
Beyond the lighthouse, Şile is renowned for its sandy beaches, offering a refreshing escape from the bustling city. These beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the maritime atmosphere. The area around the lighthouse and beach is perfect for leisurely strolls, allowing visitors to soak in the coastal beauty. For those seeking a more immersive experience, consider visiting during the warmer months when the sea is inviting for a dip.
Getting to Şile is part of the adventure. Public transportation, primarily through IETT buses like the 139 route, provides an accessible and economical way to reach the district. This journey allows you to see more of Istanbul's outskirts and appreciate the transition to a more relaxed, seaside environment. While private transport options exist, the bus is a favored choice for many due to its affordability and convenience.
Navigating Public Transport to Şile
It's important to note the nuances of bus travel in Istanbul. While the official IETT buses, like the 139, typically accept the Istanbulkart, some private bus operators might require separate cash payments. Travelers are advised to confirm the payment methods before boarding to avoid any last-minute issues. The journey itself can take around an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic conditions, so factor this into your day trip planning.
When planning your return, be sure to check the schedule for the last buses departing from Şile. This will help ensure you don't miss your ride back to the city and can enjoy your time by the lighthouse and beach without worrying about transportation logistics.
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