5 Most Romantic Getaways Near Istanbul for Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day falling on a weekday may have caught you off guard with no plans. But clearly both of you need to clear your heads and spend some quality time together. That's exactly where we come to the rescue! Below are the perfect destinations — all very close to Istanbul — where you can enjoy some alone time with your loved one…

ABANT

Did someone say romantic? Of course, Abant is the first place that comes to mind. Abant is one of the most unspoiled natural spots, home to a wide variety of plants and wildlife. If your partner is a nature lover, this place is truly a paradise for them… Abant Lake is one of those rare gems where you can breathe in the crisp, clean air, take a stroll hand in hand, and share romantic moments with your loved one — and it's only 3 hours from Istanbul.



AĞVA

Ağva is a little slice of paradise just 1.5 hours from Üsküdar. It's also the place that many visitors who stop at Şile end up missing out on by saying "this is enough, no need to go further"… It's beautiful in the summer, but equally magical in the winter — especially on Valentine's Day :)
If you have a car and take the mountain road, we can guarantee you'll be treated to breathtaking views. Along the way, there's a Bosnian village — don't drive past without stopping to try the village's famous herb or Spinach Gözleme with your loved one. If you're staying overnight, find accommodation near the Göksu River. You'll wake up to an incredibly romantic morning filled with birdsong. If you're going for just the day, make sure to set off early and not miss the delicious village breakfast.



KUZULUK

About 2 hours and 12 minutes from Istanbul, Kuzuluk is famous for its thermal springs and is surrounded entirely by forests and mountains. Stunning scenery will accompany you all along the way. Just before reaching Kuzuluk, make sure to stop at the Yarımca Turkish Coffee House — the very spot where Atatürk once had coffee in Kocaeli — and share a foamy Turkish coffee with your loved one. The garden is home to a 650-year-old Plane tree, and legend has it that Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror once tied his horse to it. Kuzuluk is truly the best place for couples who want a warm and cozy Valentine's Day. Spend the day hiking on Mount Kerimali, then take a break at the village market and try the delicious Bazlama with Pastırma (Turkish air-dried cured beef). The thermal springs will do wonders for both you and your loved one — body and soul...



İĞNEADA

İğneada, the jewel of Thrace… Surrounded by Longoz Forests and the Yıldız Mountains, and just 3.5 hours from Istanbul. As you wander through the Longoz Forests with your loved one, this place — home to thousands of birds — will simply enchant you. Here, you'll completely shed the stress of the city. And it's not just nature that's on offer for the adventurous. Dupnisa Cave, with its 3 entrances, stretches 3,000 meters in length, with the first 1,000 meters completely filled with water. In short, İğneada is one of the most romantic and beautiful places to celebrate your love.



MAŞUKİYE

Just 1 hour and 40 minutes from Istanbul, Maşukiye is a fairytale place blanketed in snow… With its forests, streams, and waterfalls, it's a wonderful therapy for couples seeking peace and tranquility. Even its name speaks of love! The word "maşuk" means "the beloved" in Turkish, and the locals say that everyone who comes to Maşukiye falls in love — so they declared it the village of lovers. The sound of Aygır Creek, which flows from the peak of Kartepe all the way down to Maşukiye, mingles with birdsong and fills your heart with a deep sense of peace. A walk here with your loved one will leave the city's stress far behind, open up new discoveries, and fill you with romantic memories. Since you've come this far, don't head back to the city without seeing Kuzu Plateau (Kuzu Yaylası). The unmatched lake view is something you won't forget for a long time.



Happy Valentine's Day...