Polonezköy (Adampol) is where Istanbul goes quiet. Not dramatically. Not instantly. It just softens. Traffic fades. Trees take over. Air feels lighter than it should this close to a megacity.
Set on the Asian side, in the forests of Beykoz, Polonezköy is one of those rare places where distance lies. You are still within Istanbul’s borders, yet it feels removed enough to reset your pace. People come here to walk without checking the time, eat without rushing, and sit without scrolling.
The village carries a story that sets it apart. Founded in the 19th century by Polish immigrants, Polonezköy kept its European village character while blending into Ottoman and later Turkish life. Wooden houses, old bakeries, family-run restaurants, and forest trails give it a rhythm that feels lived-in rather than staged.
What surprises first-time visitors is how complete the experience feels. You can hike through forest paths in the morning, eat long countryside lunches in the afternoon, and leave without feeling like you missed something. Or you can stay overnight and let the quiet stretch.
Istanbeautiful Team insight:
“Polonezköy works best when you arrive without expectations. Walk first, eat second, and let the rest fall into place.”
If you are looking for a nature escape near Istanbul that feels grounded, Polonezköy usually delivers more than planned.
Polonezköy at a glance
Polonezköy is a nature-focused village in Istanbul’s Beykoz district, roughly 15 to 20 kilometers from the city center. It is best known for its forests, walking trails, countryside restaurants, and Polish-Turkish cultural heritage.
Founded in 1842, the village was established by Polish settlers after the partition of Poland by Austria, Russia, and Prussia. Supported by the Ottoman Empire, the community took root here under the leadership of Prince Adam Czartoryski and Michał Czajkowski. Over time, residents became Ottoman citizens and contributed to agriculture, forestry, and village life.
Today, Polonezköy balances history and nature without forcing either. It is not a museum village, and it is not a resort. It is a place people still live, cook, walk, and rest.
Here’s why people visit:
- A calm escape from Istanbul’s crowds and noise
- Forest trails, picnic areas, and gentle hiking routes
- A unique Polish-Turkish heritage with village character
- Homemade Polish and Turkish food served slowly
- Easy day trips and quiet weekend stays
Polonezköy suits travelers who want space more than sights. It rewards those who slow down, breathe deeper, and leave a little later than planned.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Things to do in Polonezköy
Polonezköy is not a place you rush through. It rewards slow movement and simple choices. Walk first. Eat well. Add one activity if you feel like it. That rhythm usually leads to the best day.
Explore Polonezköy Nature Park
The Nature Park is the backbone of the village. Spreading across more than 3,000 hectares, it is one of the largest green areas within Istanbul’s borders. Once you step onto the trails, the city drops away quickly.
Marked paths cut through dense forest, open meadows, and quiet clearings. Some people come here to hike for hours. Others walk for thirty minutes and call it a win. Both approaches work. Cyclists use the wider paths, and bike rentals are available in the village if you arrive without one. Wildlife sightings happen quietly. Deer, foxes, and birds appear when you slow down rather than search.
Spring and autumn tend to feel best. Cooler air. Changing colors. Fewer crowds.
Istanbeautiful Team tip:
“Start your Polonezköy visit with a walk, even a short one. Everything tastes better afterward.”
Visit the Polonezkoy Culture House & Church
Polonezköy’s story lives in small, personal spaces rather than grand monuments.
The Polonezköy Culture House holds photographs, letters, and everyday objects from the village’s early Polish settlers. It is modest but meaningful, especially if you want context before wandering the streets.
Nearby stands the Czestochowa Church, built in 1914. Surrounded by trees and quiet paths, it feels more like a pause than a stop. A short walk around the village reveals old wooden houses and lanes that still carry European village proportions.
June brings the Cherry Festival, when Polish music, dance, and food briefly fill the village with color.
Enjoy Traditional Polish & Turkish Food
Food is central here. Meals are meant to stretch.
Places like Leonardo Restaurant are known for homemade Polish dishes such as pierogi alongside grilled meats. Polina Köy Evi focuses on village breakfasts and simple, organic flavors. Karçma Kafe< works well for pastries and dessert pauses.
Polonezköy-style breakfast is a highlight. Cheeses, jams, eggs, fresh bread. It is less about variety and more about freshness.
Stay in a Farmhouse or Boutique Hotel
Staying changes everything. Mornings are quieter. Evenings linger.
Options range from farm stays like Polonezköy Country Club, to boutique properties such as Villa Polonez Butik Otel, and larger retreats like Elite World Village Istanbul with spa facilities. Weekends fill quickly, so booking ahead helps.
Go Horseback Riding or Try Adventure Sports
If you want something active, Polonezköy offers gentle adventure rather than adrenaline. Forest horseback rides run through places like Polonezköy Horse Farm and Country Ranch. Routes suit beginners as well as families.
ATV tours and paintball exist too, but they are optional extras, not the main draw.
Istanbeautiful Team advice:
“Polonezköy is at its best when you do fewer things, not more. One walk, one long meal, one quiet evening. That’s the formula.”
How to Get to Polonezkoy?
By car (recommended)
Driving is the easiest and most flexible option. From central Istanbul, the trip usually takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Once you leave the main arteries, the road winds through greenery and small settlements, which sets the tone nicely.
Parking is rarely an issue. Most restaurants, walking areas, and nature park entrances have their own lots or informal parking nearby. If you plan to walk, eat, and explore at your own pace, a car makes the day far smoother.
By public transport plus taxi
There is no direct bus to Polonezköy. The closest approach is taking a bus toward Beykoz or Kavacık, then continuing by taxi for the final stretch.
This works, but it adds friction. The village sits away from main routes, and the last kilometers are not ideal on foot.
By taxi
Taxis run directly from Kadıköy, Üsküdar, or Taksim. For groups, this can make sense. For solo travelers or couples, it adds up quickly.