Poyrazkoy feels like Istanbul letting go of the rope. You head north, past familiar Bosphorus rhythms, and suddenly the water opens wider, the wind sharpens, and the city steps back. This is where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea, and you notice the shift immediately.
Set on the Asian side, Poyrazkoy is a small fishing village that doesn’t try to be anything else. No polished promenades. No curated corners. Just boats tied close, grills warming up early, and locals moving at a pace shaped by the sea. If Istanbul has felt crowded or loud, this place recalibrates things quickly.
We often point people here when they ask for a real coastal break without leaving the city entirely. Poyrazkoy delivers beaches, seafood, and space to breathe, all within reach of Istanbul. You come for lunch, maybe a swim, and somehow the afternoon disappears.
“Poyrazkoy is where we go when we want the sea to decide the schedule.”
Istanbeautiful Team
It’s not a headline destination. It’s a relief. And that’s why it works so well.
Poyrazkoy at a Glance
Poyrazkoy sits within Istanbul’s Beykoz district, directly across from Garipçe on the European shore. The village takes its name from the poyraz, the strong northern wind that defines this stretch of coast, especially in winter. You feel that wind even on calm days. It keeps the air clean and the mood sharp.
What defines Poyrazkoy is its honesty. Narrow streets lead toward the water. Fishing boats anchor close to shore. Hills rise gently behind the village, opening to wide Black Sea views if you walk upward. Life here still revolves around fishing and small scale agriculture, and that shows in the food and daily rhythm.
Early mornings belong to the sea. Nets, boats, gulls, quiet conversations. By midday, seafood restaurants begin to fill, serving fresh fish and mezes without ceremony. Afternoons slow down again, especially outside peak summer weekends.
The village also carries history quietly. Poyraz Castle, an Ottoman era fortress, watches from above, while the modern Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge frames the horizon nearby, reminding you how old and new coexist here without tension.
“We describe Poyrazkoy as a place that never rushes you out. It just lets you stay.”
Istanbeautiful Team
If you’re looking for the Black Sea side of Istanbul at its most approachable and unfiltered, Poyrazkoy fits naturally.
Things to Do and See in Poyrazkoy (Sea Air, Space, No Rush)
Slow Down by the Water
Poyrazkoy works best when you arrive with no schedule. The coastline sets the tone right away. Fishing boats line the harbor. Nets dry in the sun. Village houses climb the slopes quietly. Walking along the shore feels unforced, almost meditative. This is one of those places where doing very little somehow feels like enough.
No Regrets Booking Advice
Many people come on weekends just to sit by the sea, talk less, and stay longer than planned. It’s an easy reset from the city.
“When friends say they want to disappear for half a day, we send them here.”
Istanbeautiful Team
Relax at Poyrazkoy Beach
Poyrazkoy’s small beaches are a big reason people keep returning in summer. The main Poyrazkoy Beach, just before the village entrance, sits in a sheltered bay. Calm water makes swimming comfortable, even for families. Changing cabins and nearby restaurants keep things practical.
There are three beaches in total. Two are mixed. One is a women’s only beach, which many locals appreciate for its quieter atmosphere. The setting stays simple. No loud beach clubs. Just water, sand, and shade.
Visit Poyraz Castle for Amazing Views
Climbing up to Poyraz Castle shifts the perspective. Built during the Ottoman period, the ruins sit above the village, looking out toward the Black Sea. The path up is manageable, though uneven in places. Comfortable shoes help.
From the top, the view opens fully. You see the sea stretch wide and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge cutting across the horizon. It’s one of the strongest photo spots in this part of Istanbul, especially near sunset.
Enjoy a Fresh Seafood Feast
Poyrazkoy is a fishing village first. That shows on the table. Restaurants serve grilled fish, calamari, and classic mezes without overthinking it. The catch changes with the season, which is part of the appeal. Lunch tends to stretch into the afternoon naturally.
Eating here feels tied to the place, not separated from it.
Watch the Sunset Over the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge
As the day winds down, the light changes dramatically. The Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge begins to glow, especially when viewed from the seaside promenade or near the castle. Waves sound heavier. The village quiets again.
How to Get to Poyrazkoy?
Poyrazkoy sits near the very edge of Istanbul’s Asian side, just before the Bosphorus fully opens into the Black Sea. Getting there takes a bit of intention, but that’s exactly why it still feels like a real escape.
By Car (The Easiest Way to Feel the Transition)
If you’re driving, Poyrazkoy is about 33 km from Uskudar, following the Yeni Riva Road and then the Anadolu Feneri Road. You’ll pass through Beykoz and Anadolu Kavagi, heading steadily north. From Beykoz Pier, it’s roughly 14 km.
After Beykoz, watch for the Poyrazkoy – Anadolu Feneri signs about 4 km later. Turn there and follow the narrow, wooded road. The city fades quickly. Trees close in. That’s when you know you’re on the right path.
Navigation apps work well, but expect winding roads toward the end.
By Bus (Most Practical Public Option)
Public transport is slower but reliable.
From Kavacık, take the 135 Poyrazkoy – Kavacık IETT bus. This is the most direct and practical route, and it passes through Beykoz on the way.
From Uskudar, take the 15F bus toward Beykoz, then transfer to the 135 bus or one of the minibuses heading to Poyrazkoy.
From Beykoz, reaching Poyrazkoy is simple. Both the 135 bus and local minibuses run directly to the village.
By Ferry (Part of the Journey, Not the Final Leg)
You can’t reach Poyrazkoy directly by ferry, but ferries help with the first half of the trip. Take a Şehir Hatları ferry to Beykoz Pier, then continue by bus or minibus from there.
- Anadolu Kavağı – Üsküdar line (Anadolu Kavağı – Beykoz – Çubuklu – Kanlıca – Anadolu Hisarı – Çengelköy – Beylerbeyi – Üsküdar)
- Bosphorus line
Please cross check sehirhatlari.istanbul for all above routes, timetables and prices.