Timeline
09:00
Arrive in Anadolu Kavağı. The village is accessible by ferry from Eminönü or Sariyer, or by the winding forest road. If you are taking public transport, check the route for the bus schedule from the city center.
09:40
Walk up the signposted road toward the hilltop Yoros citadel. The climb is a little more than 1 km and takes about 20 minutes on foot. Admission is free.
10:00
Reach Joshua's Hill, the steepest hill in Istanbul closest to the sea. This spot is believed to be the tomb of the biblical Joshua. Take in the view of the Bosphorus mouth and the Black Sea as the morning light fills the landscape.
11:00
Descend back to the village for lunch or a snack. The description notes a pleasant area in the village, though no specific food establishments are listed. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this remote northern outpost.
Local tip
The ferry is the most reliable way to reach Anadolu Kavağı. Service from Eminönü runs twice daily, while departures from Sariyer are more frequent. Plan your return trip carefully as options are limited.
Check before you go
- Ferry schedules from Eminönü and Sariwer vary. Check the current route and timetables before traveling.
- The walk to Yoros citadel is a steady incline. Wear comfortable shoes.
- Mobile service can be spotty in the northernmost parts of the Bosphorus.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Istanbul (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).