Things To Do
in Çekme

Clifftop or shore viewpoints offer sunrise/sunset shots of the water, fishing boats and small harbors—great for golden-hour photography.

Narrow lanes, wooden houses and local markets provide authentic, colorful street scenes and portraits of everyday life.

Dense pine and mixed-forest trails with streams and textured bark—good for nature macros and landscape compositions.

Early-morning activity at docks and small fish markets yields dynamic candid shots and close-ups of the day’s catch.

Freshly grilled local white fish served simply with lemon and salad; available at seaside balıkçıs (fish restaurants) in nearby coastal towns.

Must-Try!

Oven-baked dough with toppings such as cheese, ground lamb or sucuk (spicy sausage); found at local pideci shops and bakeries.

A spread of cheeses, olives, eggs, honey, kaymak and fresh bread; ideal at village cafés or small guesthouses.

Small starter plates (hummus, stuffed grape leaves, ezme) and shepherd’s salad—great to share at fish restaurants and lokantas.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: leave 5–10% in restaurants if service is good, a small rounding up for taxis and 5–10 TL for hotel porters/housekeeping. In small village cafés or markets tipping is less common; you can round up the bill.

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger restaurants and shops; small vendors, markets and some rural businesses prefer cash (TRY). ATMs are available in nearby towns—carry some cash for markets and buses.

Warm to hot with humid spells, summer is ideal for swimming, boating and seaside dining; expect more visitors on weekends and higher prices for coastal restaurants.

Mild temperatures, fewer crowds and leafy colors in the woods—great for hiking and photography; occasional rain starts later in the season.

Cool and wet with brisk winds from the sea; some outdoor services and small restaurants may have limited hours. Not usually heavy snow, but dress warm and be ready for rain.

Blossom season with pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities, local festivals and sampling fresh, seasonal produce at markets.

A popular forested area with marked trails, picnic spots and varied flora—good for day hikes, birdwatching and family outings (about a short drive away).

Scenic coastal path with beaches and rocky coves—ideal for relaxed seaside walks, coastal photography and short hikes.

Unmarked or semi-marked trails through nearby pine and mixed forests—great for exploring but bring a map, water and wear proper footwear.

One of the larger forested recreational areas near Istanbul with longer trails, lakes and picnic areas—reachable within an hour depending on traffic.

Long-term residents involved in fishing, small-scale farming, retail and local services form the core of the community.

Professionals who commute to Istanbul for work yet prefer quieter residential life in the suburbs and villages.

A noticeable older population who maintain traditional social life in cafés and tea houses.

Weekenders and city-dwellers from Istanbul who come for seaside dining, beaches and nature during warmer months.

Vegetarian options include mezzes, salads, pide with cheese, lentil soup and vegetable stews. In small villages choices may be limited—ask for sebzeli (vegetable) dishes and specify no animal stock.

Vegan options are available among mezes (hummus, baba ghanoush), salads and boiled or grilled vegetables, but always check for butter or yogurt. Pack snacks if you rely on many plant-based choices.

Most restaurants follow halal practices for meats; pork is uncommon. Alcohol is available in many places but less prominent in village settings—ask if unsure.

Rice, grilled meats and salads are usually safe; breads, pide and many pastries contain gluten—communicate restrictions clearly as cross-contamination is possible.