Anadolu Kavagi

The last stop on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, Anadolu Kavagi is a former fishing village that sits near the confluence of the Bosphorus and the Black Sea.  Some say that the village historically served as a shelter for trade ships against storms, with sometimes as many as 300 ships stopping at a time.

Anadolu Kavagi may be best known for Yoros Castle, a medieval castle perched on a hill high above the village overlooking the Bosphorus.  In an area originally settled by the Phoenicians and Greeks, the castle was built in Byzantine times and was later restored and reinforced multiple times by both the Genoese and the Ottomans. However, it fell into disrepair after the 18th century and only ruins remain today, including portions of the citadel and the surrounding walls.

Although the walk up Caferbaba Sokagi to the castle is a steep one, taking nearly half an hour, the views when you reach the top are well worth it. Visitors have long had unrestricted access to the ruins of Yoros Castle, which is a popular picnic destination for locals. However, archaeological excavations began in 2010 and may impede access to some extent.

Practical Information

The best way to reach Anadolu Kavagi is by taking a ferry up the Bosphorus. If you prefer not to take the ferry back to Istanbul, you can catch bus 15A from the main square to Beykoz or Kanlica. Then, switch to bus 15 to Uskudar or bus E-2 to Taksim.