Polonezköy Nature Park is a green and bucolic place to run, away from Istanbul’s hustle & bustle. The 3,000-hectare nature park is located 30 km northeast of Istanbul, and is also reachable by public transportation. The park is known for its extensive variety of oak, pine, and chestnut trees, and many species of flowers. The landscape is primarily wooded, with a few sections that are more open. Pro Tip: A great escape from Istanbul’s heat. 

There’s a nice variety of running options here. The most popular is a 5 km hiking/cycling/jogging course, which is a fairly flat trail through the woods, with easy footing. There are numerous other trails and paths — some wide and flat, others hillier and more rugged.

Notes: We could not find an available digital map. Also, there is a modest fee to enter the park.