Değirmenburnu Nature Park

About

Değirmenburnu Nature Park is on Heybeliada, in the Adalar district of İstanbul, and was designated in 2011. It is named after a windmill that ground flour until the end of the 19th century and also served as a watchtower for security purposes. The 12.28-hectare park is about a 400 m walk to the right of the Heybeliada pier. Turkish red pine is the dominant tree, alongside stone pine, maritime pine, Mediterranean cypress, bay laurel, Atlas cedar, magnolia, Judas tree, hackberry, rockrose and Spanish broom. Squirrels, hedgehogs, hares, moles and magpies can be seen. The park has picnic areas, a children's playground, a five-a-side pitch, a country restaurant and a café, and bicycles and barbecues can be rented. Değirmen Beach on the northern side has changing rooms, showers, sunbeds and parasols. A forest road through the middle of the park is suitable for walking and cycling, and various events, including a kite festival, take place here.