Want a break from Istanbul’s markets and traffic? The forest and coast in the north of the city are a good escape, and visitors often ask us whether to explore them on a quad bike or on horseback.
Both are guided, both use the same trails around Belgrade Forest, and both can reach the Black Sea beach. The difference is in how they feel. This guide compares the two side by side so you can choose, or decide to do both.
The short answer
Pick the ATV if you enjoy driving, a bit of speed and getting your hands on the controls. Pick horse riding if you would rather go slowly, hear the forest and spend an hour with an animal.
If your group is split, the short versions of each fit easily into one day.
How each one feels
On an ATV
An ATV, or quad bike, is a four-wheeled off-road vehicle steered with handlebars. You are fully in control. Throttle to go, brake to stop. On dirt tracks you feel every bump through the wheels, and the corners give you a little thrill.
You cover more ground in the same time, and the quiet moments come at the stops, where you can look around and take photos.
On horseback
On a horse, control is shared. Your horse has its own character, and part of the experience is learning to communicate with it. Most first-timers are surprised by how high up they sit and by the gentle sway of the walk. After a few minutes that rhythm becomes relaxing.
The pace is slow. You hear birds in the forest and waves on the beach, and you can talk to the person next to you. Many guests say the horse is what they remember most.
Who each one suits
An ATV tour is a good fit for
- Groups of friends who like driving and a faster pace
- Birthdays and lively group outings
- People who are nervous around horses but still want to get into the forest
- Anyone who wants to see more ground in a short time
A horse ride is a good fit for
- Animal lovers and anyone looking for a calm outing
- Couples, photoshoots and quiet romantic moments
- Families with young children (the arena ride is a gentle first step)
- Sunset on the beach, our most requested time
Price comparison
The key difference is how the price works. Horse rides are per person. ATV tours are per vehicle, and one passenger can ride on the back for an extra 500 TL per ATV. Sharing an ATV brings the cost per person down.
| Activity | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Horse, arena ride (for young children) | 4 laps | 500 TL per person |
| Horse, forest ride | 30 min | 1,500 TL per person |
| Horse, lake ride | 45 min | 2,000 TL per person |
| Horse, beginner beach ride | 45-60 min | 3,500 TL per person |
| Horse, long beach or Belgrade Forest ride (experienced riders) | 90-120 min | 4,000 TL per person |
| ATV, forest | 30 min | 2,000 TL per ATV |
| ATV, forest | 45 min | 2,500 TL per ATV |
| ATV, beach or Belgrade Forest | 60-90 min | 4,000 TL per ATV |
| ATV passenger | whole tour | 500 TL per ATV |
A quick example for two people on a 30 minute forest outing. On horses they pay 3,000 TL in total. Sharing one ATV, one driving and one on the back, they pay 2,500 TL. On two separate ATVs, 4,000 TL. All prices are in Turkish lira and the full list is on our prices page.
Duration and routes
The routes overlap a lot. Short tours stay in the forest, longer ones head to the coast or deeper into Belgrade Forest.
- A first taste. The 30 minute forest horse ride or the 30 minute ATV forest tour.
- A little more. The 45 minute lake ride or the 45 minute ATV forest tour.
- To see the sea. The 45-60 minute beginner beach ride or the 60-90 minute ATV beach tour.
Both start with a short briefing, so arrive a little early.
How hard is it for a beginner
Neither needs experience.
With an ATV the learning curve is the machine. Throttle and brake make sense within a few minutes, and once you learn to slow down before corners the rest is easy. A guide rides in front and sets the pace. Our ATV tour guide covers the four routes in detail.
With a horse the challenge is mostly in your head. The horses are calm and experienced, the guide stays close, and your job is to sit balanced and hold the reins. If you feel nervous, read our first time horse riding guide.
What to wear
The basics are the same for both.
- Long, comfortable trousers. No shorts or skirts.
- Closed shoes with a flat sole. No sandals or flip-flops.
- A light windproof jacket.
- Helmets and safety gear are provided at the farm.
The difference is dirt. ATV tours are dusty and sometimes muddy, so wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty and bring sunglasses against the dust. Horse rides are cleaner, though light-coloured clothes still pick up marks. More tips in what to wear horse riding.
Getting there from central Istanbul
The farm is in Uskumruköy, Sarıyer, on the northern edge of the city, between Belgrade Forest and the Black Sea. From Taksim or Sultanahmet the simplest option is a taxi, a ride-hailing app or a rental car heading north. A useful landmark for drivers is the Uskumruköy toll gates on the Northern Marmara Motorway, which are 5-10 minutes from the farm. Show the driver the address, Uskumruköy Mah., Ayvacık Sk., Sarıyer, or ask us on WhatsApp for the map pin.
Doing both on the same day
This is what many groups end up doing. Since the horse rides and ATV tours start from the same farm, combining them is simple.
A short double. A 30 minute forest horse ride plus a 30 minute ATV forest tour. One hour of riding in total, which with briefings and a break fills a relaxed half day.
Thrill first, calm later. Take an ATV into the forest in the morning, then ride a horse down to the beach in the late afternoon. Sunset beach rides are the most popular slot, so book ahead.
Split groups. Those who would rather not ride take the ATVs while the others go out on horseback at the same time. Everyone meets again at the table.
The farm’s own restaurant serves a Turkish village breakfast and grills, with garden tables outside, so you can easily build the day around a meal.
Booking
Bookings are made on WhatsApp and you can write in English. Message +90 546 414 00 89 or use the booking form, which turns your choices into a ready WhatsApp message. Tell us how many people, which activity, how many ATV drivers and passengers, and your preferred date. The farm is open every day except Thursday, 09:00-19:00. Weekends fill up first, so write a few days ahead.