As the weather changes, the sun has started to show its smiling face, and we are ready to welcome the spring season. For many it is a reminder of the summer to come – with all its energy, refreshment and cheer.If you welcome spring in Turkey's heart, Istanbul, the best thing to do either on weekends or in the early hours of the morning is take a stroll on a nice, long walking trail on one of the most well-known routes in the city. Whether it is along the seaside or in a national park nested among green trees and oxygen-rich landscapes, Istanbul has much to offer.Since the city looks like a traffic jungle, those who arrive in Istanbul for the first time often don't realize that there are places where you can enjoy the sea or the nature of the city while playing sports or doing an early-morning workout. On the contrary, Istanbul has many scenic trails that offer plenty of energy for the day.Walking is known as one of the most relaxing and energizing exercises if you have a busy schedule, and it helps us to keep healthy both mentally and physically. So, even if you've become an Istanbulite for the long-term or just arrived in the city, here are the best ways for you to relax your mind, fill your lungs with fresh air and discover the city on foot.Moda Seaside on the Asian sideIf you would like to walk along the sea, but away from the rush of the European side of Istanbul, Moda Seaside is the best walking trail for you. It is a long route along the Bosporus that lets you feel the refreshing smell of the sea. Located in the Kadıköy district on the Asian side, Moda is a lively and energetic destination, as Kadıköy is often described as the Asian side equivalent of Taksim. With its long and wide track, Moda Seaside is a popular trail. Early birds who are busy exercising are not the only ones you'll see in the morning; you may also find many people sitting on a rock on the seaside while eating breakfast with a "simit" (a Turkish-style sesame seed bagel) and tea. With the sounds of seagulls flying over the beloved Bosporus, the smiling faces of morning people sharing the same trail with you and soft but energizing music accompanying you through earphones, you couldn't have asked for more in the morning!How to get there: For those who live in the seaside districts of the Asian side, it is an easy district to reach by bus, minibus and taxi. If you live on the European side and want to experience a morning tour on the serene Anatolian side, you should hop on a ferry leaving for Kadiköy every 15 minutes from Beşiktaş, for as soon as you hop off the ferry, your walking trail in Moda Seaside practically begins.The Princes' Islands in the Marmara SeaDescribed as a big garden in the Marmara Sea, the Princes' Islands offer a walking haven for both residents of Istanbul and tourists, away from the hustle and bustle of Turkey's commercial capital. It is not only away from big city life but also a tranquil trail among pine trees. The scent of blossoming flowers and the soft breeze in the air will make you realize that it is the best way to start your morning, as well as one of Istanbul's most pleasant getaway destinations. Called "Adalar" in Turkish, at this time of the year the islands bear witness to the awakening of nature. The Princes' Islands are actually a chain of nine small islands. Among these small islands, the best ones suitable for a long walk are Heybeliada and Büyükada. In addition to their perfect atmosphere for a walk, these islands are also tourist spots where you can enjoy a nice breakfast along the seaside or hire a bicycle for more exercise opportunities.Simply hop on a ferry that will take you directly to Büyükada from any one of the piers in Bostancı, Kabataş, Kadıköy or Eminönü – all at very central locations on both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. It takes approximately one hour from Istanbul to get to Büyükada. While gliding away on the sea with the sun shining and a refreshing wind blowing, you will arrive at the island before you know it.Belgrade Forest on the Çatalca PeninsulaLying 15 kilometers northwest of Istanbul on the Çatalca Peninsula, Belgrade Forest is mainly a preferred jogging and walking location in Istanbul. Even though it seems a bit far away from the city center, it has not stopped it from becoming a hotspot for active people due to its natural ambiance and trees that include every shade of green. Walking, running and jogging tracks in the forest begin at a fountain by Neşet Spring and continue for six-and-a-half kilometers in which you can find exercise equipment for public use. Exercising may be difficult, however, simply because you may be too busy taking photos of the natural beauties you will spot on the trail. There are many ruins and aqueducts in the forest from the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman eras, so it will look like a sporting adventure through history as well. Undeniably, it is a natural haven in the spring with blossoming flowers and green trees, but it is also a nice getaway for a walk in the summer from the increasing heat. If you are looking for a walking trail in a wide-open, green space away from the crowd, horns and busy traffic, then Belgrade Forest is a perfect option for you.How to get there: Since it is not an easy destination to reach, the best way to go is by car. From the European side, it only takes about 35 minutes to reach by car. If you would rather take public transport, you should take the 42T bus from Taksim or the 153 bus from Sarıyer to Bahçeköy and then just walk from there. There may be some groups in Istanbul that arrange buses that head to the forest, but bear in mind that these groups generally arrange such trips only on the weekends.Maçka Park on the European sideWhile many parks and green spaces are away from the city center in Istanbul, there is a notable exception: Maçka Park, also known as Demokrasi Park. The park is located near Nişantaşı, one of Istanbul's fanciest and ritziest districts, which is why it is a common walking trail for many who live in the Şişli, Beşiktaş and Beyoğlu districts. Maçka Park is where you can see many people jogging and walking in the earliest hours of the day. There are many entrances to the park from Nişantaşı, Taksim and Harbiye, as it is one of the largest parks located in the city center. The park is a suitable trail with its wide roads, benches, jogging and walking trails and flower gardens, and this huge green space in the core of the city also offers facilities equipped for those looking to play sports and exercise. On the Nişantaşı side of the park, there is also a nice cafe that overlooks it where many people eat breakfast and enjoy the greenery.There are many routes you can take to reach Maçka Park. The easiest way if you live around Taksim is to use Gümüşsuyu road through İnönü Stadium. You can also reach there from Beşiktaş by heading up to Akaretler. As another alternative way, you can follow Abdi İpekçi Street to enter the top end of the park.The Beşiktaş-İstinye route on the European sideIt is the easiest and the most Istanbulite-friendly walking trail in the city with a Bosporus view that you can enjoy during you walk. Starting from Beşiktaş – or any other point on the road leading to the İstinye district – you can follow the path by jogging, walking or running. It goes until İstinye, and many people living in Istanbul prefer this route since it is easy to reach and has a refreshing sea view. The only adverse situation on this route is the traffic jam that is almost always parallel to you, but the Bosporus view is so fascinating that traffic turns into a tolerable situation when you see the water. What makes this route such a preferred one is being a way to discover the popular district of Istanbul on foot. On the Beşiktaş-İstinye route, the beauties of Istanbul grab you immediately and make you forget any stress on your mind. So, if you would like to feel Istanbul's energy and explore it by yourself, plug in your earphones to escape the horns and traffic and enjoy the beautiful city.If you live around Beşiktaş, you simply need to reach the seaside to start your trail. If you are around any other district on this walking trail, the only thing you should do is to find the seaside and walk as much as you want.