The first thing that hit me getting off the bus was the salty smell of the Black Sea and the sound of waves under a soft spring breeze. I joined as part of a bigger group, and it felt very relaxed from the start. The beach access with sun loungers and umbrellas already set up was a big plus, so we just dropped our bags and went straight into the water. My favorite moment was sitting with a takeaway coffee and a simit, watching locals play with their kids near the shoreline. Our guide shared small stories about the old fishing town, not like a lecture, more like chatting with a friend. The only downside was that we had to wait a bit for the pool to clear when a big crowd arrived at once, but it was not a big deal. For a simple day away from Istanbul noise, this was exactly what I needed.