Places to Visit in Sapanca

Sapanca: Sapanca, which is connected to Adapazarı, is famous for its lake and has been a developing tourism spot in recent years with its streams, drinking water basin and forests; It is also very close to many big cities with its location.   
Sapanca is approximately 25 kilometers from Adapazarı. Despite being so close to the center, it is far away from the noise and crowds of the city. It is extremely suitable even for your weekend getaways. It is one of the most preferred regions in recent years to spend a very calm, peaceful and nature-intertwined weekend.
Sapanca Lake is a natural wonder, surrounded by forests and approximately 40 square kilometers in size. The diversity of plant species on its shore and the clear blue of its water create a riot of colors, especially in spring when nature comes alive. Sycamore trees and shady paths between vegetable and fruit gardens add a distinct beauty to the region and the lake.    
There are also the towns of Kırkpınar and Kurtköy, which you can visit and easily reach when you come to Sapanca. Kurtköy has streams, large picnic areas, trout farms and restaurants. We would not be wrong if we call this place the orchard of Sapanca. Kırkpınar has more greenery and comfortable walking areas. Restaurants and cafes in the region are also very preferred.

Sapanca offers not only a lakeside setting but also trout production facilities and restaurants along the way to Maşukiye. Trout is prepared in various ways such as grilled, casserole, corn flour in a pan, and on a tile. Maşukiye, located between Sapanca and Pamukova, is set in a unique climatic condition that is rarely found worldwide. Even during summer heat, it always offers freshness. The lake itself is not very deep. Its water is potable, suitable for swimming, and activities like surfing and sailing are available. You can also go boating around with pedal boats or rowboats. If you enjoy fishing, don’t forget to bring your fishing rods.

Historically, Sapanca's settlements date back to before Christ, initially inhabited by the Phrygians and later officially settled by the Kingdom of Bithynia. Over the centuries, it has hosted many different civilizations, with numerous historical ruins still visible. In modern-day central Sapanca, Byzantine period sarcophagi are displayed in front of the Government Mansion. Furthermore, there are about 60 registered houses dating back to the 1800s and an arch constructed by Mimar Sinan in the town center. In addition, many architectural works from the Ottoman period can be found throughout the town.

Sapanca Lake has become a favored tourism center in recent years, especially among those from nearby cities like Istanbul, thanks to its proximity, clean air, pristine nature, numerous activities, and plentiful places to visit in the area. It offers visitors tranquility and serenity in all seasons, making it an ideal getaway, especially over the weekends.

The convergence of the lake’s blue and the surrounding greenery creates a slice of paradise. For those tired of urban chaos and noise, the tourist facilities around the lake provide various accommodation options. During summer, the lakeside serves as a beach where visitors can cool off by swimming and engaging in water sports. Its cool climate and icy streams flowing down from the mountains offer a refreshing escape from summer heat. In winter, the lake's surroundings, blanketed in white and encircled by mountains, provide opportunities for nature walks and a chance to breathe fresh air away from urban pollution, making Sapanca Lake a popular choice.

Thanks to the area's climate and soil properties, Sapanca hosts a rich flora. The suitable humidity and oxygen levels in the air, along with the low salinity of the soil, create an ideal environment for plant growth. This results in plants that are more vibrant, healthy, and with larger leaves. When a plant that grows in other regions is cultivated in Sapanca, it often attains a deeper shade of green. With over 100 different plant species to see, Sapanca is worth visiting for its biodiversity alone, contributing significantly to the deep tranquility and peace it offers to its visitors.

Our Top Accommodation Recommendation in Sapanca: Beta Home Lake House

Another Recommendation for Accommodation in Sapanca:  Meadow Grass Holiday Homes

Another Suggestion:  Lucky Shop Home

Check out https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/sapanca-hotels for all our accommodation suggestions in Sapanca!

In recent years, the number of accommodation facilities in and around Sapanca Lake, which is preferred by those who want to get away from the chaos of metropolitan cities, even for a short time such as a weekend, has been increasing.   
You can choose a Sapanca hotel on the lake shore, in the center or a little higher up and overlooking a magnificent lake view. In our opinion, your hotel should be a little higher up, overlooking a beautiful view. Sapanca hotels are generally small and boutique hotels. The hotels, which are open all year round, operate on a bed and breakfast or half board basis.   
The operators of the hotels in Sapanca are usually the people living in the town. Therefore, they are quite friendly and smiling. Employees and operators do their best to give you a smooth and peaceful vacation.   
The prices of Sapanca hotels are generally affordable. Since they are open all year round, there are no periodic price differences. There are price options that appeal to almost everyone's budget.   
If you want to spend a nice vacation in Sapanca, you can get information about Sapanca hotels, Sapanca hotel prices and reasonable price options by reviewing our website. Do not forget to make a reservation, they are quite busy especially on weekends.

Places to Visit in Sapanca When you visit Sapanca, you must first see Lake Sapanca. You can take a beautiful walk around the lake, enjoy the greenery and the diversity of nature. In central Sapanca, you can visit historical mosques, inns, and baths left from the Ottoman era. You can see the Rahime Sultan Mosque and its tughra. You can visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent’s vizier Rüstem Pasha. In front of the Government Mansion in the center, Byzantine sarcophagi are displayed, which you can also see. Additionally, there are about 60 historical houses dating back to the 1800s in central Sapanca. You can visit these museum houses.

You can stroll around central Sapanca, visit the market. In the town center, you can see the arch known as Vecihi Gate, believed to have been built by Mimar Sinan. You can visit Maşukiye, one of Sapanca's beautiful and charming villages. You might fall in love with the beauty you see there. If you visit the area in winter, you can go to Kartepe. You can enjoy the snow-covered nature and go skiing.

You can also visit Derbent, a town as stunningly beautiful and enchanting as Sapanca, not far from it. You can go to Kırkpınar, located on the lakefront of Sapanca. It is as beautiful and impressive as the other towns. You can visit the area known as Istanbuldere, known for the peaceful and serene times you can spend among bird songs. It's like it’s specially designed for you to shed all your fatigue amidst nature.

What to Do in Sapanca When you arrive in Sapanca, start with a lovely morning walk by the lake. You can also ride a bike. A morning walk amidst the magnificent lake views and nature, full of oxygen, will make you feel good. Afterwards, you can start the day with a nice breakfast either at the facilities by the lake or at the hotel where you are staying.

During the day, you can take an exploration tour of central Sapanca. You can walk around Sapanca's streets and market and shop. Don't forget to take plenty of photos.

You can visit the historical ruins and artifacts in Sapanca. You can see the sarcophagi and tombstones from the Byzantine period. You can see the arch known as Vecihi Gate, supposedly built by Mimar Sinan. You can visit the Rüstem Pasha and Rahime Sultan Mosques.

If you are a fan of water sports, Lake Sapanca offers suitable conditions for various activities. You can try different activities like water skiing, canoeing, catamaraning, and windsurfing. You can visit other natural wonders such as Maşukiye, Derbent, and Kırkpınar. You can plan activities like hiking, biking, or picnicking there. You can rent a kayak or pedal boat. If you visit in winter, you can also go to Kartepe. Skiing and spending time in the snow-covered nature will be fun. You can enjoy a trout feast by Lake Sapanca or in Maşukiye. You can find trout prepared in various ways at the facilities there.

Editor's Special Recommendation in Sapanca and Surroundings

• -For oxygen-rich walks, go to Kırkpınar and Sukaypark.
• -For catching the sunset with a beautiful walk, go to the Sapanca Harmanlık walking path.
• -To see the orchards of Sapanca and visit the Trout Farms, go to Kurtköy.
• -For ATV tours and safari, go to Kartepe.
• -For paintball, go to Meşelik Park.
• -To go fishing, bring your rods to the lake.
• -To ride around the lake, rent a bicycle.
• -To climb up 250 meters with zipline, go to Naturköy. 
• Where to Eat in Sapanca
•  Sapanca, being a tourist town, offers many dining options. Trout is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sapanca and Maşukiye, and the area is even called Trout Valley.
• Especially along the lakeside, there are numerous trout farms where you can enjoy trout prepared in various ways—whether baked in tile, fried in a pan, or grilled.
• Besides that, you can find regional specialties in Sapanca. The local cuisine mainly focuses on vegetable dishes. The most well-known local dishes include cornbread, cabbage rolls, walnut beans, walnut molasses lokum (a type of Turkish delight), and green bean pickles. These are definitely worth trying when you visit.
• The area is also rich in underground water sources, which you will surely notice during your visit. You can taste the spring waters near their sources if you wish.
• You can also find restaurants serving fast food, a variety of grilled meats, pide, kebab, and lahmacun.
• Beta Home Lake House (+90 533 695 4579) offers lunch and dinner services. Goulash, mint oven lamb, fish in paper, tahini pistachio roasted red pepper salad, and pumpkin dessert cup are among the most popular winter flavors.
• Sasa Harmanlık is famous for its breakfast. The restaurant’s menu includes both Italian and Turkish dishes and boasts a magnificent view. You can enjoy breakfast or dinner with this stunning backdrop. Address: Gol Mah. Harmanlık Mevkii Sahil Şeridi, Sapanca 54600, Turkey Phone Number: (0264) 582 90 77
• Naturköy: A fantastic and fun place for families with children to spend enjoyable time together, Naturkoy is also set in a spectacular area. The site features a constantly flowing stream and lush green terrain. In addition to meals, the venue offers specially designed activities for children, including playgrounds and clowns. Enjoying some of the tastiest grilled dishes in this beautiful scenery is a pleasure. Address: Mahmudiye Village Dereiçi Neighborhood, Sapanca / SAKARYA

How to Get to Sapanca ?

You can reach Sapanca by car, bus, or rail. If you're coming by bus, after reaching Adapazarı, you can use local transportation to get to Sapanca in 20-25 minutes. There are direct bus services from some major cities to Sapanca. If you're using the railway, you can get there via trains that go to Adapazarı. If you're driving, especially for those coming from Istanbul, the best option is to use the TEM highway. For guests coming from other cities, here are some road details: 

o Sakarya - Sapanca is about 25 kilometers and takes about 30 minutes. 

o Istanbul - Sapanca is about 135 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. 

o Eskişehir - Sapanca is about 185 kilometers and takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes. 

o Ankara - Sapanca is about 320 kilometers and takes about 3 hours. 

o Bursa - Sapanca is about 165 kilometers and takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes. 

o Izmir - Sapanca is about 490 kilometers and takes about 6 hours and 15 minutes. 

What to Buy in Sapanca 

In central Sapanca or around the lake, you can find many shops selling souvenirs. You can buy gifts, decorative items, jewelry, and unique ceramic or wooden figurines for yourself and your loved ones. With its rich plant diversity, you can buy various potted plants for your home or balcony in Sapanca. You can find beautiful baskets made from wild willow in the area. You can buy fruits, vegetables, winter products, clothing, textile products, embroidered covers, and fabrics from the local market or stalls set up by the locals.