Lake Sapanca   

Sapanca Lake, which offers one of the most beautiful sceneries of Sakarya, is one of the most important wetlands in Turkey. The lake is located on a tectonic hole situated between Izmit Bay and Adapazari Meadow and runs parallel to Iznik Lake. Located in the Marmara region of Turkey, Lake Sapanca is a favorite place for visitors due to its easy access from Istanbul. Sapanca is a popular getaway destination for Istanbulites that became a popular touristic site with its lakeside facilities and beautiful scenery.

Getting to Sapanca from Istanbul is fairly convenient. You can either take the Istanbul-Arifiye train line that departs from Söğütlüçeşme or Pendik, which will drop you close to the lakeside. The trip takes about an hour and a half. You can also drive to Sapanca from Istanbul in an hour and a half.

Lots of Activities to Enjoy

Sapanca area is full of activities. There are also different types of accommodations ranging from camping sites to luxury spas and resorts. You can enjoy a delicious Turkish breakfast with lots of ingredients and fresh salmon at the restaurants in the area.

There are several garden facilities where you can drink famous Turkish tea, take a rest and enjoy the lake view. The panoramic view of the lake is a phenomenal scene that you can enjoy throughout the year.

At the heights of the lake, there lies the Arifiye Forest, where you can find camping and picnic areas. You may either go walking and biking or try your luck at fishing.

You can enjoy the spacious lake view from the Kırkpınar coast, bike, or jog in Harmanlık, where a trail of 6 kilometers offers a serene exercise path for visitors.

There are many handcrafter shops and souvenir shops in the area, where you can buy handmade furniture, artworks, pottery, as well as tasting delicious foods cooked by local chefs.