2025 Kartepe Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

1. Sapanca is located in Sakarya Province, Marmara Region, Türkiye, on the Asian side of Istanbul, about 15 km from Izmit. 2. Here are some recommended tourist attractions in Sapanca, Türkiye: Natural Landscape Category - Sapanca Lake: One of the largest freshwater lakes in Türkiye, the lake has clear water and is surrounded by green mountains and trees. You can take a boat tour of the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery, or you can have a picnic, go hiking, and other activities by the lake. 3. Sakarya Provincial Forest Nature Park: The park has rich vegetation and numerous hiking trails, which are suitable for strolling and enjoying the tranquility of nature. It is also a good place to have picnics, bird watching and other activities. It is a good place to get close to nature. 4. Kaltepé Mountain: With an altitude of about 1,600 meters, the mountain is covered with thick snow in winter. It is a popular skiing and snowboarding destination. There is a cable car that allows tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountains and the city from the air. 5. Historical and Cultural Category: Vicissi Gate: A historical gate from the Ottoman period. Although the exact construction date is unknown, it is estimated to date back to the 15th century. It was used to protect the entrance to Sapanca Castle and displays the characteristics of Ottoman architecture. 6. Sapanca Clock Tower: Built in the early 20th century, it is located in the center of the square in the center of Sapanca. It is a representative of Ottoman architecture, witnessing the development and changes of the city. It is also one of Sapanca’s landmark buildings. 7. Justinian Bridge: Built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 533, it was an important passage on the historical Silk Road. It is still well preserved and attracts many tourists to visit. 8. Leisure and Entertainment - Kirkpinar Beach: Located on the shore of Sapanca Lake, it is a great place for walking, cycling and picnicking. There are also many good restaurants and cafes nearby. When you are tired of playing, you can enjoy delicious food and a relaxing time here. It's so pleasant to play here

I arrived at Sapanca Lake, and the first thing that caught my attention was the beauty of the scenery surrounding the lake. The mountains covered with green trees provided a wonderful view of the lake. The sky was clear, the atmosphere was pleasant, and it made the experience even more enjoyable. After wandering around the lake, I headed to the beach to relax and enjoy the sun. The beach was clean and comfortable, with many chairs and umbrellas available for use. I lay under an umbrella enjoying the beautiful ambiance and the splendid view of the lake. I also visited several local restaurants to taste delicious Turkish cuisine. I had a tasty meal that included kebabs, grilled dishes, and refreshing salads. The food was delicious and enjoyable, and I really liked the experience of tasting local dishes. Overall, visiting Sapanca Lake was a wonderful experience. I enjoyed the natural beauty of the lake and the fun water activities. I would recommend visiting this place to anyone who wants to relax and enjoy picturesque nature.

All Nature Vibes