- Distance
- 130 km from Istanbul
- Programme
- A single day
- Best season
- Spring and autumn
How far, and when to go
Sapanca lies east of Istanbul inside Sakarya province, about 130 km from the city. Its great advantage is being close enough for a day trip. Spring and autumn show the area at its best; people come in summer for the cooler air and in winter for the snow.
The lake, the waterfalls and the trout
There are walking paths and tea gardens along the shore of Lake Sapanca. Masukiye is known for its forest waterfalls and trout restaurants built over the stream. Driving up to Kartepe brings you to a viewpoint above the lake; on a clear day it produces the best photograph of the trip.
A note for families with children
A Sapanca day involves far less walking than an Istanbul tour and moves at a gentle pace. Stops along the way are flexible and the programme can be shortened when children tire. Some paths are unpaved and sloping, so a pushchair will not roll easily everywhere.
Let us build the programme in this guide for you
Send your dates and party size; we will come back the same day with the route and a fixed price.
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