Acarlar Floodplain Forest where even people who are not from Sakarya know (even if you do not know, you have learned at least now) is the largest of the four major floodplain forests in Turkey. Of course, do not imagine a huge space in your mind just because I said the biggest or something. Still, I would say it is considerably large. It is possible to say that the floodplain forest has a tough and combative nature as a result of its formation. (But do not be afraid, there is a masterpiece under that hardness.) Acarlar Floodplain Forest, which is one of the main destinations especially for camping lovers, hosts dozens of tents as the summer season opens. If you are ready, I will open the doors of an enormous world to you with the Acarlar Floodplain Forest Travel Guide that you are currently reading.

Brief Information about Acarlar Floodplain Forest

This green area, which is one of the escape stops during four-season, mainly on the weekends during winter periods, takes a different dimension with floodplain forest. If you come by focusing on seeing the nature view, you may find what you expect. But if you set off with big dreams, it is normal to react as “It’s just like that?”. I will explain the reasons for all of them in the next parts of the article, but best of all, let yourself flow and enjoy the greenery. After all, how bad can an area in nature be?

How to get to Acarlar Floodplain Forest?

For those who say “I can’t deal with getting on boarding, I’ll throw all my baggage in the car trunk”, it takes an average of 3 hours to reach the floodplain forest from Istanbul. This period is shorter for people who will travel from the city or from Kocaeli. You don’t have to say that “Can’t I travel because I don’t have a car?” because you can go there by public transport. You first need to reach Sakarya bus station for this. Then, you will get on the Kaynarca or Karasu minibuses from the bus station. (Do not underestimate the minibuses, they are quite wide.) There are vehicles that go directly to the floodplain forest from these two districts. Moreover, these vehicles leave every hour. I recommend that you set off early in the morning so that you can see floodplain forest in daylight first.

Entrance to Acarlar Floodplain Forest

It is free to entrance to Acarlar Floodplain Forest. If you want to park your car in the parking lot just opposite the entrance of the floodplain forest, you have to pay 10 TL. There is a restaurant on the left after just a little passing the entrance. The owner of this restaurant offers free parking for charity. (No joke, he really opened the parking lot for free for the sake of his deceased family members. So, that’s what the sign says at least.)

When to go to Acarlar Floodplain Forest?

In fact, many people come here for a weekend break. The Acarlar Floodplain Forest is quite crowded especially in the summer season. When the smoke of the barbecues is added to the crowd, you may out of spirits a little bit. So, I think you go on weekdays if you have the opportunity. If you ask what period to go there, of course, I recommend that you choose the autumn and spring terms, because these periods are quieter. In this way, you can get a chance to rest your head. Even if I told you rest your head, don’t think this place as in the middle of nowhere. You can be sure that the harmonious dance of the chirping bird sounds with the tree leaves will wipe the rust of your ears. (If there are no children in the area, of course.

If there are children, sorry to hear that. You will have to be exposed to the shouts of children, who run from side to side on that wooden walkway, to their parents as “Muuummy, daaaaddy, look at leeeeaves floating in the waater”. But, children excitedly explores the environment, what should they do?)

If you go to Acarlar Floodplain Forest in spring and autumn, you can also experience a small festival atmosphere to your eyes thanks to the nature that reveals all its colors.

What can be done in Acarlar Floodplain Forest?

As I said at the beginning of the article, the area is not that huge. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything here. First of all, you can start your trip with a pleasant walk, which is indispensable for natural areas. The wooden bridge, which has a nostalgic and extremely authentic appearance, is the ideal place for walking. Of course, the bridge is also the focus of interest for photography lovers. Besides, walking on the bridge takes only 15-20 minutes, so you shouldn’t just come here for walking.

Another thing you can do in Acarlar Floodplain Forest is to join boat tours. As a water lover, I definitely recommend you to take a boat tour. Also, paddle boat is one of my favorite options.

There are also places to eat around the Acarlar Floodplain Forest. Besides, you can rent a barbecue there and prepare your own food. Likewise, you can experience a mini picnic on the benches on the wooden bridge by putting food and drink in your bag before coming there.

Where to stay in Acarlar Floodplain Forest?

The accommodation is a bit confusing for those who visit for the first time. But don’t worry, I will give you the details immediately as someone who has experienced all the options. One of the basic options for those who want to stay close to the area is to stay at the hotels. In my opinion, do not choose another place with four walls when you have already come out from place with the four walls. If you wish, you can find cheaper hostels around Karasu. But, Karasu is a little far from the region.

The bungalow houses around Ormantik Park allow you to be in touch with nature. There is no special campsite in floodplain forest. But, there are places where you can set up tents around. If you are thinking of camping, you should do your shopping in the city and come like that.

What is near Acarlar Floodplain Forest?

As you will have noticed until this point in the Acarlar Floodplain Forest Travel Guide, things to do here are quite limited. That’s why you can add nearby places to your plan while you’re gone to floodplain forest. It is possible to find places that you will enjoy visiting, especially in a close distance. Maden Stream, which is another place where you can allocate a part of your day and have a picnic, is very close to here.

Kocaeli which is an hour away from Acarlar Floodplain Forest, Babali Village of Kandira, Kerpe and Kefken are other places you will enjoy visiting. If you have a plan to go swimming, you can prefer Kerpe, which is only an hour away from Acarlar Floodplain Forest, Kefken or Cebeci, which is located on the same coastal line, instead of Karasu.

Scenes we do not want to see in Acarlar Floodplain Forest

As I come to the end of the Acarlar Floodplain Forest Travel Guide article, I should not pass without stating my reproach. Acarlar Floodplain Forest is a really nice natural area, but when you look at it as a buyer (whatever looking at as a buyer means), it looks really neglected. As you enter the door, you encounter an intensive barbecue smoke. Perhaps this is already one of the biggest problems: an unthoughtful floor plan.

While walking peacefully on the wooden bridge, your eyes are suddenly caught in the garbage floating on the water or on the people trying to pick violets floating on the water while riding on a paddle boat. It is really unwise to leave such a natural and beautiful area so neglected and uninterested.