Sakarya, which is one of the favorite (questionable) cities of the Marmara region and is one of the escape points frequented by those who live in Istanbul, especially with its calm and impressive nature, is one of my favorite places because I’m from Sakarya. You can’t hear such sentences about Sakarya from someone who is not from Sakarya. Sakarya isn’t the kind of place that ends up on a postcard, and that’s exactly the point.
Sakarya, if there is someone who does not know the city, “where have we come?” is a place he or she can say. So you are very lucky to have read the article places to visit in Sakarya from someone who’s actually from Sakarya. Instead of swindling you around the ordinary streets of Sakarya like annoying cabbies and putting on an unnecessary show, I will take you to places that are really worth seeing. Then I’ll give you food tips you’ve never heard of before and end the tour. There’s also a great Sakarya video below where you can see some of the places I’ve described.
Some of the places you absolutely must see in Sakarya → Lake Sapanca, Masukiye, Poyrazlar Lake, the historic streets of Tarakli, Acarlar Floodplain Forest, Dogancay Waterfall, Kuzuluk Thermal Springs and Karasu beach. These are ideal for a 2-3 day route. Now let’s talk details.
Show Me Turkey Sakarya
If you ask me, places such as Cark Street, City Park, Forest Park, which are mentioned among the “places worth seeing in Sakarya” in most sightseeing articles, are quite ordinary places. These are just places you can check out if you come to the city center, Adapazari, that don’t promise you much — you know, if someone comes, we have something to show. People who already think Sakarya is all this rightfully don’t want to come back a second time.
And the historical buildings in Sakarya, unfortunately, seem to me to have been left alone. Almost no one visits places like Justinianus Bridge, Sakarya Bridge and Ataturk Museum except school tours. Of course, Sakarya is also home to great nature. If you ask me, what makes Sakarya worth visiting is the side that’s waiting to be discovered, not the visible one. If you’re ready, we can head to the hidden paradises of the city on this places to visit in Sakarya list.
About Sakarya
Before starting our tour, let’s take a look at some basic facts about Sakarya. Sakarya is an industrial city located within the Marmara region. Sakarya is often called a small city, but don’t let that fool you. The population of the city, which borders the Black Sea, has increased significantly in recent years, and its settlements keep spreading further from the center. This has also affected how many activities you can do in the city itself, but I want to tell you more about the natural beauty around it than the city.
Places To Visit In Sakarya
Sapanca
Of course, Sapanca is the first place that comes to mind when it comes to places to visit in Sakarya. Fortunately, we no longer encounter such events in this beautiful district. Lake Sapanca and the surrounding mountainous regions manage to draw attention all year round with their unique landscapes and various amenities. In recent years, I’d say more foreign tourists than domestic ones are flocking to this region.
In Sapanca, highland tourism and activities around the lake are very popular in summer, while Kartepe Ski Center, connected to Kocaeli, is very busy in winter. So if you’re going to Sapanca to relax in a quiet environment, there’s no “come at this time of year” rule — there are people here all the time. Still, autumn and winter are calmer than the other seasons.
Affordable Accommodation in Sapanca
Sapanca has countless hotels and guesthouses at every star level, both by the lake and up in the hills. Beyond those, I’d recommend looking into stays that let you actually enjoy the area rather than a generic hotel room — through Airbnb you’ll find bungalows, tiny houses, and even villas for a more luxurious stay, plus a few campsites around the region.
If you want a lake-view stay in a cozy, family-run farmhouse tucked into nature, look for one of the local farm-stay options around the lake; ask in the comments if you want the name.
Sapanca Lake
When you go to the lake in the right season, you may feel like you’ve fallen into a bird sanctuary — around 80 different bird species have been observed there. The lake also welcomes visitors for surfing, sailing and canoeing at certain times of the year. After visiting the lake by sea bike or canoe, consider breakfast at one of the cafes lined up nearby.
Kirkpinar and Kurtkoy
My personal advice for anyone coming to Sapanca: take a short walk by the lake in the center, then head straight to Kirkpinar. It’s a pleasant neighborhood of low-rise sites lined up along a road stretching from end to end, especially where the summer houses are. Thanks to the dense vegetation, you barely notice how many houses are actually there. Walk, cycle, or grab a coffee at one of the cafes along the road — and make sure to try a pizza at Pecka Pizza, genuinely one of our favorites there.
If you ask me, the coast of Kirkpinar and Kurtkoy is much nicer than Sapanca’s own coast. Kirkpinar’s coast has close to 10 alcoholic and non-alcoholic restaurants on one stretch, and a long lakeside walking path on the rest. Kurtkoy’s coast has fewer cafes and is more suited to picnickers. Don’t leave Sapanca without seeing both.
If you’d rather ride than walk, there’s also a small cable car (teleferik) in Kirkpinar that takes you up for a nice view over the lake and the neighborhood below.
Click here to learn more about where to visit & what to do in Sapanca
Masukiye
If I said Masukiye is one of the natural wonders on this list of places to visit in Sakarya, I guess I wouldn’t be exaggerating. (This place is actually part of Kocaeli, keep it low.) In Masukiye you can see nature paintings come to life. This area is also very suitable for accommodation, with hotels, hostels, bungalows and camping. Choose a bungalow where the sound of water mixes with birdsong for a different experience. Paintball and ATV tours are very popular here, and don’t skip Kuzuyayla while you’re at it.
Masukiye’s interior also has trekking routes of different lengths, ideal for exploring on foot. Go in autumn and you can pick chestnuts along the way.
Poyrazlar Lake
Poyrazlar Lake, with its wonderful bird-sanctuary atmosphere, is one of Sakarya’s favorite spots — a lake on one side, a forest on the other, and the concept of “city” disappears for a while. Stop by for a day or camp for a few. ATV tours and a bike trail let you get close to nature (though honestly, biking is the better choice — you can’t hear a thing over an ATV). It’s also a great spot for photographers in every season.
Access to Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park is paid, with toilets and restaurants on site (or bring your own food). It gets a bit fair-like in summer with kids screaming on the little ferris wheel, so find yourself a quiet nook if crowds aren’t your thing.
Tarakli
Tarakli, known for its authentic houses and calm, is one of the most notable places to visit in Sakarya. The buildings resemble Safranbolu’s, and Hisar Hill and the historical bath are among the region’s most striking structures. Make time to just wander the streets — that free activity is one of Tarakli’s most popular. Various photography groups even run special tours here just for that. Tarakli can get quite cold in autumn and winter, so dress warmly. And don’t leave without trying the pumpkin bread with quince dessert in molasses.
When staying in the area, skip the generic options and choose one of the historic mansions turned guesthouses — they capture the town’s atmosphere best.
Acarlar Floodplain Forest
Acarlar Floodplain Forest, one of the city’s most outstanding natural beauties, is certainly not for people who want to be alone with nature. In the free-entry “nature park,” where you can rent a barbecue, dense barbecue smoke greets you at the door in summer, along with screaming kids and crowded narrow paths.
But on the other hand, Acarlar is genuinely a great natural wonder. Boat trips run through a floodplain forest that changes color with the seasons — though sadly, along with the endemic water violets, you’ll also spot plenty of litter people leave behind.
Be sure to see Acarlar, one of Turkey’s four floodplain forests and a breeding and wintering ground for migratory birds, before it’s gone. Walking the boardwalk takes only 15-20 minutes, so plan other nearby activities too — Maden Creek in Karasu, or Kerpe, Kefken and Cebeci in Kocaeli, about an hour away.
Dogancay Waterfall
Dogancay Waterfall, tucked among the city’s hidden havens, is a genuinely hidden beauty. You can drive partway, then walk the rest, but it’s worth the effort. The cafe at the top of the waterfall is an ideal place to catch your breath, and the trekking trails nearby make for a pleasant day out.
There are spots to camp, but come prepared for a proper nature camp — there are no facilities for campers here, so bring everything you need from the city.
Kuzuluk Thermal Springs
Let’s add some healing waters to this list of places to visit in Sakarya. Located in the Hendek district, Kuzuluk Thermal Springs are known for their thermal waters, especially popular for rheumatic conditions. You can use the indoor and outdoor pools for a day visit, or stay a few days at one of the thermal hotels. Soaking in the hot water is an especially good idea in winter.
Highlands of Sakarya
Since you’ve come all the way to Sakarya, don’t leave without taking in a few highlands. Each reflects the four seasons differently and comes with its own tree species and views over the city, plus regional delicacies like pancakes (okay, not that regional, but they’re great). Karagol, Acelle, Cigdem, Kuzuyayla and Sogucak are just a few of the highlands worth adding to your route.
Keremali Highland
Keremali Peak, called the summit of the city, sits on Mount Keremali, Sakarya’s highest mountain, between Akyazi and Hendek, alongside other highlands and Camlica Lake. It’s a favorite summer picnic spot and great for cycling, hiking and photography. The lake on the highland is ideal for a pleasant camping experience — go early morning for a spectacular view over the clouds.
Acelle Highland
One of the highlands mentioned above, Acelle Highland is a favorite for cooling off in summer. Surrounded by pine forests, it has day-trip picnic areas and hiking routes that make it ideal for families. Being close to central Sakarya also makes it a great option for a quick day trip.
Inonu Highland
Inonu Highland, connected to Akyazi, is another stop worth adding to your list. Its lush green views and quiet atmosphere appeal especially to those looking to escape the crowds. Small local businesses on the highland sell fresh dairy products and regional delicacies like pancakes.
Karasu and Black Sea
Karasu, Sakarya’s biggest summer tourism draw, is a lively resort town with amusement parks, live music venues and huge aqua parks. It sits on the Black Sea coast, known for its choppy waves — though breakwaters built in recent years have calmed things down a bit.
Personally I’m not a huge Karasu fan; I’d probably swim there on one hand’s worth of occasions. I prefer Kerpe and Cebeci in Kocaeli instead (though these have gotten busier too — these days I look for other hidden beaches near Kandira).
Where to stay in Karasu?
You can click here to see all rental houses, otels and villas in Karasu. Renting a house on Airbnb offers very affordable prices, especially for crowded visits. Airbnb homes are also very convenient for those who want to enjoy a private environment. As an Airbnb friend, you will have a small contribution to me when you book through this link. Hope you have a great accommodation experience!
What To Eat In Sakarya?
Everyone tells you that if you come to Sakarya, you should eat islama kofte (meatballs on toasted bread soaked in beef broth and red pepper). I say skip that, and discover different flavors instead. I’m vegan, so let me point you to two things you shouldn’t leave without trying: kabakmacun and pumpkin dessert. Kabakmacun is Sakarya’s famous pumpkin dish, similar to lahmacun but with pumpkin instead of mince — genuinely delicious. Forget the islama kofte, try this instead, and finish with a pumpkin dessert. Bon appetit in advance.
What To Do In Sakarya?
Go to the highlands, ride a bike in Kirkpinar, walk by the lake, ski in Kartepe, discover natural beauty. In the city itself, take a bike along the path by City Park or go paragliding on the Hill of Serdivan. If you ask me, that’s how you get the most out of Sakarya.
Written by someone whose hometown is Sakarya, you’ve now read the article on places to visit in Sakarya. I hope it helps make your trip more enjoyable. See you on other city tours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sakarya famous for?
Sakarya is known for Lake Sapanca, Masukiye’s nature, the healing waters of Kuzuluk Thermal Springs, and local flavors like kabakmacun. Despite being an industrial city, it also stands out for nature tourism thanks to the highlands and lakes around it.
How many days do you need in Sakarya?
2-3 days is enough to comfortably see Sakarya and the surrounding spots like Sapanca, Masukiye and Kuzuluk. If you only have one day, prioritize Masukiye and Kirkpinar. If you want a beach day too, head to Karasu and combine it with Acarlar Floodplain Forest.
What’s the best place to visit in Sakarya?
My personal favorites are the Kirkpinar coast and the highlands, but Lake Sapanca and Masukiye’s restaurants are usually top picks for visitors. Plan your route around your own taste — the highlands for nature, Kirkpinar and Sapanca for food and atmosphere.
Is Adapazari the same as Sakarya?
No, Adapazari is Sakarya’s central district and provincial capital, but locals often use the names interchangeably. So if you search “places to visit in Adapazari,” you’ll land on the same central Sakarya spots described above.
What historical places can you visit in Sakarya?
Justinianus Bridge, Sakarya Bridge, Ataturk Museum and Tarakli’s Ottoman-era houses are the city’s standout historical stops. Sakarya is better known for its nature, but these spots make for a nice history-focused day for anyone interested.
Is there anything to see in central Sakarya?
Yes — City Park, Cark Street and Sakarya Museum are all day-trippable in central Adapazari. But the real highlights are 20-30 minutes away, in Sapanca, Masukiye and Poyrazlar Lake.
Can you visit Sakarya in winter?
Yes, and it looks completely different. Kartepe Ski Center gets busy in winter, Kuzuluk Thermal Springs’ hot water is a lifesaver on a cold day, and Tarakli’s snow-covered streets have a whole different atmosphere — just dress warmly, it genuinely gets cold there. If you’re after a beach trip, save Karasu for summer instead.
