The lake and villages
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Sapanca | A lake between mountains and forests, with a lakeside promenade, restaurants and cafés. | About 2 hours from Istanbul by car |
| Kırkpınar village | A village on the lake's south shore with restaurants and wooden chalets among the trees. | The lake's south shore |
| Maşukiye and its waterfalls | A green village with small waterfalls and streams, and trout restaurants on the water. | On the slopes of Mount Kartepe |
Mountain and forests
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Kartepe cable car | A new cable car up to the Samanlı Mountains, looking over Lake Sapanca and the Gulf of İzmit together. | About 14 minutes, from Derbent to Kuzuyayla |
| Kuzuyayla Nature Park | A forested plateau with walking paths, a small lake and family picnic spots. | At the top of the cable car |
| Ormanya | A nature park in the forest with wildlife and family walking trails. | Kartepe, about 30 minutes |
| Kartepe ski resort | A ski resort close to Istanbul, with green forests in summer. | Snow in winter |
Tips before you go
- Sapanca is close to Istanbul, so give it two or three days of your trip.
- Spring and summer are for the greenery and the lake; winter brings snow to Kartepe.
- It can be rainy, so bring a light jacket.
Hotels in Sapanca
Flights to Istanbul
More places nearby
- Things to do in Turkey
- Things to do in Istanbul
- Things to do in Trabzon
- Things to do in Antalya
- Things to do in Cappadocia
- Things to do in Bursa
- Things to do in Bodrum
Visa
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Sapanca?
Lake Sapanca, Kırkpınar, Maşukiye, the Kartepe cable car, Kuzuyayla Nature Park, Ormanya and the Kartepe ski resort.
How far is Sapanca from Istanbul?
About two hours by car.
Is there snow in Sapanca?
Yes, on nearby Mount Kartepe in winter.
Planning your trip to Turkey? Read Travel to Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.