What to Do in the Region
Cycling Tour around Sapanca Lake
Sapanca Lake is not only famous for its air and nature but also offers various activities that make it an alternative destination. The 16 km long lake, surrounded by cool streams from the mountains and the snow-covered mountain slopes in winter, offers stunning views for hiking, water sports, and cycling tours. The area around the lake is perfect for cycling, with a smooth surface thanks to the Uzunkum Cycling and Walking Path built by the municipality. Along the cycling and walking path, you can also find fishing spots, picnic areas, pavilions, cafes, parks, and other facilities. Even after the cycling route ends, you can continue enjoying cycling in the streets around the lake.
Zirve Experience in Kartepe
Located just 30 minutes from Sapanca, Kartepe is famous for its winter tourism, while in autumn, it offers relaxing spots with a view of Sapanca Lake. Kartepe is an excellent place to include in your Sapanca itinerary, with its incredible view of Sapanca and fresh mountain air, which makes for a perfect backdrop for your photos. In winter, you can also visit Kartepe Ski Resort, which is just 30 km from Sapanca, adding some snow sports to your holiday.
Gourmet Tour in Maşukiye
Another must-visit spot near Sapanca is Maşukiye, a charming village in Kocaeli's Kartepe district, just a 15-minute drive from Sapanca. In Maşukiye, you can enjoy wonderful breakfasts in the lush nature and savor fresh fish dishes. The village, named after the word ‘maşuk’, meaning lover, is also called "The Lovers' Village" because of the saying “those who come to Maşukiye fall in love.” In addition to its natural beauty, Maşukiye offers various activities such as ATV safaris and ziplining.
Soğucak Plateau Visit
If you want to feel like you're in both the Marmara and Black Sea regions at the same time, you should add Soğucak Plateau to your Sapanca itinerary. Located 17 km from the town center, Soğucak is a plateau with a 900-acre area that resembles the Black Sea highlands. In Soğucak, you can enjoy off-road and bike races, folk performances, and concerts during various festivals held throughout the year. You can also take part in off-road safaris or go hiking in the area to embrace your inner adventurer.
Mountain Hiking and Forest Therapy
One of the unique beauties of Sapanca, besides the lake shore, is its lush forests and oxygen-rich mountains that offer excellent opportunities for hiking. Therefore, one of the best activities to do when you visit Sapanca is to participate in forest therapy. Known as "shinrin-yoku" in Japanese and "forest bathing" in English, forest therapy is a fitness and mindfulness practice. You can enhance your Sapanca trip by immersing yourself in the tranquility of nature and completing it with this special experience, guided by an expert therapist. Staying at NG Sapanca and NG Enjoy resorts allows you to experience this mindfulness activity, which will help you return to the city feeling rejuvenated and at peace.
The Heart of Forest Therapy in Sapanca: NG Sapanca and NG Enjoy
A Unique Spa Experience
No trip to Sapanca would be complete without a relaxing massage therapy. Among the various accommodation options in Sapanca, spa hotels stand out, and NG Sapanca and NG Enjoy are prestigious alternatives among these. They offer luxurious spa experiences that will enhance your stay and ensure you leave feeling rejuvenated.
