Sandwiched between the Gulf of Izmit and the Adapazari Meadow, this majestic freshwater lake in Turkey is a world away from the fast-paced, chaotic metropolis of Istanbul. This gigantic lake boasts jaw-dropping vistas and divine sunsets over the water that attract photographers, nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts.

A day trip to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul is a smooth affair, with the majority of tours offering return transportation.

Here's a helpful guide about Sapanca Lake, one of the most beautiful destinations for day trips from Istanbul.

What transport options are there to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul?

Sapanca Lake is located in the Sapanca District in the Sakarya Province in Turkey. It takes less than 2 hours to drive to the lake from Istanbul airport.

From Istanbul to Sapanca Lake by car

The drive from Istanbul to Sapanca Lake can be done in approximately 2 hours and is fairly straightforward, with the majority of the journey taking place on the O-4 highway. Expect a scenic route, as you pass industrial areas and enjoy a sea view along the way.

From Istanbul to Sapanca Lake by train

Taking the train to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul is a popular choice of public transportation, as it is the most cost-efficient. Alight a direct train from Yenikapi in Istanbul and arrive at Arifiye station in around 2.5 hours. From there, it’s a short 15-minute taxi ride to Sapanca Lake.

From Istanbul to Sapanca Lake by bus

Bus travel from Istanbul to Sapanca is also an option, though visitors should bear in mind that no direct buses are available. Hop aboard a bus or coach from the Istanbul bus terminal to Umraniye.

Once at the Umraniye station, take the bus that takes you to Adapazari – which departs hourly, followed by a short taxi ride to the lake. The overall journey is around 3.5 hours.

Guided tours to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul

Choosing a Sapanca Lake day trip package is a great choice for first-timers. Your professional local guide will provide you with an introduction to this wonderful attraction. Expect to be shown awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

Taking a guided tour relieves some of the hassles of having to arrange transport yourself. Many guided day trips offer collection and drop-offs directly from your accommodation for added ease and comfort.

What will you typically do at Sapanca Lake?

While every tour varies, it’s common to start your day trip with a hotel pickup in the city center of Istanbul. Once at Lake Sapanca, spend some leisure time along the coast, and enjoy relaxing waters and leisurely walks among the stunning natural landscape.

Many tours also include a scenic stopover at the charming village of Masukiye, approximately a 2-hour drive from Istanbul and neighboring Sapanka Lake. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a spot of lunch under a canopy of trees, as well as admire natural scenery, waterfalls and lush green forests.

If you fancy taking part in any outdoor activities at the park, you can zip line, take an ATV ride or visit the zoo.

On some specific tours, you’ll drive to a waterfall before embarking on a climbing adventure up Kartepe Mountain. Go on hiking or take a ski lift if you prefer. At the end of your tour, you’ll be driven back to Istanbul.

What kinds of tours are there for Sapanca Lake?

There are several kinds of tours available to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul. These typically include collection and drop-off from your accommodation to ensure a super comfortable experience.

Day trip to Sapanca Lake plus Masukiye from Istanbul

Enjoy two mesmerizing sites near Istanbul on an enchanting combination tour. This tour is all about immersing yourself in the nature of the Turkish countryside. Packed with outdoor and walking activities, this tour visit Ormanya Park and make a stopover at the small village of Masukiye.

There, you’ll have the chance to taste a range of fresh local produce while listening to the gentle sounds of water flowing. Some selected tours also include a visit to the Masukiye zoo which is great fun for all of the family.

Day trip to Sapanca Lake plus Masukiye and Mount Kartepe from Istanbul

Day trips to Sapanca Lake can also be combined with a visit to Masukiye plus a hike up the serene Kartepe mountain for the ultimate day out full of adventure from Istanbul.

Visit the Masukiye waterfalls, enjoy a local restaurant meal lunch in the village, and in winter, make a stopover at the snow-studded slopes in Mount Kartepe. This tour includes pickup and drop-off from your accommodation.

Private tour to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul

Private tours to Sapanca Lake are a great way to avoid crowds. Explore the lake more intimately with just your party. You’ll be accompanied by a private guide who will show you the lake’s highlights and will be on hand to answer any queries that may spring up along the way.

You’ll be cruising in private transportation for your group in which you’ll be picked up and dropped off directly from your hotel in Istanbul. On a number of selected tours you’ll have the opportunity to dine on hearty fish cuisines at a local restaurant for lunch.

How much does a tour to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul cost?

Sapanca Lake tours from Istanbul differ in price depending on the type of day trip, the group size, and the duration of your excursion. Some tours also include multiple stopovers making them great for visitors short on time or those looking to save some money.

Day trips to Sapanca Lake plus Masukiye from Istanbul cost approximately US$25 per person and include hotel collection and drop-off, an air-conditioned vehicle, and lunch.

Day trips to Sepanka Lake plus Masukiye and Mount Kartepe cost around US$30 per person and include lunch, collection and drop-off from your accommodation and a local guide.

Private tours to Sapanca Lake from Istanbul start at US$120 per person. Cheaper private tours include round-trip transportation, lunch, and a personal expert guide. Whereas, the pricier private tours offer multiple stopovers, as well as hotel-pick up and drop-offs.

What will you see and do at the lake?

A day trip to Sapanca Lake is all about carving out some time to spend with Mother Nature and leaving the stresses of modern life behind. Discover flowing waterfalls, tranquil lakes, mountainous terrain and rolling green countryside.

Masukiye village

Masukiye village was given its name from a derivation of the Arabic concept of love and is a popular destination for honeymooners. The village, which is just a short distance from Sapanca lake, captivates visitors with its spectacular natural beauty and its peaceful local river.

Masukiye waterfall

Though this ancient cascade is man-made, it looks as natural as waterfalls come. Visitor flock here to enjoy a leisurely picnic during the balmy months or to try a local restaurant meal at one of the venues dotted around the waterfall.

Order the specialty – trout, and savor your lunch against a backdrop of dense trees and tall plants.

Mount Kartepe

This tall, striking mountain overlooks Sapanca lake and is surrounded by verdant pine tree forests which combine to make this attraction a natural masterpiece. Offering breathtaking views from above, it’s a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.

Travelers can also take in the spectacular vistas from a cable car that extends from the top of Mount Kartepe to the bottom of the mountain.

Masukiye zoo

The largest zoo in Turkey, there are over 200 different species of fauna and around 250 kinds of flora to be found within the zoo’s confines. What’s more, visitors can marvel at the underwater world at the aquarium. Younger members of the group will love the children’s petting zoo.

When should you visit Sapanca Lake?

The best time of the year to visit Sapanca Lake is during the spring and summer seasons from March to June or September to November. This is when the lake’s climate is often the most pleasant and when the expectation of rainfall is less compared to the beginning of the year.

However, wintertime can also be a dazzling time of the year to visit Sapanca as the snow-capped mountains make for stellar photo opportunities – despite the lake likely being frozen.

Travel tips

Wear comfortable walking boots for hiking and wandering around the countryside.
Bring a passport or a form of photo ID for entry into some of the attractions on your tour.
Pack a sunhat for the summer months and warm clothing for the cooler months.

Sapanca Lake: Day Trips and Tours from Istanbul