Province · Trácia e Mármara

Sakarya

Sakarya has Lake Sapanca, surrounded by forests, the Justinian Bridge from the 6th century, sandy beaches on the Black Sea at Karasu and Kocaali, and thermal baths in Kuzuluk.

In the photo: Lake Sapanca, Sakarya

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Sakarya

Sakarya lies east of Kocaeli, on the route between Istanbul and Ankara, and is crossed south to north by the Sakarya River to the Black Sea. The seat is Adapazarı, on an agricultural plain; around it are forests, lakes and low hills.

Freshwater Lake Sapanca is about 16 km long and is the province's most popular spot, with a cycle path around it, forest parks and trout restaurants on the shore. The town of Sapanca is the base for people spending the weekend in the area.

The Justinian Bridge (Beşköprü), built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor, stands on the outskirts of Adapazarı, over the stream that carries water from Sapanca to the Sakarya River. It is one of the great Byzantine works of Anatolia and is on UNESCO's tentative list.

On the Black Sea, Karasu and Kocaali have sandy beaches along a roughly 60 km coastline, and the Acarlar flooded forest lies near Karasu. Kuzuluk, Akyazı and Taraklı have thermal baths; Taraklı preserves Ottoman houses and the tradition of wooden combs.

At the table, Adapazarı's ıslama köfte, a grilled meatball served on bread soaked in broth, the keşkek served at wedding feasts and, in winter, boza, a fermented cereal drink.

When to go

From May to October is usually the best time for Lake Sapanca and the forests; the beaches of Karasu and Kocaali are busiest from June to August. In autumn, the forests around the lake often change color. Winter is cold and wet, when the thermal baths are in greater demand.

Getting there

By road, Sakarya lies east of Istanbul on the Istanbul–Ankara highway, with long-distance buses. The high-speed train (YHT) stops at Arifiye, near Adapazarı and Lake Sapanca. The nearest airport with international flights is Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) in Istanbul. Confirm before booking.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Sakarya

How much time to allow for Lake Sapanca?

One day allows you to go around part of the lake and have lunch on the shore. With a weekend you can visit the Justinian Bridge, the village of Maşukiye on the other side of the Kocaeli border, and a day at the beach in Karasu in summer.

How to get from Istanbul to Sapanca without a car?

The high-speed train (YHT) stops at Arifiye, near the lake, and there are long-distance buses on the Istanbul–Ankara highway. From the station or bus terminal, take a taxi or minibus to the lakeshore.

What is the Justinian Bridge?

It is a stone bridge built in the 6th century by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, on the outskirts of Adapazarı, for the road between Constantinople and the eastern empire. It is on UNESCO's tentative list.

Does Sakarya have a beach?

Yes, on the Black Sea: Karasu and Kocaali have long sandy beaches, busiest from June to August. The Black Sea water is usually colder than the Aegean.