Places to Visit Around Kartepe: Maşukiye, Sapanca and Mountain Roads

There is more to see around Kartepe than skiing: Maşukiye, at the foot of the mountain, is known for its streamside breakfast and trout restaurants, and neighbouring Lake Sapanca for its peaceful lakeside walks. On TatiliYakala's Kartepe tour, the day starts with a village breakfast in Maşukiye, and on the 2-day programme there is free time at Lake Sapanca on the way back. In the snow-free seasons, too, this trio is ideal for a nature day close to Istanbul.

Maşukiye

Maşukiye is a green settlement at the foot of the mountain, in Kocaeli's Kartepe district. Streams running down the wooded slopes, small waterfalls and tables in the shade of plane trees are Maşukiye's hallmarks. At weekends it buzzes with visitors from Istanbul and nearby provinces.

Village breakfast

The first thing that comes to mind with Maşukiye is a long, leisurely breakfast spread by the stream. Cheeses, honey, kaymak, jams, eggs and hot gözleme are the classics of these tables. On the Kartepe tour, about two hours are set aside for breakfast; that is a good amount of time to build up energy without rushing before skiing.

Trout and streamside restaurants

Maşukiye is also known for its streamside trout restaurants. Trout raised in cold mountain water is the area's most common dish. If you want to stop for lunch or dinner, bear in mind it can be busy at weekends.

Waterfalls and walks

Around Maşukiye there are short walking paths leading into the forest and small waterfalls. These walks are most enjoyable in spring, when the snow melts and the streams are in full flow. Wear shoes with good grip so you don't slip on wet stones.

Kartepe's mountain views

Kartepe is on the Samanlı Mountains. Along the road up the mountain there are forests and viewpoints opening up here and there. On clear days you can see Lake Sapanca and the Gulf of İzmit from above; especially in winter, the view of the lake glittering beyond the snowy pines is a prize for photographers.

In winter, the focus of the area is skiing. For the ski programme and preparation, see our Kartepe ski guide. In summer, the fresh mountain air, picnics and cool forest walks take centre stage.

Lake Sapanca

Lake Sapanca is a freshwater lake just east of Kartepe, within the borders of Sakarya. With the green slopes around it, its lakeside walking paths and cafés, it is a popular choice for weekend breaks.

Things to do on the lakeshore:

• Walking and cycling along the shore
• A tea or coffee break at a café overlooking the lake
• Photos at sunset
• Relaxing in the green spaces nearby

On the 1 night, 2 days Kartepe tour programme, after skiing and a lunch of trout baked on a clay tile, köfte or chicken on day two, there is free time at Lake Sapanca. A calm stop on the lakeshore after a snowy day is a lovely way to end the trip.

Suggestions by season

Winter

Skiing, snow walks and a hot breakfast in Maşukiye. The Sapanca shore is misty and calm in winter; it is a pleasure for anyone who wants a quiet walk.

Spring

As the snow melts, the streams and waterfalls are in full flow. Maşukiye's greenery comes to life, making it an ideal time for walking.

Summer

Kartepe's highland pastures offer a cool escape. The Sapanca shore gets busy at weekends; it is quieter if you choose a weekday.

Autumn

This season, when the forests change colour, is the most colourful time for photography on the Maşukiye and Kartepe roads.

How do these places fit into the Kartepe tour?

TatiliYakala's Kartepe tour is a winter programme. The day trip programme includes a village breakfast spread in Maşukiye and skiing at Kartepe; the 2-day programme adds free time at Lake Sapanca. If you would like to plan a group trip to this area in a snow-free season, we finalise the programme together at the quote stage; you can write to us via our contact page.

If you are looking for a similar nature day, the Abant, Maşukiye and Gölcük tour, which also starts the day with breakfast in Maşukiye, is worth a look. Our Maşukiye and Gölcük guide, which covers Maşukiye and Gölcük in detail, may also give you ideas.

Photo spots

A few moments stand out for photography in the area:

• Morning in Maşukiye: The light falling on the streamside tables and the shade of the plane trees, together with the breakfast spread, make for warm shots.
• Kartepe's upper slopes: On clear days, the shimmer of Lake Sapanca behind the snowy pines is the area's best-known view.
• Late afternoon on the Sapanca shore: The lake's still surface and the slopes on the far shore take on soft colours at sunset.

In winter, phone batteries drop quickly in the cold; keep your phone in an inside pocket and take a power bank with you.

Practical notes before you go

At weekends, traffic can build up around Maşukiye and Sapanca; if you are travelling independently, set off early. In winter the mountain road can be snowy and icy, so have winter tyres and, if needed, chains. On a group tour, transport is by coach, so you don't have to deal with these details.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Maşukiye?

Maşukiye is a settlement at the foot of the mountain in Kocaeli's Kartepe district, known for its streams and waterfalls. It is close to the Kartepe ski area.

What do you eat in Maşukiye?

A village breakfast spread by the stream and trout are Maşukiye's best-known treats.

Can you see Lake Sapanca from Kartepe?

On clear days, Lake Sapanca and the Gulf of İzmit can be seen from the upper parts of Kartepe.

Does the Kartepe tour stop at Sapanca?

On the 1 night, 2 days programme, there is free time at Lake Sapanca after lunch on day two. The day trip programme has no Sapanca stop.