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Acarlar Longozu
Located approximately 60 km north of Sakarya city center, Acarlar Longoz is the largest single-piece flooded forest in Turkey. With its forested floor, water channels, dense vegetation, and interconnected plant and lake pools, it is one of Turkey’s most important natural and wetland areas. The longoz forest is home to oak, linden, plane, and yew trees, as well as many plant and animal species that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Its warm and cold lakes, along with ducks and various fish species, attract the interest of visitors. Guests can climb onto a tree to admire the beauty of the forest and fully enjoy the wonders of nature.
Sapanca Lake
Located 20 km west of Sakarya city center, Sapanca Lake is one of the city’s most popular recreational areas, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, tourist facilities, and proximity to Ankara and Istanbul. The lake features walking and cycling paths, cafes, restaurants, and picnic areas. With these attractions, Sapanca Lake is a highly preferred natural tourism destination throughout the year. Additionally, visitors can enjoy swimming, water sports, and fishing in the lake.
Taraklı
Located 70 km from the city center, Taraklı is a historical town that attracts visitors with its Ottoman architecture and cultural heritage. It has been settled since the Byzantine and Seljuk periods in the 700s. With its stone houses, mosques, inns, and arasta (traditional market street), Taraklı reflects the city’s historical texture. The town is also known for its handicrafts, including the comb and simit boxes, a traditional craft that is now on the verge of disappearing.
Poyrazlar Lake Nature Park
Located 10 km northeast of Sakarya city center, Poyrazlar Lake covers an area of 2,400 m² and is a freshwater lake with a depth of 8–10 meters. The lake and its surroundings feature camping sites, picnic areas, and relaxation spots. Visitors can go hiking, fish, and swim in the lake. In addition, the local plant and animal species around the lake can be observed and enjoyed.
Karasu Beach
Karasu Beach, one of Turkey’s important seaside tourism centers, is famous for its Blue Flag beaches. It attracts visitors with its sandy shores, perfect for swimming during the summer. The beach also offers restaurants and cafes along the coastline. Nearby attractions include Küçük Boğaz Lake, Alancık Beach, and the Longoz forests, all worth visiting.
Kocaali Beach
Located approximately 70 km north of Sakarya city center, Kocaali Beach features a 14 km-long natural coastline and offers areas suitable for sailing and windsurfing. Along the beach, visitors can find facilities, cafes, and restaurants. Kocaali Beach is one of Sakarya’s key seaside tourism destinations.
Maden Creek and Waterfall
Maden Creek, located 30 km away, is surrounded by pine, alder, beech, and plane trees, offering natural walking trails. The waterfalls provide an ideal setting for hiking and picnicking. Especially during the summer, it is a natural attraction that draws the interest of many visitors.
Doğançay Waterfall
Doğançay Waterfall is located approximately 30 km from the city center. The waterfall has three tiers, and visitors can swim in the natural pools formed along its bed. There are walking trails surrounding the waterfall for nature walks and exploration.
Justinianus Bridge (Beşköprü)
Beşköprü, one of Sakarya’s important historical structures, is a stone bridge dating back to the Roman period. It consists of five arches and is still in use today. The bridge is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
Historical Uzunçarşı
Uzunçarşı served as an economic and cultural center during the Ottoman period. Today, the bazaar preserves its historical texture and functions as a trade center where souvenirs and local products are sold.
Karagöl Plateau
Karagöl Plateau, located 21 km from the district of Taraklı, is a popular destination for summer plateau tourism. It is ideal for nature walks and photography.
Sunflower Bicycle Valley
Sunflower Bicycle Valley is one of Sakarya’s key spots for international bicycle tourism. Its 4.5 km-long track attracts cyclists, and the area is also suitable for walking, running, and photography.
Sakarya Museum
Built between 1900 and 1915, Sakarya Museum exhibits artifacts reflecting the city’s history. The museum showcases Sakarya’s cultural and historical richness.
Provincial Forest Nature Park
Located close to the city center, the Provincial Forest Nature Park is an ideal place for walking, picnicking, and outdoor activities. It is notable for its rich vegetation and fresh air.