About Sakarya
Sakarya is a captivating Turkish province where vibrant urban life meets serene natural landscapes, offering travelers a perfect blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure. Located in the Marmara Region, Sakarya is famous for its thermal springs in Taraklı and Akyazı, where visitors can unwind in healing waters surrounded by Ottoman-era architecture. The province boasts the stunning Sapanca Lake, a haven for water sports, hiking, and lakeside dining with breathtaking mountain views. Adapazarı, the capital, provides a glimpse into local life with bustling markets like the historic Orhan Cami area and traditional Turkish cuisine featuring regional specialties like Sakarya köftesi and Islama köfte. Nature enthusiasts will love the lush Maşukiye highlands, perfect for picnics and trout fishing, while history buffs can explore ancient ruins and museums detailing the region's rich past. Sakarya's warm hospitality, combined with its accessibility from Istanbul, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking authentic Turkish experiences beyond the typical tourist trails.
Things to do in Sakarya
Japanese Cooking Class with Local Family in Takayama Old Town
Sawanobori River Trekking Tour
Takayama Explore Gokayama and Shirakawa go
From ¥26,700
5.0 (31)
Takayama Half Day Tour (Private Guide)
From ¥17,872
5.0 (26)
Ninja experience in Takayama - Special Course
Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony at Master's Private Tea Room
From ¥18,750
5.0 (13)
From Takayama: Foodie Adventure, Showa Era, & the Old Town
From ¥25,400
5.0 (13)
EXPERIENCE TAKAYAMA OLD TOWN 30 MINUTES walk
Takayama to Gujo Hachiman, History Traditions and Crafts
From ¥31,800
5.0 (11)
Private Tour From Takayama to Takayama and Shirakawago
From ¥102,900
5.0 (11)
From Takayama: Shirakawa-go Half-Day Tour by Bus
From ¥15,000
5.0 (9)
Takayama Mochi Making Experience in a Buddhist Temple
Private Shinhotaka Ropeway and Kamikochi Tour
Takayama: Edo-Period Old Town Walking Tour（70 Minutes）
From ¥8,800
5.0 (8)
1-Day Tour of Takayama's Cultural Treasures Hida-Furukawa
From ¥22,900
5.0 (7)Places to visit in Sakarya
Meca Deluxe Otel
Meca Deluxe Otel, Lokmanlar Caddesi 9, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
بحيرة سبنجه - عريفية
بحيرة سبنجه - عريفية, 54-52, 54580 Arifiye, Turkey
Natural Garden Kırkpınar
Natural Garden Kırkpınar, İpek Yolu Caddesi, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Palmada
Palmada, Öbek, 54000 Sakarya, Turkey
Kastarcı Otel
Kastarcı Otel, Vehbibey Caddesi 26, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
TÜVASAŞ Misafirhanesi
TÜVASAŞ Misafirhanesi, 922. Sokak, 54050 Serdivan, Turkey
Seçkin Hotel
Seçkin Hotel, Karasu Yolu, 54200 Erenler, Turkey
Özkum
Özkum, Sanat Sokağı, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Sapanca Fine Deluxe
Sapanca Fine Deluxe, Sedef Sokak 37/1, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Room Room Hotel
Room Room Hotel, Şehit Cevdet Koç Caddesi, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Sapanca Sahil
Sapanca Sahil, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Hippi House
hippi guest house, Maltepe Caddesi 20, 54100 Sakarya, Turkey
Kestane Dağ Evleri
Kestane Dağ Evleri, Neşe Sokak, 54600 Sapanca, Turkey
Sakarya Hotel
Sakarya Hotel, Profesör Doktor Sabahattin Zaim Bulvarı, 54040 Adapazarı, Turkey
Sakarya Üniversitesi Kampüs Hotel
Sakarya Üniversitesi Kampüs Hotel, Saklı Bahçe yolu, 54050 Serdivan, Turkey
Travel Tips for Sakarya
Getting Around
Public buses and dolmuş (shared minibuses) connect major towns and attractions efficiently. Taxis are widely available; negotiate fares or use meters. Car rentals are recommended for exploring rural areas like Taraklı. Popular apps include BiTaksi for taxis and Moovit for public transit. Trains link Sakarya to Istanbul (approx. 2 hours). Within cities, walking is feasible in central areas like Adapazarı.
Best Time To Visit
April to June and September to October offer mild weather, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking around Sapanca Lake and exploring thermal springs. July and August are hot but perfect for lake activities, though crowded. Winter (December-February) is rainy and cool, suitable for thermal tourism. Avoid Ramadan if you prefer daytime dining, as many restaurants may be closed until sunset.
Local Customs
Dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques or rural areas. Remove shoes before entering homes. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory: 5-10% in restaurants, round up for taxis. Greet with a handshake; avoid public displays of affection. Hospitality is key—accept tea if offered. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours. Respect elders and use formal titles.
Safety Information
Sakarya is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas like markets to avoid pickpocketing. Avoid isolated areas at night. Scams are rare but be cautious with unofficial taxis—use apps like BiTaksi. Traffic can be chaotic; drive defensively. Respect local customs, especially during Ramadan. No specific areas are deemed dangerous, but stay informed about local news. Emergency services are responsive.
Health Information
Sakarya has modern hospitals like Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital and private clinics in Adapazarı. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; stick to bottled water. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines (Hepatitis A, Typhoid). Medical facilities are adequate for common ailments, but serious conditions may require transfer to Istanbul. Travel insurance is advised. In summer, protect against heat and mosquitoes. Thermal springs are generally safe but consult a doctor if you have cardiovascular issues.
Languages Spoken
TurkishKurdishArabic
Quick Facts
Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
₺
₺
Timezone
Europe/Istanbul +03:00 (GMT)
Calling Code
+90
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
1,080,000
Area
4821 km²
Government
Provincial government with a governor appointed by the central government and an elected municipal council
ISO Code
TR-54