Are you tired of the city's noise and the endless hustle and bustle? Imagine a place just an hour or two away, where nature greets you with a different face in every season. Kartepe, which makes this dream a reality with its proximity to big cities like Istanbul, Kocaeli, and Sakarya, is an oasis for weekend getaways and day trips. This isn't just a mountain; it's a living space that takes on a different spirit each season, offering adventure, peace, and breathtaking views all at once.   

Whether you're looking for an adrenaline-filled day on a white blanket of snow or a peaceful walk on lush green plateaus, the list ofthings to do in Kartepe is surprisingly long and diverse. Let's explore the beauties this wonderful destination offers every season and start making your holiday plans now!

Enjoy the white scenery by skiing or snowboarding in the winter months

When winter arrives, Kartepe transforms into a postcard-perfect beauty, becoming one of Turkey's most popular ski resorts. Its proximity to Istanbul, in particular, makes it an indispensable choice for weekend getaways. It's hard to imagine a better place to experience the feeling of freedom that comes from gliding through the trees in the midst of a white silence.   

Kartepe Ski Center stands out with its slopes catering to skiers of all levels. Whether you are a beginner just starting out or a seasoned professional, you will surely find a suitable route here. The center has a total of 1 very easy, 4 easy, 5 medium-difficulty, and 2 very difficult slopes prepared for experts. This variety allows everyone in your family or group of friends to have fun at their own pace.   

Of course, one of the first questions that comes to mind when planning a ski holiday is the cost. Prices can vary depending on where you rent and the season, so we've prepared a guide with the most current and average figures for you. Keeping these numbers in mind when planning your budget for a day trip or a comfortable weekend holiday will prevent any surprises.

Kartepe Winter Sports Cost Guide (2024-2025 Estimated Prices)

Besides skiing and snowboarding, there are other ways to enjoy the winter, of course. You can rent a sled with your family and return to your childhood or enjoy a warm sausage sandwich (sucuk-ekmek) at the summit in the crisp mountain air. Remember, Kartepe proves in every detail why it is so popular among Türkiye Ski Resorts.   

Do activities like ATV safari, zipline, or paintball in the summer and spring months

Don't think for a second that Kartepe's magic disappears when the snow melts! On the contrary, the white blanket gives way to lush green plateaus, and the ski slopes turn into adrenaline-pumping adventure tracks, opening the door to a whole new adventure. This rich range of activities, proving that Kartepe is not just a winter destination, keeps the region vibrant and attractive all year round. This gives you the chance to experience a different adventure every time you visit.

In spring and summer, the options for adrenaline junkies are almost endless. You can join ATV safari tours for a driving experience intertwined with nature on forest trails and muddy roads. A tour of about 20 minutes costs around 400 TL per person, and you get an incredible amount of enjoyment even in this short time.   

If you're not afraid of heights, you must experience the zipline, where you'll glide like a bird through the trees and watch the valley below. This activity, especially offered in adventure parks, promises both excitement and fantastic views. If you want to spend a day full of competition and fun with your group of friends or colleagues, paintball, which combines strategy and teamwork, is also a great option.   

If what you're looking for is peace rather than adrenaline, Kartepe's generous nature will not disappoint you. You can go trekking on marked hiking trails in areas like Kuzuyayla Nature Park and fill your lungs with clean forest air. For a different experience, you can visit the Kartepe Horse Farm for horseback tours in the forest, and even take an unforgettable ride around Sapanca Lake. Activities like mountain biking and camping are also great alternatives for those who want to be alone with nature.   

Watch the panoramic view of Sapanca Lake and the Gulf of Izmit from the summit

When you reach the summit of Kartepe, a view rarely seen in Turkey greets you. On one side, Sapanca Lake with its crystal-clear freshwater, and on the other, the Gulf of Izmit with its saltwater... It's a magical moment that makes you feel like you're on an island between two seas. This unique geographical beauty is Kartepe's most special signature, setting it apart from all other mountains.   

The most comfortable and enjoyable way to reach this breathtaking view is undoubtedly the newly opened Kartepe Cable Car. On this journey from Derbent up to Kuzuyayla, you can enjoy the view stretching out below you as you glide over the green trees. For the more adventurous spirits, the option to drive to the summit or hike through the forest trails is always available.   

Once at the summit, you can take a break at the facilities around The Green Park Hotel and watch this panoramic view for hours with a hot coffee. However, if you want to combine the view with a bit of adrenaline, you must head to the Ayrı Gezegen Glass Terrace. Imagine the thrill of walking on a completely glass platform 185 meters above the valley! This structure, one of the largest glass terraces in Europe, offers you a view of Sapanca Lake and the Samanlı Mountains from an angle you've never seen before.   

Kartepe not only offers nature sports but also creates unforgettable memories and experiences you'll love to share on social media, thanks to modern investments like the cable car and glass terrace. This makes the region a must-visit for all types of travelers.

While You're Here...

After the adventure and peaceful moments that Kartepe offers, you can enrich your trip with a few small touches. The area surrounding the region is filled with beauties worth exploring, just as much as its summit.

It's a unique pleasure to stop by Maşukiye, known as the land of lovers, and enjoy trout cooked in a clay pot at authentic restaurants built over waterfalls and streams. Especially if you are a family with children, don't miss Ormanya, Europe's largest natural life park. You won't realize how time flies here with its fairytale-like Hobbit houses, cute animals, and large walking areas. Going down to the shore of Sapanca Lake, which you viewed from the summit, for a quiet walk or relaxing at one of the lakeside cafes will also crown your trip. These routes are also among the most popular stops on our Places to Visit in The Marmara Regionlist.   

Bibliography

For more official information and current announcements about the cultural and natural riches of the region, you can review the resources of the Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism: https://kocaeli.ktb.gov.tr/

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What is the best time to go to Kartepe?Answer: It completely depends on what you are looking for! The months of December to March are ideal for winter sports. For nature walks, picnics, and adrenaline activities, the spring and autumn months (April-June, September-November) offer wonderful views and cool weather.

Question 2: I don't know how to ski or snowboard, will I get bored in Kartepe?Answer: You definitely won't be bored! Even if you don't ski, you can take the cable car to the summit to enjoy the view, spend time in the cafes, go sledding, or take a walk in the snow. You can also have a full day at nearby places like Maşukiye and Ormanya.

Question 3: Is a day trip to Kartepe enough?Answer: A day trip is great, especially for skiing in the winter or participating in a few activities in the summer. However, to enjoy everything the region has to offer (skiing, Ormanya, Maşukiye, Sapanca Lake), we recommend planning at least a one-night weekend stay.