The endless noise of the city, the oppressive summer heat, and the same repetitive daily routine... Don't you sometimes want to leave everything behind and just take a deep, fresh breath? When that moment comes, I'm going to tell you about a paradise hidden in shades of green, just a few hours away from big cities like Istanbul and Ankara: the cool plateaus of Sakarya! This is the place where you'll leave the gray of concrete behind and rejuvenate yourself in the lap of nature. In this article, you will find everything from A to Z about things to do in the Sakarya Plateaus, and you'll discover these hidden beauties like a local. Are you ready? Fasten your seatbelts, because we're embarking on an oxygen-filled journey to the most beautiful of Sakarya's more than 30 plateaus!

Enjoy the cool, fresh air by heading up to plateaus like Keremali or Acelle

Sakarya's plateaus are priceless sanctuaries, especially for cooling off and being alone with nature during the summer months. Each has its own unique spirit, its own character. But there are two that are both the most popular and offer such different experiences that deciding which one to choose will be the sweetest of challenges.

The Lord of the Peaks: Touch the Sky at Keremali Plateau

Located on the slopes of Keremali Mountain, Sakarya's highest peak, at an altitude of 1200-1400 meters, the Keremali Plateaus are like an eagle's nest. The first thing you feel when you get here is that sharp, cool air that replaces the city's humid heat and makes your lungs celebrate. Imagine the temperature can drop to 10-15 degrees even in August; don't forget to bring a sweater!   

Keremali is not just a single plateau; it's a plateau complex consisting of four different plateaus: Keremali, Gölyayla, Alaağaç, and Üst Oba. The Kerem Ali Tomb, which gives the plateau its name and is located near the summit, adds a spiritual atmosphere to the area. At this plateau, which you can reach with a journey of about 20 km from Akyazı or 27 km from Hendek, you are greeted by the calm waters of Çamlıca Lake. You can have a picnic by the lake, go for a nature walk on the moderately difficult 13-14 km trail, or simply watch the magnificent view of Sakarya from the 1541-meter summit, which is like a natural observation deck. Just a word of caution: while access to the main plateau is easy, the dirt roads between the plateaus can be a bit challenging for regular passenger cars, so it's good to be prepared.   

An Oasis in the Heart of Nature: The Vibrant Spirit of Acelle Plateau

If Keremali offers solitude and grandeur on the peaks, Acelle Plateau invites you into the heart of the forest, right into the middle of life. This plateau, connected to Akyazı, is at an altitude of about 1200 meters, a virtual botanical garden where coniferous and broad-leaved trees are intertwined. The Enişte Stream flowing through the middle of the plateau and the natural pond called Büyükdeniz by the locals give life to Acelle. Here, you can witness a vibrant ecosystem full of carp, water lizards, and frogs.   

Acelle's spirit comes not only from its nature but also from its people. The traditional plateau festivals held every year in the last week of July turn the area into a festival ground. These festivities, where hundreds of tents are set up and the sounds of the kemençe echo, are a great opportunity to experience the plateau culture in its most authentic form. With its rhododendrons, boxwood trees, and the saffron milk cap and morel mushrooms favored by mushroom hunters, Acelle is the perfect escape for those who want to get lost in nature and become a part of it.   

Practice nature photography amidst lush green landscapes

The Sakarya plateaus not only soothe your soul but also offer an endless source of inspiration for your camera. Whether you are a professional photographer or a traveler who just loves to immortalize the moment, you won't be able to stop pressing the shutter button here.

Wide-Angle Wonders: Hunting for Panoramic Views

If you are after breathtaking landscapes, you are in the right place. The summit of Keremali Mountain is undoubtedly at the top of the list. The panoramic shots you'll capture from here will lay all of Sakarya at your feet. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the moments when fog clouds descend upon the valleys and the sky turns crimson promise unforgettable photos.   

Çamlıca Lake and the ponds at Acelle Plateau are perfect for reflection photography. The reflection of the trees and the sky on the calm water surface allows you to create fairytale-like frames. Let's also mention a hidden gem: the spot on Davlumbaz Plateau overlooking Sülüklügöl (Leech Lake) offers one of the lesser-known but most impressive views. In autumn, Sultanpınar Plateau becomes a favorite route for photography clubs with the yellow and red tones of the trees.   

Whispers of Nature: Macro and Detail Photography

Besides the grand landscapes, the Sakarya plateaus are full of beauty hidden in the details. When you bend down and look, you discover a whole different world. The colorful mountain violets that adorn the forest floor, the texture of moss on tree trunks, and the saffron milk cap and morel mushrooms that appear after the rain offer great subjects for macro photography.   

Capturing a water lizard by the stream in Acelle or a ladybug on a flower is one of the most rewarding moments, although it requires patience. The dew drops on the grass in the early morning or the first rays of light filtering through the trees can turn even the simplest shot into a magical atmosphere. This visual feast offered by Sakarya holds a unique place amongTurkey's most beautiful natural wonders. Check out our guide to discover more.

Observe the authentic architecture and life of the plateau houses

To truly understand a place, it's not enough just to see its nature; you also need to get to know its people, culture, and architecture, which reflect its soul. In this sense, the Sakarya plateaus offer you an untouched tradition and warm hospitality.

The Warmth of Wood: Traditional Plateau Houses

One of the most striking features you'll notice while wandering through the plateaus is the wooden houses that are in perfect harmony with nature. The timber obtained from the region's rich forests is the main building block of these houses. These structures, which generally carry the functional traces of Black Sea architecture, are two-storied. The ground floors are used as barns to protect animals from the cold in winter, while the upper floors are designed as the family's living space.   

The most beautiful aspect of these houses is that they are often left unpainted, with the natural color and texture of the wood. The marks left by time and weather conditions on the wood give each house a unique character and a sense of history. To see the most magnificent examples of this authentic woodwork, you should visit the historic houses of Taraklı, Sakarya's cittaslow (slow city). The bay-windowed mansions there will give you a great idea of the rich architectural heritage behind the simplicity of the plateau houses.   

Living Traditions: Plateau Culture and Hospitality

In Sakarya, yaylacılık (transhumance) is not just a summer holiday; it's a tradition that is hundreds of years old. For the local people, the plateaus are a living space where they graze their animals in the summer, pick and sell wild strawberries as in Güzlek Plateau, and make their winter preparations. This lifestyle has brought with it a strong community spirit and legendary hospitality.   

Even if you don't have a tent or a caravan while camping on the plateaus, it's very likely you'll find a place to stay. This is because the plateau residents are known for opening their doors even to strangers and sharing a bowl of their soup. This sincerity reminds us of those beautiful values we have forgotten in city life. The moments when this culture peaks are definitely the plateau festivals. The Kadırga Festival in Acelle or the celebrations at Çiğdem Plateau are vibrant events where the horon dance is performed and local products are displayed. You really shouldn't miss them.   

Since You're Here...

It might be hard to leave the cool and peaceful atmosphere of the Sakarya plateaus. But since you've come this far, how about extending your trip a bit to discover Sakarya's other diverse natural wonders?

Acarlar Floodplain Forest (Longoz): You can take a boat tour among the trees rising from the water in this unique place, which is Turkey's largest single-piece floodplain forest. It's a paradise, especially for bird watchers and those looking for a different nature experience.   

Maden Deresi (Mining Creek): For those who love adventure and history combined, Maden Deresi is a fantastic option. Walking through the cool canyon in the creek's icy waters to reach the waterfall and seeing the old French mining tunnels from the Ottoman period is truly exciting.   

Sapanca Lake: If you want a more classic break after the rustic atmosphere of the plateaus, Sapanca Lake is waiting for you. You can have a coffee by the lake, take a walk, or add some action to your day with water sports.   

Sakarya is a treasure waiting to be discovered, with a different beauty hidden in every corner. Its plateaus are the brightest jewels of this treasure. We hope this guide will be a spark for you to discover these beauties as well.

Bibliography

For more official information about the natural and cultural richness of Sakarya, you can check the resources of the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism: https://sakarya.ktb.gov.tr/

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the best time to visit the Sakarya plateaus? The spring and summer months (May-September) are the most popular period. The weather is cool, and nature is vibrant. It's a great time, especially for the plateau festivals held in July and August. Autumn offers incredible colors for photographers, but keep in mind that the weather can be cooler and rainier. In winter, high plateaus like Dikmen are covered with snow and may be suitable for different activities.

2. How can I get to the plateaus? Is there public transportation? Access to most plateaus by public transport is impossible or very limited. The ideal way is to go by private car. The main roads are generally paved, but the roads leading up to the plateaus are mostly gravel or dirt. Regular passenger cars can reach most plateaus, but you might have difficulty in rainy weather and on the rough roads between plateaus. A high-clearance vehicle would be more comfortable.

3. What are the accommodation options in the Sakarya plateaus? The most common form of accommodation is tent camping or staying in a caravan. Many plateaus have suitable areas for camping. There are very few hotels or pensions on the plateaus. However, the hospitality of the locals is famous; they sometimes host visitors without tents in their homes. For more comfortable accommodation, you can choose hotels in district centers like Akyazı, Sapanca, or Hendek.