Eastern Marmara Travel Guide

Discover the best cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, culinary delights, accommodations, and transport options in Eastern Marmara, Turkey in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Eastern Marmara

Eastern Marmara, located in the Marmara region of Turkey, is a hidden gem for travelers seeking authentic experiences. It is the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Eastern Marmara is less touristy, has better prices and more serene than its western counterpart. The region is characterized by its rugged terrain, rolling hills, deep valleys, and tranquil lakes. It has a rich history and a mix of both Ottoman and Greek influences, making it a unique place to explore. The best time to visit Eastern Marmara is between April and November, with the most pleasant weather during May and June.

List of Places to Visit in Eastern Marmara

Here is a list of places you should visit in Eastern Marmara:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Osman Hamdi Bey Museum: Located in Gebze, this museum houses some of the most important works of the renowned Turkish painter, archaeologist, and museum curator, Osman Hamdi Bey.
  2. Bayramoglu Bird Sanctuary: This is a protected natural habitat for hundreds of bird species, including white pelicans, herons, and flamingos.
  3. Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Museum: This museum is devoted to Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli, a Sufi saint and philosopher, who lived during the 13th century.

Natural Attractions of Eastern Marmara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Ballıkayalar Nature Park: This nature park is a perfect place for nature lovers, and offers picturesque hikes amidst lush greenery and serene lakes.
  2. Soğuksu National Park: This national park, located in Kocaeli, offers stunning landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and trekking.
  3. Lake Sapanca: This beautiful lake is surrounded by picturesque mountains and forests, making it a perfect place for a relaxing picnic.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern Marmara

  1. Kartepe Ski Resort: This resort offers stunning views of the countryside, as well as skiing and snowboarding in the winter.
  2. Kocaeli Kartepe Trekking Route: This 17-km route provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests, and takes around five hours to complete.
  3. Geyik Plateau Walk: This 8-km trail, starting from Geyik village and ending at the plateau, is a perfect place for a relaxing walk amidst stunning natural scenery.

Best Things to Do in Eastern Marmara: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a hot air balloon ride: Get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful landscape in a hot air balloon.
  2. Waterfall Tour: Visit the impressive 70-meter high Eskişehir Çağlayan waterfall.
  3. Cultural Heritage Tour: Visit the Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Tomb, explore the bazaars of Gebze, and visit the Yuvacık Dam.

Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern Marmara

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Eastern Marmara:

Day Activity
1 Arrival, hotel check-in, and exploring nearby attractions
2 Hiking at the Ballıkayalar Nature Park
3 Visit to the Osman Hamdi Bey Museum and Bayramoglu Bird Sanctuary
4 Trekking the Kocaeli Kartepe Trekking Route
5 Visit to the Hacı Bektaş-ı Veli Tomb and nearby bazaars
6 Relaxing at the Lake Sapanca and waterfall tour
7 Departure and saying goodbye to Eastern Marmara

Food and Drink Scene of Eastern Marmara

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Kocaeli Clams: These juicy and succulent clams are a must-try.
  2. Gebze Böreği: This local pastry is made with filo pastry, spinach or cheese, and is a great breakfast option.
  3. Simit: This Turkish bread filled with sesame seeds is a popular street food in Eastern Marmara.

Local Beverages

  1. Sahlep: This sweet and milky drink is made with orchid bulbs and cinnamon, and is a great drink for cold winter evenings.
  2. Turkish Tea: Eastern Marmara is known for its tea, which is served with sugar and a slice of lemon.

Where to Stay in Eastern Marmara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Green Park Kartepe: This hotel is located near Kartepe Ski Resort, and provides stunning views of the countryside.
  2. Hegsagone Business & Hotel: A modern hotel in Gebze’s business district, with comfortable rooms and excellent amenities.
  3. Sebenoba Butik Otel: A boutique hotel in Kandıra, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning natural scenery.

What to Buy in Eastern Marmara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Gebze Knives: Known for its sharpness and quality, Gebze Knives make for great souvenirs.
  2. Sapanca Lake Ceramics: These hand-painted ceramics are a great way to add a touch of Eastern Marmara to your home decor.
  3. Beach Rocks from Kefken Island: These beach rocks are believed to have healing powers.

Local Culture and Customs of Eastern Marmara

Eastern Marmara has a mix of Ottoman and Greek influences, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions. Respect is very important in Turkish culture, and visitors are expected to show respect to the locals and their traditions.

Best Time to Visit Eastern Marmara

The best time to visit Eastern Marmara is between April and November, with the most mild weather during May and June.

Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern Marmara

Do:

  • Respect the traditions and culture of locals.
  • Bargain in markets and bazaars.
  • Try the delicious local cuisine.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the prayer calls from the mosques.
  • Drink alcohol in public places.
  • Wear revealing clothing in religious places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Eastern Marmara

Eastern Marmara is very safe for travelers. However, it’s always a good idea to take precautions like keeping your valuables safe, avoiding dark alleys at night, and keeping a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Health in Eastern Marmara

Tap water is safe to drink in most parts of Eastern Marmara. However, it’s always advisable to carry bottled water around with you. In case of a health emergency, call 112 or visit the nearest hospital immediately.

Getting to Eastern Marmara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Eastern Marmara is a three-hour drive from Istanbul and has numerous transport options.

Airports Near Eastern Marmara

  1. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is only 37 km away from Gebze.
  2. Istanbul Airport is 122 km away from Eastern Marmara.

Bus Stations Near Eastern Marmara

  1. Gebze Central Bus Station
  2. İzmit Central Bus Station
  3. Adapazarı Central Bus Station

Other Options

  1. Renting a car is a great way to explore Eastern Marmara at your own pace.
  2. Taxis and Shared Taxis are also available at reasonable prices.

How to Get Around in Eastern Marmara

Public transportation is available, but it’s better to rent a bike, a car or a taxi to explore the region. Walking is possible in some areas, but it might be difficult in the rugged terrain.

Where to Go Next from Eastern Marmara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. İstanbul: The vibrant city of Istanbul is only three hours away by car.
  2. Bursa: This city, known for its thermal baths and stunning Ottoman architecture, is located 118 km south of Eastern Marmara.
  3. Yalova: This coastal city is only a short drive away from Eastern Marmara and offers stunning natural beauty.

Conclusion

Eastern Marmara is a hidden gem and deserves to be on the itinerary of any adventurous traveler. From stunning natural scenery to rich cultural heritage, Eastern Marmara offers the perfect combination of experiences that will satiate your wanderlust. Follow this guide and you’ll have a memorable trip to Eastern Marmara, Turkey.

Lobed tile from Iznik Lobed tile from Iznik Old houses in Inegöl Old houses in Inegöl Hannibal's tomb in Gebze Hannibal's tomb in Gebze Skiing at Kartepe Skiing at Kartepe Osman founded the Ottoman dynasty Osman founded the Ottoman dynasty


    Gebze
    Izmit
    Iznik
    Yalova