When you feel lost amidst the city's noise, endless traffic, and concrete jungles, what comes to mind? Starting the day in the heart of lush green nature, listening only to the sounds of birds and water, right? The key to this dream is hidden just an hour and a half from Istanbul, in Maşukiye, the pearl of Kocaeli. If you're creating a list of things to do in Maşukiye for this weekend, let's start with the magnificent experience you should write at the very top of your guide: a breakfast by the stream, in the heart of nature.

Named after the word maşuk, meaning lover, this charming town will make you fall in love at first sight with its romantic atmosphere, waterfalls, and green valleys. It's not just a peaceful escape but also a paradise of activities where you can experience moments full of adrenaline and adventure. If you're ready, we're opening the door to an unforgettable day in Maşukiye!   

Enjoy the Famous Serpme Breakfast to the Sound of Waterfalls and Streams

The first thing you must do when you arrive in Maşukiye is, without a doubt, taste the famous serpme (spread) breakfast. But this is much more than any breakfast you know; it's a ritual, a form of nature therapy. Imagine opening your eyes to a table adorned with dozens of delicacies: melted village cheese sizzling in a hot clay pot, mıhlama bringing a taste of the Black Sea, homemade jams, fresh vegetables, and crispy village bread.   

What truly makes this breakfast special is not just the delicious food, but the atmosphere you're in. Many venues have set up their tables under the shade of centuries-old plane trees, right next to babbling streams. In some places, like Akasya Alabalık, you can even have the privilege of enjoying your breakfast with your feet dipped in the ice-cold stream water during the summer months. The soothing sound of the waterfall in your ears, the fresh forest air in your lungs... this is exactly what a Maşukiye breakfast is all about.   

There are several popular places where you can have this unique experience. Maşukiye Şelale Restaurant, as its name suggests, stands out with its waterfall view , while places like Vadi Restaurant and Saklı Vadi offer a peaceful environment with their large and authentic gardens. If you're looking for a true village house atmosphere, you should try Yazıcı Köyevi and their famous halva served in a clay pot after breakfast.   

Watch the Valley View from the Glass Terrace

If you've gathered your energy after that magnificent breakfast, it's time to move from the traditional side of Maşukiye to its modern and exciting face. Our destination is the Ayrı Gezegen Glass Terrace, which will make you feel like you're walking on clouds. This is the Marmara Region's first glass-floored observation deck and holds the title of being the largest in Turkey with its 460-square-meter area. Located about 10 kilometers from the center of Maşukiye on the road to Kartepe, you'll need a private car to reach this terrace. Standing 185 meters above the ground, you'll walk on a completely transparent floor, watching the lush green valley below and the enchanting panorama of Sapanca Lake and the Samanlı Mountains in front of you. It's a paradise, especially for photography enthusiasts. You're required to wear shoe covers before stepping onto the terrace, which keeps the glass floor clean and scratch-free. It can get crowded, especially on weekends, so we recommend going in the early morning hours to capture unique photos and fully enjoy the view. There is also a café within the facility where you can have a drink against the view, allowing you to extend this pleasure.   

Try Adventure Activities Like Ziplining or ATV Safaris

If the breathtaking view from the glass terrace has awakened your inner adventurer, you're in the right place. Maşukiye is not just a romantic and peaceful getaway; it's also the perfect spot for adrenaline-pumping activities. The area around the Ayrı Gezegen Glass Terrace, in particular, has become an adventure park hub.   

One of the most popular activities is definitely the ATV safari. On this approximately 45-minute tour, accompanied by a guide, you'll explore nature on forest trails, passing through beech trees, and have a blast on muddy paths. During the breaks, you'll also have the chance to photograph the stunning views of Sapanca Lake from above.   

If you're someone who wants to get off the ground, ziplining is for you. The joy of gliding like a bird from one end of the valley to the other on steel cables, passing over the trees, and seeing the landscape from a completely different angle is priceless. Besides ATV and ziplining, other entertainment alternatives like a giant swing, a climbing wall, and an Upside-Down House await you at the facilities in the region. 

Prices for adventure activities in Maşukiye can vary significantly depending on the company, season, and package content. It's best to confirm the current prices before making plans. To give you an idea, below are the approximate price ranges we've compiled from various sources.

Note: Prices are based on 2023-2024 data and are subject to change.   

While You're Here...

If you have time after a full day in Maşukiye, there are wonderful places to explore nearby.

For Families and Nature Lovers: Be sure to visit Ormanya, one of Europe's largest natural life parks. With its Hobbit houses that children will adore, a zoo, and extensive walking areas, this place is a destination in itself.   

For Those Seeking Peace and Scenery: You can take a quiet walk along the shore of Sapanca Lake, rent a bike, or sit in one of the lakeside cafes and watch the sunset. To enjoy Sapanca Lake even more, you can check out our detailed Sapanca Lake Guide.

For Winter Sports Enthusiasts: If your visit is during the winter months, Kartepe Ski Center, one of Turkey's most popular ski resorts, is just 20 minutes away. In other seasons, it offers fantastic nature hiking trails. For more ideas about this beautiful region, which includes Maşukiye, our article on places to visit in Kocaeli is waiting for you.

The popularity of nature-filled and adventurous destinations like Maşukiye is increasing every day. According to reports from the Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), nature and adventure tourism has become one of the fastest-growing sectors worldwide. This trend explains why travelers seeking both the renewal and excitement that nature offers choose Maşukiye.

Source: Association of Turkish Travel Agencies (TÜRSAB), Nature and Adventure Tourism Report. (https://www.tursab.org.tr/haberler/tursab-doga-ve-macera-turizmi-raporu_12896)  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How to get to Maşukiye? By private car, it's about a 1.5-hour drive from Istanbul via the TEM highway. After the İzmit East exit, follow the signs for Sapanca/Kartepe. For public transport, you can take a train or bus from Istanbul to İzmit, and then take the Maşukiye minibuses from the city stops.   

What is the best time to visit Maşukiye? Maşukiye is beautiful in all four seasons. In spring, nature awakens; in summer, the cool streamsides and plateaus are delightful. In autumn, the yellow and red tones of the leaves offer postcard-perfect views, while in winter, it's preferred for the snowy landscape of Kartepe and skiing opportunities. In short, go whenever you want!.   

Besides breakfast, what is Maşukiye famous for? Maşukiye gets its name from the word maşuk, meaning lover, and is known as the Land of Lovers. Another famous delicacy, as renowned as its breakfast, is the trout cooked in a clay pot, made from fresh fish caught in its streams. You must try this dish at one of the many restaurants.