Sapanca is getting one of the most important “ecotourism” areas in Marmara region in Turkey day by day. You can reach Sapanca from Istanbul in less than 2 hours. Sapanca provides opportunities for “green tourism”, “nature tourism”, “adventure tourism” and “cultural tourism” . This nature based region aims to use local resources and traditional architecture. Samanli mountains and Sapanca lake are two important natural richness in region. Mountains are covered by rich forests and the other parts of the region are full of the fruit gardens. Here is one of the greenest region of country and there are a wide variety of trees on mountains.
The most important economical activity is agriculture based on orcharding. Lots of small facilities are managed by local families and they tries to improve these traditional economical activities . And the growing potential of “ecotourism” make the region more attractive for local residents. It makes this region to be sustain their natural character and give opportunities for socio-economic developments of the population.
Sapanca with its natural resources presents a good “ecotourism” example. “Trout farming” is a growing economical activity and there are lots of facilities established near brooks and they are managed by local population. Especially if you have a passion to climb the mountains to see the full landscape of Sapanca (I think you should have:)), you can come across with most of them welcoming you in your way of climbing. I can honestly tell you that the highest point of the mountains was one of the most exciting areas.
Firstly the clean air and the wide variety of the trees make you feel that you are in the natural area not in a designed or superficial one. The landscape of the region can only be seen in the top of the “Kartepe”. This mountain also serves for winter sports and in recent years this area appeals most of tourist because of this potential in winter. I need to tell that Sapanca is a really natural recreational area which serves to most of recreational activities for all age groups.
There are also some alternative tourism options such as baloon flights, microlight, trekking, rafting, horse-riding and paragliding. Sapanca is a paradise for people who want to relax and be with nature. It serves most of opportunities for full of a day. We haven’t a chance to experience the microlight flights because of bad weather conditions but it seems attractive and anyone should make it.
I think these “ecotourism” area will be one of the best areas in these conditions in country, because there are lots of opportunities for developments and conservation as well.
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