Sapanca, Turkey πΉπ·
#2008
40.691613, 30.267383
Nomad Score:
62%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Sapanca is a popular district located in the Sakarya province, known for its stunning lake and proximity to the mountains. |
π₯ Population | Approx. 25,000 |
π» Internet Speed | Average 30 Mbps, with some places offering higher speeds. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 EUR β 27.50 TRY, 1 USD β 25.00 TRY. Local banks include Δ°Ε BankasΔ±, Garanti BBVA, and QNB Finansinvest. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
π Power | 230V, 50Hz, π Type C/E sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Turkcell, Vodafone, and TΓΌrk Telekom provide good connectivity. |
π³ Banking for Expats | Most major credit cards are accepted widely; local banks support international transactions. |
π Accommodation | Options range from Airbnb to local guesthouses, with prices starting from β¬20/night. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in shops and restaurants. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and vacation rentals are popular; average prices are around β¬25-β¬50 per night. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Sapanca Hostel offer budget-friendly options, starting at β¬15/night. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | Sapanca Cowork offers a serene environment for remote work, with reliable internet. |
β Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Lago provides a great atmosphere, with lakeside views and WiFi. |
πΌ Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for remote worker meetups and local events. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Turkey Facebook group connects the community in Sapanca. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | BiTaksi is a popular app for taxi services in the region. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Local rentals are available near Sapanca Lake, promoting eco-friendly transportation. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is at Lake Sapanca, accessible for swimming and relaxation. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Turkish Airlines operates flights from Sabiha GΓΆkΓ§en Airport, approximately 80 km away. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | Local flights to major international airports including Istanbul Airport. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | E80 highway connects Sapanca to major cities like Istanbul and Ankara. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Sakarya train station provides regional train services to Istanbul and other cities. |
π Public Transport Passes | Izmit and Sakarya municipal bus passes offer affordable travel options. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Buses and shared taxis are available for travel to nearby cities like AdapazarΔ±. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Sapanca State Hospital provides essential healthcare services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Γilekli Yoga offers sessions and retreats for wellness and relaxation. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fit Life Gym offers good facilities for workouts and fitness classes. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are available, as well as local dry cleaning. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | Yemeksepeti provides access to local restaurants and delivery options. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | KΓΆfte (Turkish meatballs) and Pide (Turkish pizza) are local favorites. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Zeytin Cafe offers a selection of vegan and vegetarian meals. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | Mado Cafe is known for its rich Turkish ice cream and desserts. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Local bazaars provide fresh produce and snacks at reasonable prices. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Trendyol and Hepsiburada are popular online shopping platforms in Turkey. |
π Grocery Delivery | Getir offers rapid delivery for groceries right to your doorstep. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Lakeside lounges and cafes offer a relaxed nightlife vibe. |
π» Local Brewery | Brewery tours are available in the nearby cities for local craft beer tasting. |
π· Wine Bars | Sapanca Wine House offers local wine tastings and sales. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Try local gΓΆzleme (stuffed flatbread) from street vendors near the lake. |
π Popular International Cuisine | Sapanca also offers a variety of international cuisines ranging from Italian to Chinese. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Sapanca and its scenic surroundings are must-visit spots. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Sakarya Museum, located nearby, showcases local history and art. |
π° Historical Sites | Sapanca's old stone bridge is a historical landmark worth visiting. |
π Religious Sites | Sapanca Mosque offers insight into local culture and architecture. |
π Annual Events | Sapanca Nature Fest annually celebrates local flora and fauna in the summer. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | The lakeside promenade is a vibrant area filled with cafes and artisan shops. |
π Theater Venues | Various events at local community centers throughout the year. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Weekly markets sell fresh produce and handmade crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Local cafes host live music events, especially during summer evenings. |
π¨ Street Art | Art installations along the lake area celebrate local artists. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | Cooking classes are offered by local chefs focusing on traditional Turkish cuisine. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Local art exhibitions occur periodically in community centers. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | Old houses along the lake showcase traditional Turkish architecture. |
π΄ Local Heritage | Sapanca is known for its rich natural landscape and cultural history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | MaΕukiye Nature Park offers outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Sakarya Nature Park is a short drive from Sapanca, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Dedicated paths around Lake Sapanca cater to cyclists and walkers. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | Picnic areas along the lake provide excellent views and photo opportunities. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Sapanca Lake is home to various bird species, ideal for birdwatchers. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated picnic areas around the lake allow for controlled bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Cargo companies like Aras Kargo and PTT Service are available for parcel deliveries. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile phone and gadget repair services. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have facilities for table tennis. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Language schools in Sapanca offer Turkish language courses for expats. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Public libraries provide quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Local community centers foster cultural exchange and offer various workshops. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | There are small gaming cafes in Sapanca, catering to local gamers. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos directly in Sapanca, but nearby cities host gaming venues. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬800 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬32,000). |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬600 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = β¬24,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬700 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬42,000). |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = β¬30,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. β¬650 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬52,000). |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. β¬450 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = β¬36,000). |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 25%. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 10%. |
π¦ Tax System | Tax based on worldwide income for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40%. |
π§Ύ VAT | 18% standard rate. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, certain rules apply. |
π Property Tax | Annual tax varies based on property value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | 4% standard rate. |