Joın the Natural Lıfe ın Lake Iznık

Are you someone who loves traveling and dedicates their love for nature and natural trips? Or are you someone who has always been doing the same type of trips and now wants to see nature as well? We can easily recommend Lake İznik to you. Situated in the middle of the Marmara region, Lake İznik and its surroundings offer all kinds of nuances of nature to those who are tired of industrial cities and business life. With its incredibly beautiful sunset, panoramic view of the clean and fresh water lake, hiking trails, and village roads, Lake İznik and its surroundings are worth seeing. If you plan to come here, actually, you need to stay at least two days for Lake İznik and its surroundings, but one day can also be enough. If you want to spend an active day, go hiking, do sports, and most importantly, listen to yourself, come to Lake İznik and its surroundings. And don't forget to leave that thing called technology aside. Everything you can search for in terms of nature is available here. There are both nature sports activities and festivals, places where you can find natural products, as well as places with natural fruits and vegetables. In short, Lake İznik and its surroundings mean nature.

Lake İznik is one of Turkey's largest freshwater lakes. In this respect, it ranks in the top five in our country, and first in the Marmara region where it is located. In recent years, the area and its surroundings, which have been taken under state protection, contain extensive agricultural lands. Therefore, it is surrounded by olive groves and fruit orchards. Of course, other crops are also grown. In addition, the lake is used for fish farming. Freshwater fish are famous. Lake İznik and its surroundings, which are a natural habitat, are world-famous. There is also an ancient city underwater in the lake.

What to Eat in İznik?

İznik is a place with local and regional cuisine, mainly featuring seafood and olives. İznik is also famous for olive cultivation, and you can find olive oil here. You can find local breakfast, fish kebabs, grilled crayfish in butter, and other freshwater fish at places such as Köfteci Yusuf, Askania, Antigonia Café, Çamlık Restaurant, and Karacakaya.

Çamlık Restaurant: Located on the shores of Lake Iznik, under the shade of pine trees, Çamlık Restaurant is a delightful stop with its views and flavors. Lake fish are especially popular here. Its spacious garden, airy atmosphere, and playground for children make it a favorite for families. Dining by the lake at sunset is a special treat.

Şarlo Mustafa Balık ve Pide Salonu: One of the places in Iznik that is “local and rustic but guaranteed to be delicious.” The fish is fresh daily, and the lake perch and trout are especially popular. In addition, their pide is legendary; baked crispy in a wood-fired oven, it appeals to those looking for something different. It is a friendly, warm establishment.

Rahmi Baba Restaurant: One of the first places that comes to mind when you think of fish in Iznik. It is quite popular for its variety of fish, appetizers, and especially its lake view. It is suitable for both romantic dinners and for spending quality time with the family. The appetizers are carefully served, and the price-taste balance leaves you satisfied.

Bringing the natural beauty of Iznik to the table, Karacakaya Restaurant stands out for its meat and local dishes. Its casserole dishes and village breakfast are especially popular. It's perfect for those who want to dine in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature and greenery.

Where to Visit in İznik?

• Tourists and travelers should know that İznik is very rich in terms of natural beauty. Although it is not very rich in historical texture and architecture, it is a very good place for our culture and nature. First of all, Lake İznik and its surroundings are among the places that must be seen with its magnificent view. We must emphasize that the evening view of this lake is unique. If you come to Lake İznik, be sure to watch the sunset. You will see that it is a unique landscape unlike anywhere else. Then, the Ancient City of İznik can also be visited. It doesn't take much of your time anyway.
• Explore İznik: Exploring the streets of İznik is a delightful experience in itself. As you wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, historic houses, and buildings, you feel as if you've been transported to another era. Culture, history, and nature are intertwined here.
• Adilcan-Nursan Art Workshop: If you want to see the famous İznik tiles up close, this workshop is a must-visit. You can watch the artists at work and even try your hand at painting tiles yourself. The colors and patterns inside will inspire you.
• Lefke Gate: Lefke Gate, which dates back to the Roman period, is one of the most magnificent gates of the Iznik walls. It stands tall like a silent witness to history. It's impossible to leave without taking a photo when you get there.
• Istanbul Gate: Once one of the most important points of entry to the city, Istanbul Gate still retains its grandeur today. Standing next to it, you can feel the traces of the past.
• Olive Grove: The olives grown in the fertile lands of Iznik are both a delicacy on the table and the spirit of the region. Walking among the olive trees is peaceful. If you go in the fall, you can also witness the olive harvest.
• Iznik Pier: A meeting point for those who want to spend time by the lake. Whether you want to walk, ride a bike, or just sit and watch the lake, this is the place to be. Although it gets crowded in the evenings, the atmosphere is uniquely beautiful.
• Sansarak Canyon: A hidden gem for nature lovers around Iznik. You can hike in the canyon or camp in the middle of nature. The stream running through it and the lush green scenery around it completely disconnect you from city stress.
• Keramet Hot Springs: Known for its healing hot waters, Keramet Hot Springs offers a unique experience in nature. Especially in cold weather, immersing yourself in the hot water surrounded by steam is very enjoyable. It is a must-visit place for both those seeking health and those seeking peace.

What to Do in İznik?

In terms of activities in nature trips, Lake İznik and its surroundings offer us quite extensive opportunities. There are various activities related to water sports available on the lake. You can rent a canoe and paddle around the lake and even see the sunken city up close. You can also take a boat trip on the lake. After that, you can explore the surroundings and organic products from the olive groves and village roads, and get plenty of fresh air. Besides these, İznik is also famous for its tiles. If you wish, you can go to a tile workshop and take a small course in tile painting. You can visit the workshop of Craftsman İsmail, who is nearly a century old and symbolizes İznik, and be in the barrel workshop. Or, you can take a walk by Lake İznik and its shores. You can listen to yourself and find peace in that magnificent silence. There are also festivals in İznik. The Canoe Festival is at the end of March and the beginning of April, and the İznik Ultra Hike is in April as well.

What to Buy from İznik?

Festivals can be a good option for buying souvenirs and İznik memorabilia. In addition, olives and olive oil can also be bought from İznik. Besides these, clothes specific to the region can also be purchased.

Iznik Accommodation Recommendations

Redpine Guest House:  If you are looking to stay in Iznik, surrounded by the tranquility of nature, and seeking a minimal yet warm atmosphere, Redpine Guest House offers a place where you will find peace. If you want to wake up to the sound of birds chirping behind the red pine trees, this is the place for you.

The Lake House, +12: The Lake House, +12 is a peaceful hotel that combines modern comfort with the embracing atmosphere of nature. Waking up to a lake view is therapeutic in itself. Breakfast is a real feast! The dishes, prepared from the chef's special menu, are both delicious and visually stunning.

How to Get to Lake İznik?

As a city, İznik and its surrounding areas, including Lake İznik, are located in the middle of cities such as Bursa, Yalova, Bilecik, Kocaeli, and Sakarya. It is also approximately 200 km away from Istanbul. It is about 80-100 km away from the cities mentioned above. There are shuttles available from Bursa terminal to İznik. If you are coming from Istanbul, you can take IDO (Istanbul Fast Ferries) services from Yenikapı or Pendik to Yalova, and then come to İznik from there. However, it should be noted that the distance between İznik and Lake İznik and its surroundings should also be taken into account. All of this takes about 2 hours.