Places to Visit in Karamürsel

On the southern shore of Izmit Bay lies Karamürsel, a coastal town renowned for its tranquility and close connection to the sea. It is neither as bustling as large cities nor as quiet as rural areas; it has its own unique balance. With its harbor where fishing boats slowly dock, its coastal path bustling with locals taking morning walks, and its streets bearing traces of a rich history, Karamürsel is a place for those who prefer to take their time and enjoy observing. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a few days’ stay, Karamürsel will send you off with beautiful memories, without leaving you feeling overwhelmed.

What Can You Do in Karamürsel?

Karamürsel Beach: One of the most attractive spots in Karamürsel is its coastline. The Karamürsel beach, shining like a blue pearl on the Gulf coast with its Blue Flag status, rivals the southern beaches with its crystal-clear sea.

Aşıklar Tepesi (Lovers Hill): If you're looking for a place where your soul can relax with its view and your stomach can be satisfied with its meals, don't miss this place.

Karamürsel City Forest: Karamürsel City Forest is a great option for those who want to spend time in nature. You can hike and participate in various sports activities here.

Karamürsel Windmills: You can visit the windmills, symbolic structures of Karamürsel. You can learn about the historical buildings, take photos, and admire the scenery.

Karamürsel Museum: To explore the history and culture of the town, you can visit the Karamürsel Museum. The museum exhibits local history-related exhibitions, artifacts, and documents.

Çınarlı Village: Çınarlı Village, affiliated with Karamürsel, is famous for its natural beauty and traditional architecture. By visiting the village, you can observe local life, taste local delicacies, and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.

Değirmendere Cove: Değirmendere Cove, affiliated with Karamürsel, attracts visitors with its clean sea and magnificent view. Here, you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the natural beauty accompanied by a stunning view.

How to Get to Karamürsel?

You can reach Karamürsel by using the highways or by bus. If you reside on the European side, you can prefer buses departing from Esenler Bus Terminal. The bus journey takes about 3 hours on average. Those coming from the Anatolian side of Istanbul can first reach Esenler and then travel to Karamürsel by bus. If you prefer air travel, you can reach Karamürsel with flights from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. The distance between the airport and Karamürsel is approximately 55 km. Visitors from different cities can also first reach Istanbul and then take buses or transfers to Karamürsel.

Food and Drink in Karamürsel

Karamürsel is a place that surprises visitors not only with its scenery but also with its cuisine. You can sample fresh seafood at restaurants along the coast and lose yourself among the fruit orchards as you travel along country roads. Olive cultivation is already one of the region's long-standing traditions, but they also have a unique delicacy called “Simit Dolması,” which you simply must try. One of the best places to enjoy this special treat is Rizeliler Bakery. For breakfast, Papuli Restaurant is quite popular; a table filled with a variety of dishes made with organic products awaits you.

If you have a craving for delicious meatballs, Köfteci Veli is the place to go. Bağlar Pastanesi, which has been serving customers since 1958, is also a must-visit stop. It is especially known for its lemonade, ice cream, and fresh pastries. Perfect for a sweet tooth. For kokoreç lovers, Nazar Kokoreç is one of the region's leading establishments.

For seafood, you can enjoy a pleasant dinner at Coşkun Balık, famous for its calamari and shrimp. If you're looking for a more nature-oriented experience, we recommend trying the trout stew at Başdeğirmen Alabalık Tesisleri.

For those who want to try different flavors in Karamürsel, other options include Pehlivan Sofrası, Akşam Sefa 41, Sancak Izgara, Mevlana Kebap Salonu, Mapi Döner, Hasıraltı Mantı, Kardeşler Balıkçılık, Bülbül Restoran, Hereke Balık Restoran, Mercan Balık Restoran, Günaydın Köfte & Döner, Keyf-i Seyir, and Tadım Taşfırın.

Where to Stay in Karamürsel?

Papuli Köyevi in Çamçukur, a Black Sea village, is an authentic place hidden away from prying eyes with its lush garden, where you can lose yourself in nature. The skilled and tasteful hostess Seçil Hanım has made Papuli famous for both its rooms and its cuisine! The kitchen, a haven of flavors, offers dishes like spinach soup, a stew made with lamb meat cooked over an open fire until tender, and meat-stuffed cabbage rolls and flatbreads that are truly extraordinary.

For more accommodation suggestions, please visit our Karamürsel Hotels page.