Run away to Adapazarı- Ballıkayalar!

When we say holiday, Aegean or Mediterranean generally comes to people’s mind. In fact, there are so many other places in our country to explore. Although sea-sand-sun trio is considered as the most wonderful ‘runaway’, we have another different suggestion for you now: “Adapazarı-Ballıkayalar National Park”.

Let’s make a description for those who have question about how to go this place from Istanbul: Ballıkayalar is located just on the left after passing Gebze on D-100 highway in İstanbul-İzmit direction. Drive one km more from Tavşanlı Village and then you will reach Ballıkayalar. Let’s summarize it for those who ask for a more practical description: Ballıkayalar is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Istanbul. So, you should not have any excuses not to go there as a day-trip, take a perfect walk and breathe the mountainous air! 

If you like walking, and want to run away to a place which is close to Istanbul and rest for a while, then Ballıkayalar is the perfect place for you. Ballıkayalar National Park consists of sparse trees and scrubs and is described as mid-level walking area. Ten km walking route can be completed in four hours. So, if you don’t consider walking as “walking a few steps and then picking fruits from trees’’ and enjoy it as a sport, then you are at the right place. Ballıkayalar is one of the best destinations for those who seriously consider doing trekking. 

 Ballıkayalar has become very popular for people living in Istanbul in recent years because it is one of the nature walk areas that is closest to Istanbul. It is also possible to climb up the rocks on this wonder of nature. There are many different walking tracks that can be chosen according to season on this small canyon where a stream runs through it. You can walk along the stream, climb up the rocks or walk in the straight area like gazelles. Ballıkayalar will make you happy on each walking track!

If you want to do something instead of walking and say “I will climb up the rocks and race with the squirrels that run vertically along the trees, then we can give you some more information. Ballıkayalar has walls that are shaped by strong limestone, and approximately one hundred rock climbing routes. In this sense, it is one of the most important points for rock climbing in Marmara Region. We wish you enjoy climbing in advance! 

When the nature recovers gradually and spring warms us up, now it is time for action! All you need to do is to find a couple of friends that are energetic like you, love walking, not afraid of the word ‘climbing’ and missing the nature in the chaos of the city and to run away to Ballıkayalar. Taking shelter in the nature and accessing to this national park that has magnificent views of the nature is very easy and only requires one hour drive...Of course, this is true for people living in Istanbul! You should definitely run away to Ballıkayalar at this spring season! We wish you plenty of walking, climbing and energy.