Darıca is one of the districts of our Kocaeli city, which stands out as a touristic area. Located approximately 56 kilometers away from Kocaeli city center, you can reach the district by purchasing a bus ticket or a plane ticket, as well as by ferry or train from some points. In the district, which draws attention with its deep-rooted history, many different civilizations once lived. Since the history of the district is quite old, Evliya Çelebi included this topic in his famous work Seyahatname. Hosting many tourists with its historical structures as well as its natural beauties, the region is especially frequently preferred for daily trips. Daily trips are organized to this district from many nearby areas, especially from Istanbul. Of course, in addition to nearby areas, the number of visitors coming from distant regions is also quite significant.
Darıca offers you the opportunity for a pleasant travel experience in terms of places to visit. Before touching on this topic, we would like to mention how you can come to the region. Travelers planning to come from distant cities can prefer air transportation. Those who plan to come from Istanbul can directly reach the area by purchasing a plane ticket from Sabiha Gökçen Airport. Those coming from outside Istanbul should first come to the city. Travelers who are considering coming with their own vehicle can easily reach the district by using one of the applications that create various road maps. Another transportation method is intercity buses. For this, you must first buy a bus ticket to Izmit Bus Station. After arriving at the bus station, you can take the buses running to the district from there or take advantage of the taxi option. You can also rent a private vehicle and travel faster from one place to another.
Those coming from the Izmit side can, if they wish, prefer ferries that provide service in all four seasons. In addition, it is also possible to come to the district by train from our city of Istanbul. For this, you must first go to Gebze, then transfer and take the train. Darıca district hosts various natural beauty areas and historical places. When you come to Darıca, which holds the title of being the 3rd largest district of Kocaeli in terms of population, among the popular spots you must see are Darıca Coast, Darıca Zoo, Dudayev Park, Darıca Castle, Denize Sevgi Park, Sancaktepe, and Darıca Nation’s Garden. By adding these tourism highlights of the region to your travel list, you can easily get rid of the trouble of deciding which places to visit.
Darıca Coast
The first stop on our list of places to visit in Darıca is Darıca Coast, which is also visited by many travelers.
This place is especially one of the frequent destinations for those who want to have a daily escape during the spring and summer months. You can have a picnic with your loved ones against a magnificent sea view and fully enjoy nature. If you do not intend to have a picnic but get hungry, you can visit the food and beverage places on the coast and grab a bite. There are also children's playgrounds here where children can have fun-filled hours.
Darıca Zoo
When Darıca is mentioned, after its coast, one of the touristic spots that come to mind is the famous Darıca Zoo.
By purchasing a Darıca plane ticket, you can have the chance to discover this zoo, which covers an area of approximately 80 acres and hosts many different animal species. This zoo, which attracts the interest of adults as well as children, also houses various plant species. We also recommend adding this place, which has been welcoming visitors since 1993, to your travel plan.
Dudayev Park
Another touristic place where you can explore natural beauties during your trip to Darıca is Dudayev Park, which you can quickly reach via Tuzla Street.
Various cultural events are held in this park, along with enjoyable festivals organized at certain times. There are also walking areas here that give you the opportunity to take a walk. If you wish, you can take a walk in these walking areas to discover the surroundings and spend pleasant times accompanied by natural beauties.
Darıca Castle
By purchasing a Darıca plane ticket, you can visit Darıca Castle, which sheds light on the history of the district and fascinates incoming travelers with its mysterious atmosphere.
This castle was built to protect the pier located right in front of the structure. From the Byzantine era, the walls and tower of this castle have managed to reach the present day in solid condition. However, as it has an atmosphere steeped in history, it is one of the cultural spots frequently visited by both domestic and foreign tourists. In addition, there are also various places within the structure where you can eat or drink something.
Denize Sevgi Park
The next travel destination on our list of places to visit in Darıca is Denize Sevgi Park, which you can explore closely by purchasing a bus ticket.
Within this park, there are many fun activity alternatives you can do with your loved ones. If you plan your trip during the summer season, you can swim in the sea here and enjoy swimming. Besides the sea, there are also walking tracks that allow you to closely observe the natural beauties. While having fun here, if you get hungry, there are also places where you can eat something.
Sancaktepe
Standing out with its wonderful view and lush nature, Sancaktepe, as its name suggests, is characterized by being a hill.
Being the highest hill of the district, you can watch a magnificent view from this area. This hill, which offers travelers the opportunity to have a picnic with its lush nature, is a place where you can spend peaceful hours with your family or friends and take lots of souvenir photos.
Darıca Nation’s Garden
By purchasing a Darıca bus ticket, you can have the chance to visit Darıca Nation’s Garden, which appeals to both children and adults.
Covering an area of approximately 900 acres, in this garden you can be alone with nature, visit sports areas and perform various sports activities, go for a nature walk, and visit cafes to have something to drink. Families with children can leave their children in the playgrounds and then immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere of nature and spend a calm day.
