VISIT WESTERN BLACK SEA COAST, PLACES TO SEE AND THINGS TO D

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The Western Black Sea Coast is Turkey's unsung green paradise—a region where lush forests tumble into fishing harbors, mountain villages hum with tradition, and history is etched into timber-framed houses and coastal fortresses. Stretching from Istanbul’s eastern edge to the misty bays of Amasra and Sinop, this part of the country blends Ottoman grace, ancient myth, and raw natural beauty in a way that feels both familiar and undiscovered.

Expect winding coastal roads, dramatic cliffs, warm hospitality, and a rhythm of life shaped by rain, tea, and storytelling.

Amasra

Amasra, one of the most picturesque towns on the Black Sea, sits on a rocky peninsula flanked by two idyllic bays. A former Genoese and Roman stronghold, its castle walls, Roman bridge, and narrow stone alleys tell a tale of centuries past.

Explore the Amasra Castle, stroll across the Kemere Bridge to Boztepe Island, and browse the local bazaar for handmade woodwork, lace, and small-batch jams. The Amasra Museum holds Roman and Byzantine finds, but the town itself is the real attraction—charming, walkable, and full of sea breeze.

Try the famous Amasra salad, a rainbow of finely chopped vegetables dressed in lemon and olive oil, and feast on Black Sea anchovies (hamsi) or grilled sea bass, best enjoyed at a harbor-side restaurant as the sun dips into the waves.

Safranbolu

Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Turkey’s best-preserved Ottoman towns. Its hillside neighborhoods are filled with whitewashed mansions, bay windows, and red-tiled roofs, connected by cobbled lanes and arched stone bridges.

Wander the Çarşı (bazaar) district, where coppersmiths hammer away, and saffron vendors offer tiny vials of the world’s most expensive spice. Visit the Cinci Han and Bath, İzzet Paşa Mosque, and the historic Köprülü Mehmet Paşa Library.

Spend a night in a restored Ottoman konak (mansion) and wake up to a breakfast of pumpkin börek, saffron Turkish delight, and black mulberry jam. Safranbolu is also a great place to shop for handmade copperware, natural soaps, and woven textiles.

Kastamonu

Nestled inland yet still deeply connected to the Black Sea, Kastamonu is a city of Seljuk mosques, castle views, and a strong sense of identity. The city’s bazaar quarter is alive with local cheeses, woven fabrics, and woodcraft.

Climb to the Kastamonu Castle for panoramic views, then explore the Nasrullah Mosque, Liva Paşa Mansion (Ethnography Museum), and the Clock Tower. The surrounding countryside offers hikes, hot springs, and timeless villages that feel unchanged in decades.

The food is hearty and seasonal—don’t miss etli ekmek (flatbread with minced meat), çekme helva, or the ceremonial dish banduma, made with chicken, walnuts, and yufka bread. The city is also a gateway to Küre Mountains National Park, known for its deep canyons, hidden waterfalls, and dense pine forests.

Ilgaz Mountains National Park

Just an hour’s drive away from Kastamonu, the Ilgaz Mountains rise like a green fortress, dense with fir, pine, and oak. In winter, this is one of Turkey’s most beloved local ski resorts. But in warmer months, Ilgaz becomes a walker’s paradise—a network of trails winds through flower-filled meadows, ancient trees, and mountaintop plateaus with sweeping views across the Anatolian steppe and Black Sea ridges.

One of the most rewarding routes begins near Ilgaz Dağı Milli Parkı and climbs toward Yurduntepe, with a summit elevation of over 2,500 meters. You'll pass herder villages, glacial streams, and wild herbs used in local teas and cuisine. Wild boar, deer, and even bears roam here—though you're more likely to spot eagles and butterflies.

After the trek, nearby mountain lodges and yayla homes offer traditional meals like keşkek (stewed wheat and meat), mantar sote (wild mushrooms sautéed with onions), and oven-roasted trout from local rivers.

Pınarbaşı & Valla Canyon

Adventure seekers will find their bliss in Pınarbaşı, a gateway to Küre Dağları National Park and home to one of Turkey’s deepest and most thrilling natural wonders: Valla Canyon. The canyon’s towering cliffs and wild rivers make it ideal for hiking, photography, and adrenaline-pumping treks.

Nearby, the Ilıca Waterfall offers a peaceful escape with its turquoise pool surrounded by green forest. Local guesthouses serve fresh dairy, homemade jams, and dishes like corn bread, herbed cheese, and stewed lamb cooked over wood fire.

This is a place for disconnecting—no tourist crowds, just birdsong, forest air, and raw beauty.

Zonguldak & Eregli

Further west, the cities of Zonguldak and Karadeniz Ereğli offer a mix of industrial legacy and legendary past. Ereğli is believed to be the site of the Cave of Heracles, where the mythical hero battled Cerberus at the edge of the underworld.

Explore Ottoman mansions, walk along the harbor promenade, and visit local coal mining museums for a unique slice of regional history. Just outside Zonguldak, the Gökgöl Cave is a must-see with its vast chambers and surreal rock formations.

This stretch of coast is known for Black Sea fish, especially hamsi tava (fried anchovies), and karadeniz pidesi—a rich, buttery version of Turkish flatbread baked with cheese and eggs.

Sinop

Though technically part of the Central Black Sea, Sinop often acts as the northern capstone to a Western Black Sea journey. With its peaceful harbor, island-like peninsula, and historic Sinop Fortress Prison, it offers history and serenity in equal measure.

Visit the old city walls, enjoy fresh seafood by the marina, and take in the calm, reflective energy that Sinop is famous for.

Samsun

Samsun holds a special place in modern Turkish history—it was here, in 1919, that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed to begin the War of Independence, and the city proudly commemorates this role. The Bandırma Ferry Replica Museum, along with the sprawling Atatürk Monument and Gazi Museum, bring this national story to life.

Beyond its historical significance, Samsun is a vibrant coastal city with long seaside promenades, wide parks, and a growing arts scene. Visit the Amisos Hill via cable car for panoramic views and explore the archaeological site there, home to ancient tombs and scenic cafes.

Don't miss trying Samsun pidesi, a wood-fired flatbread stuffed with minced meat or melted cheese, famous across Turkey. Pair it with local ayran or a glass of sour cherry juice, then relax in Atakum, the city’s modern beach suburb known for sunsets and lively cafés.

Ordu

Ordu, surrounded by mountains and thick forests, flows gently toward the sea. Often called the “pearl of the Black Sea,” it’s a city where nature and tradition live side by side. Take the cable car up to Boztepe, a forested hill overlooking the coastline—ideal for tea at sunset or a panoramic breakfast.

Wander the old quarter, with its Ottoman-style houses and quiet cobbled streets, or explore the Ethnography Museum housed in a former church. The local bazaars are rich with hazelnuts, honey, and handmade baskets, and the weekly farmers' markets are a riot of color and sound.

Ordu’s cuisine is deeply regional: try melocan kavurması (sautéed wild greens), kuymak (a molten mix of cornmeal, butter, and cheese), or mısır ekmeği (Black Sea-style cornbread). If you're lucky enough to be there in August, the Hazelnut Festival celebrates the city’s most famous export with music, folk dancing, and plenty of tasting.

Nearby coastal villages like Ünye and Fatsa offer quiet beaches, traditional wooden homes, and a slow rhythm that invites lingering.

Giresun

A little further east, Giresun surprises with its myth and mountain-meets-sea beauty. According to legend, Giresun Island—just offshore—is where the Amazons once lived, and some say it may have inspired stories in Greek mythology. The island is one of the few in the Turkish Black Sea and can be visited by boat during summer months.

Back in town, the Giresun Castle, perched on a hill, offers panoramic views of the sea and harbor. The old town has a quietly nostalgic charm, with well-preserved Ottoman houses, Orthodox churches, and artisan workshops.

Giresun is also known as the homeland of the cherry—its Latin name, Cerasus, is believed to have inspired the English word. Try Giresun cherries in season, along with hazelnut baklava and karalahana sarması (stuffed black cabbage leaves), all rooted in the region’s rich agricultural heritage.

The surrounding highlands, known as yaylalar, are dotted with wooden cabins, alpine meadows, and glacial lakes. Day trips or overnights to places like Kulakkaya Plateau or Bektaş Yaylası offer spectacular scenery and the chance to experience Black Sea transhumance culture, complete with local music and buttery dishes cooked over fire.

Amasya

Tucked between steep cliffs and hugged by the winding Yeşilırmak River, Amasya is one of the most captivating towns in the Western Black Sea region. Known as the "City of Princes", Amasya was where Ottoman sultans sent their sons to govern and prepare for the throne, resulting in a rich architectural legacy and a deep cultural identity.

The first thing you’ll notice is the city’s perfect symmetry—wooden Ottoman mansions, with their elegant bay windows, line the river’s edge and reflect on the water, while above them loom the rock-carved tombs of Pontic Kings, lit golden in the evening light. History is not tucked away in Amasya—it’s written on the hills, streets, and skyline.

Wander along the river promenade, stopping at the Hazeranlar Mansion, an immaculately preserved 19th-century home now serving as a museum of Ottoman domestic life. Climb the hill to Amasya Castle for sweeping views across the valley, then stroll through the Bayezid II Mosque Complex, with its serene courtyard and historic library. The Amasya Museum houses fascinating regional artifacts, including rare mummies from the Ilkhanid period.

Amasya is also tied to legend: the Ferhat and Şirin Water Channel, carved into the hillside, tells the story of a man who moved mountains for love—literally. Today, it’s a scenic hiking route with sweeping views over the valley.

The city’s culinary scene reflects its deep Anatolian roots. Try toyga çorbası (a yogurt and wheat soup), keşkek (a ceremonial dish of wheat and lamb), and baklalı dolma (broad bean and rice-filled vine leaves). No visit is complete without biting into a crisp, aromatic Amasya apple, renowned across Turkey for its sweet flavor and blushing red-green skin.

Amasya’s bazaar district is atmospheric and authentic—coppersmiths, herbalists, and bakers fill the narrow lanes with sounds and smells that seem unchanged by time. Handmade copper trays, embroidered cloths, and local soaps make meaningful souvenirs.

Peaceful, poetic, and profoundly beautiful, Amasya feels like a city lost in time. It’s a place for slow mornings, river reflections, and long evening walks beneath tomb-lit cliffs—an essential stop in the Western Black Sea’s cultural heartland.