Amasra Turkey Town City Map & Informations (Black Sea) in English

A short history of Amasra
What to do in which season?
What to eat in Amasra and where to eat?
Where to go sightseeing in Amasra?
What to buy?
Where to swim?

History in 5 minutes

Old Amasra photos (Up; full city, Down Büyük Liman Plajı)

Strabon believes that the city of Amasra, which was firstly known as Sesamos city in the history, was founded by the Gasgas, which was a branch of the Scythians, or the Amazons that cleared the Hittites away from the Western Black Sea.

Phoenicians (12^thcentury BC) The Phoenicians, who occupied an important position in sea trade, traded important trees such as boxwood, chestnut and walnut in this region.
Ionians(8^thcentury BC)The Poseidon Temple, of which the ruins you can see at Boztepe, was built during this period.
Persians(2^ndcentury BC) The first coin under the rule of Queen Amastris was issued in this period. While the god of Mithra appears on the front side of the coin, the depiction of Amastris is placed on the other side.
Romans and Byzantines(From 73 to 70 BC) These are the civilizations that left most of the historical and cultural heritage to Amasra. Bedesten, Fatih Mosque (Old Church), Chapel, Amasra Castle, Kemere and Kemerdere Bridges were built during this period.
Genoese(13^thcentury) The Genoese established trade colonies in the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Atlantic Ocean and the Northern Europe between the 11^thand 15^thcenturies. Amasra is one of those colonies. The riggings of the Genoese families and the ruins of the Genoa Castle can still be seen inside the castle.
Ottomans (15^thcentury) Since there were able seamen and high-quality wood found in Amasra, which was seized under the leadership of Mehmet the Conqueror, the Ottoman navy gained a large number of ships in Amasra.

Amasra throughout the year

In summer – June, July, August

The swimming season begins after June 15^th. You can swim in Kucuk Liman (Small Port) during northeaster and in Buyuk Liman (Great Port) during southwester. After the sunset, you can see people chatting and singing songs on the beaches of Amasra. During the summer season, you can watch the laser show performed after sunset in the garden of the Amasra Museum, where you and your children can learn while having fun. As part of Maritime and Cabotage Day activities, you can participate in swimming, greasy pole and tug of war competitions held on the 1^stof July in Buyuk Liman area.

In winter – December, January, February

Winter time in Amasra (Beutiful Blacksea Town by the ocean, Photo Credit: Kemal Onur Ozman)

Winters are harsh and tough in Amasra. While sometimes it turns white, sometimes it indulges in southwester wind. This is the time when the fishermen make their living from the sea. The best fish (anchovy, horse mackerel, whiting fish) can be eaten in these months. One cannot get enough of that beauty hidden in those wild waves!

In autumn – September, October, November

You can enjoy watching the town of Amasra turning from the shades of green to the shades of red and yellow in this period. An unforgettable, romantic holiday opportunity with the sound of waves and fresh fish along with the peace and tranquillity begins then. In this period, when the fishermen return to the sea, the price of fish reduces while it gets tastier.

Since the time, when the Genoese commander handed over the keys of Amasra to Mehmet the Conqueror in October 17^th(1460), Celebration of Amasra’s Conquest are still held every year, traditionally.

In spring – March, April, May

You can discover all shades of white, pink and green in the flowers that grow in the Black Sea region. You can eat the most delicious fish and salad in this season before summer. You can discover the unique beauty and colours of sunset from the Baris Akarsu Park. The Kemerdere Bridge, which is about to be demolished due to lack of care, can also be visited in the spring.

Did you know about

that Amastris was the first queen (Persian Queen) to issue coins in her own name,

that according to the beliefs of Amastra’s people, Amastris used to have a private bath in Direkli Kaya,

that the word of Amastris meant strong woman,

that the salat al eidain (prayer during religious festivals) and Friday prayers have traditionally been practiced by drawing the sword in Fatih Mosque since the conquest of Amasra,

and that the nearest coast to Ankara (Turkey’s Capital city) is Amasra?

Who said what about Amasra?

Plinius described Amasra as “Elegant and Beautiful”, Niketas described it as “The Eye of the World”, Genoese as “The Castle of Flowers” and Diogenes as “A balance” while Mehmed the Conqueror expressed his surprise about Amasra by saying these words: “Oh my tutor! Could this be the eye of the world?

Do not leave Amasra without having

Tea or coffee at the Aglayan Agac (Weeping Tree) Café located by the sea across the Rabbit Island, while enjoying both the nature and history together,
Famous Coven Ekmegi (Soapwort Bread) at the restaurants and do not forget to buy some for your beloved ones from the Public Bakery,
Amasra Pidesi (Pita with vegetables or minced meat on it) at the Amasra Sofrasi Restaurant,
Traditional Turkish breakfast at Turkan Hanim’in Yeri by the beach,
Seasonal seafood and unique Amasra salad at Canli Balik Restaurant (Mustafa Amcanin Yeri) where they use traditional cooking methods,
Water buffalo yogurt with honey after having fish and Amasra salad,
Mussels at Carlos,

What to Buy in Amasra?

Well-known boxwood spoons of Master Cevat from the Kuskayasi Souvenir Shop in historical Cekiciler Market of Amasra,
Famous fish pan,
Hand carved fruit bowl and the honey dipper made of Amasra’s local wood.

Do not leave without

Seeing the Bedesten Area of Amasra by bike or on foot,
Making a selfie in front of the Rabbit Island and sea view of Amasra from the highest point of Boztepe,
Going on a Amasra boat tour around the Amasra peninsula,
Seeing the Roman soldier and eagle located in Kuskayasi Roadside Monument built in honour of Germanicus for the states and friendship,
Dancing and having fun at the shop of Ruhi Hoca, while wandering around the Historical Cekiciler Market!

Where is Amasra and How to Get There?

Amasra, which has the population of 7000 people and 3000 years of history, is a district of Bartin Province located in the Western Black Sea.

How close Amasra to other Cities?

From Ankara to Amasra= 309 km
From Istanbul to Amasra = 450 km
From Izmir to Amasra= 805 km
From Eskisehir or Bursa to Amasra= 488 km
From Karabuk or Zonguldak to Amasra= 103 km
From Sinop to Amasra=380 km
From Bartin to Amasra=15 km

Closest Airports to Amasra

Zonguldak (District of Caycuma): 53 km
Ankara (Esenboga): 326 km
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen: 423 km

Places to See Around Amasra

You can reach the bays around Amasra by renting a bus/car from Somakli Tour Rental Company.

Beaches

Bozkoy Beach (13 km. East Coast of Amasra)

It is an untouched beach with its golden sand and lush nature.

Inkumu Beach (30 km. West Coast of Amasra)

It is one of the longest coastlines of the Western Black Sea and the town has varied camping and accommodation opportunities.

Cakraz Beach (15 km. East Coast of Amasra)

The beach located in the resort town of Cakraz comes to the forefront with its social opportunities as well as its cleaning and natural beauty.

Kurucasile (43 km. East Coast of Amasra)

The town located on the eastern side of Amasra is famous for its boat-yacht manufacturing.

Guzelcehisar (35 km. West Coast of Amasra)

It is a coast town hosting 3 million year-old lava rocks.

Akkonak (19 km. East Coast of Amasra)

It is a natural wonder with campsites.

Gideros Bay (58 km. East Coast of Amasra)

It is a pool-like natural wonder.

Other places/Beaches worth seeing:

Kizilkum, Mugada, Tekkeonu, Hatipler, Tarlaagzi, Felengit Bay, Kapisuyu and Gockun

Amasra Town Where to see?