Amasra, Turkey

Amasra is a pretty little town off by itself, set on a fortified promontory jutting northward into the Black Sea.

Because the coastal roads to east and west are not all that good, Amasra gets only a moderate number of summer visitors, keeping it pleasant and relatively undeveloped.

If you visit the charming historic town of Safranbolu, come to Amasra (ah-MAHSS-rah, pop. 7000) for a night or two of seaside relaxation, explore the fortress, and take a dip in the chilly Black Sea.

Bus and car are the only ways to get here. Intercity buses serve Bartin, the provincial capital 16 km (10 miles) to the south, from which you take a minibus to Amasra. The nearest airport is at Ankara, the nearest train station at Zonguldak.

By the way, don't confuse the Black Sea town of Amasra with the Central Anatolian mountain town of Amasya, 130 km (81 miles) south of Samsun.

If you plan to head east from Amasra to Sinop (312 km, 194 miles) by car, allow most of the day for the trip along the narrow, winding road. Allow more than a day if you use the point-to-point local minibuses (there are no direct buses). It's probably faster--and certainly more comfortable--to take inland buses via Bartin and Kastamonu to Sinop.

Distances & Travel Times

Ankara: 310 km (193 miles) S, 6 hours

Bartin: 16 km (10 miles) S, 25 minutes

Istanbul: 374 km (232 miles) W, 7 hours

Kastamonu: 197 km (122 miles) E, 4 hours

Safranbolu: 90 km (56 miles) S, 2 hours

Samsun: 480 km (298 miles) E, 9 hours by car

Sinop: 312 km (194 miles) E, 7 hours by car (no direct bus service)

Zonguldak: 100 km (62 miles) W, 2 hours

Black Sea Coast

Central Anatolia

Turkey Travel Planner Homepage

Harbor at Amasra, Turkish Black Sea Coast

Above, the fortified promontory of Amasra rises above its well-sheltered old harbor.

Below, a panoramic view of Amasra from the surrounding hills, with the old harbor to the left and new harbor to the right.

Panoramic View of Amasra, Turkish Black Sea Coast