Amasra Travel Guide

City Historic town in Turkey with ancient ruins

A Black Sea port with twin bays and a clifftop fortress; travelers arrive for boat trips, seafood restaurants on the harbour, Ottoman and Byzantine ruins and narrow alleys lined with wooden houses.

Costs

Affordable (≈$50/day)

$35-$60 daily; coastal seafood slightly pricier.

Safety

Safe for tourists

Generally safe; normal coastal vigilance advised.

Best Time

May-October

Mild Black Sea summers, best for swimming and seafood.

In This Guide

Why Visit Amasra?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

6,177

Infrastructure & Convenience

Small, walkable town with good local roads; limited English beyond tourist spots.

Popularity

Popular with Turkish holidaymakers and history lovers, especially on summer weekends.

Known For

Amasra Castle, twin islands, fish restaurants, Byzantine and Roman ruins, sandy coves, seaside promenade, local handicrafts, panoramic views, fortress walls

Amasra was founded in antiquity as Amastris and its seaside citadel contains Roman, Byzantine and Genoese remains.

Why Visit Amasra? #

A compact Black Sea town known for its seaside castle and fishing‑village atmosphere, it attracts travelers who savor coastal scenery and fresh seafood platters. Walk the waterfront to the medieval Amasra Castle, shop the small bazaar and sample local dishes centered on hamsi (Black Sea anchovies) at family‑run fish restaurants. The town’s narrow lanes and seaside views feel intimate and unhurried compared with bigger Turkish resorts.

Top Things to Do in Amasra

Don't Miss

Amasra Castle (Amasra Kalesi) - Amasra Castle (Amasra Kalesi) crowns the peninsula with battlements, sea views and towers.
Amasra Museum - Amasra Museum exhibits archaeological finds and local maritime history in a small complex.
Kemere Bridge and old harbor - Kemere Bridge and old harbor area offer photogenic stone arches and fish restaurants.

Hidden Gems

Çekmece Beach and coves - Çekmece Beach and nearby coves make pleasant quiet swimming spots away from crowds.
Boztepe viewpoint - Boztepe viewpoint above the town provides sunset vistas and local tea houses.
Local seafood eateries - Small family-run seafood restaurants around the harbour serve freshly prepared regional dishes.

Day Trips

Safranbolu UNESCO town - Safranbolu UNESCO town, with restored Ottoman houses and bazaars, is a day excursion.
Bartın riverside quarter - Bartın city and its riverside quarter make a pleasant short trip from Amasra.

Best Time to Visit Amasra #

Amasra is nicest in late spring and early autumn for mild weather, green hills and quieter seaside exploring. Summers are warm and lively for swimming; winters stay mild but rainy.

Winter

December - February · 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F)

Mild, wet winters on the Black Sea coast-pleasant compared with inland winters, though rainy days are frequent and sea swimming is rare.

Spring & Autumn

March - May & September - November · 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)

Very pleasant and green; best times to explore the town, seaside cliffs and nearby forests-fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures for hiking.

Summer

June - August · 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)

Warm, humid summers perfect for swimming, boat trips and seaside dining; busier with domestic tourists-expect lively beaches and occasional heat.

Best Time to Visit Amasra #

Climate

Amasra's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (829 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

JulyAugustJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

-18°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 7°

89%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

86 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 8°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

65 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.5h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

4° – 11°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

58 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

12°

Feels Like Cool

12°C

Temperature

8° – 16°

75%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

49 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

13.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

12° – 21°

74%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

52 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.6

UV Index

Very High

14.4h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

85 Excellent

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

16° – 25°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

50 mm

Rainfall

2.5 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.0

UV Index

Very High

15.0h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

18° – 27°

68%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

57 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

2.1

UV Index

Extreme

14.7h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly sunny skies.

87 Excellent

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

18° – 27°

68%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

61 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.8

UV Index

Very High

13.7h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

83 Excellent

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

14° – 24°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

60 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.2

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

69 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 19°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

92 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.6

UV Index

Moderate

11.0h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (90 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

61 Good

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

6° – 14°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

90 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

6°

Feels Like Cold

6°C

Temperature

3° – 10°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

109 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

How to Get to Amasra

Amasra is a small coastal town on the Turkish Black Sea best reached via Zonguldak/Çaycuma airport or by road via Bartın. The town lacks a direct rail link; buses and cars provide the most direct access from regional hubs.

By Air

Zonguldak Çaycuma Airport (ONQ): The closest airport for Amasra is Zonguldak Çaycuma, about 50-70 km along the Black Sea coast. From Çaycuma you can rent a car or take regional buses toward Bartın and Amasra; road travel is typically around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF) / Istanbul Airports (IST/SAW): Other international options are further away (Samsun or Istanbul) and involve much longer road or domestic flight plus bus/train segments to reach Amasra - expect several hours of travel from these airports.

By Train & Bus

Train: Amasra does not have a direct national rail station; the nearest main railway access is Bartın or Zonguldak where long-distance trains stop. From those stations you take a bus or taxi for the final leg to Amasra.

Bus: Intercity and regional buses serve Bartın and then run on to Amasra; buses from major cities on the Black Sea coast and Ankara/Istanbul routes connect at Bartın with onward local buses. Buses are the most common public transport option for reaching Amasra.

How to Get Around Amasra #

Amasra is a compact coastal town best explored on foot; the waterfront, castle and old bazaar are all walkable. Local minibuses and dolmuş (shared minibusses) provide connections to nearby towns, while taxis are available but fewer in number outside the high season. Driving gives flexibility for exploring the Black Sea coast; during summer expect more foot traffic and limited parking in the historic centre.

Where to Stay in Amasra #

Budget

Old harbour / Çekiciler Bazaar - ₺200-600/night

Amasra has many inexpensive pensions and family-run guesthouses by the sea and old harbour. Good value, friendly hosts, limited luxury.

Amasra budget guesthouses (booking list) - Lots of small pensions near the harbour.
Amasra guesthouses (Tripadvisor) - Simple seaside rooms and family inns.

Mid-Range

Harbour / Castle area - ₺600-1200/night

Mid-range hotels in Amasra offer sea views and terraces near the castle and harbour - good for walking and seafood restaurants.

Amasra mid-range hotels (booking list) - Small hotels with sea views and terraces.
Local Amasra hotel listings - Regional operators and boutique stays.

Luxury

Harbour / Bartın region - ₺1200+/night

Amasra is compact and charming but doesn't host large luxury resorts. For high-end amenities, consider larger Black Sea destinations in the province.

Amasra highest-end options (booking list) - Few true luxury hotels in town.
Bartın/nearby regional luxury (booking) - For upscale resorts, look to larger coastal resorts.

Where to Eat in Amasra #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Amasra's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Turkish

Fish

Nightlife in Amasra #

Amasra’s evenings are lively in the tourist season: waterfront restaurants and tea gardens stay open late and the promenade fills with people. While there are no big nightclubs, the town has a pleasant evening atmosphere with seafood dining and casual bars. Off-season the scene quiets considerably, so peak-summer evenings are the best time for buzzing nightlife.

Shopping in Amasra #

Amasra’s shopping is focused on the waterfront and the old bazaar where you can buy fresh seafood, local preserves, handcrafts and small souvenirs. Shops are geared to tourists, especially in summer. For supermarkets and larger stores you’ll need to go to the provincial capital.