Overview
Amasra is the most attractive town on Turkey's Western Black Sea coast, sitting on a tombolo island fused to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Its old town is enclosed within Genoese citadel walls, with a photogenic single-arch bridge (Kemere Bridge) crossing to Boztepe island.
Architecture · Beach · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History
Before you go
Money
Turkish Lira (TL) is the currency. ATMs available in town on Cumhuriyet Cd. Cards accepted at some hotels and restaurants but cash preferred for smaller establishments.
Safety
No major safety concerns; traffic-restricted streets within the citadel. Watch your step on the Boztepe cliff trail. General Black Sea sea conditions apply—check weather before boat trips.
Transport
Bus to Bartın (16 km south) then dolmuş to Amasra; dolmuş runs every 30 min in summer, every 2 hours in winter. Istanbul to Bartın is 600 TL, 8 hours.
Weather
Peak season is June-August when beaches are crowded; shoulder seasons early June or September offer milder weather and thinner crowds. October to May many businesses close.