Amasra: The Black Sea Town on Two Bays (2026 Guide)

✓ Last reviewed: 29 September 2026 — Verified and updated by İlyas Bayrak, licensed Turkish guide (licence 070867), with the My Turkey Adventure editorial team. Prices, opening hours, transport fares and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. Quick Answer: Amasra is a breathtakingly beautiful historic town on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, set on a fortified headland and a small island connected by a Roman bridge. It is absolutely worth visiting for its unique geography, rich Genoese and Byzantine history, charming old town, and fantastic seafood. This Amasra travel guide will show you why this gem of the Amasra Black Sea region is a must-see for any traveller exploring northern Türkiye. Fact Detail Location Amasra, Bartın Province, Western Black Sea Region, Türkiye. Historical Period Ancient (Sesamus), Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Ottoman. What It Is A picturesque fortified harbour town on a headland and island. UNESCO Status Not a UNESCO site itself, but often paired with nearby UNESCO-listed Safranbolu. Entry Free to enter the town. A small fee applies for the Amasra Museum (confirm locally). Typical Visit Length 1-2 days. Nearest Airport Zonguldak Çaycuma Airport (ZON), approx. 55 km away. Driving Time from Istanbul Approximately 5-6 hours (around 450 km). Best Months to Visit May-June and September-October for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. What Is Amasra and Where Is It Located? Amasra is a small, incredibly scenic town in Türkiye's Bartın province, perched dramatically on the western Black Sea coast. The town's unique geography is its defining feature. The old town sits on a rocky headland that juts out into the sea, which is connected by a stunning Roman-era stone bridge (the Kemere Bridge ) to a smaller island called Boztepe . This formation creates two distinct, sheltered bays: the Büyük Liman ( Big Harbour ) to the east and the Küçük Liman ( Small Harbour ) to the west. Known in antiquity as Sesamus and later as Amastris during the Roman period, A