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. In Black Sea cooking, I encounter local ingredients such as maize flour, kolot cheese and Anzer honey. For authentic Vakfikebir bread and special mihlama experiences, I choose small, family-run restaurants in the highlands rather than tourist establishments. On crossings to Giresun Island (Aretias), the Black Sea's only habitable island, I find that wave heights can rise suddenly. I check private-boat berthing permissions with the coastguard and harbour authority at the time of arrival. 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