begüm Amasra, the charming coastal town of Bartın, is also referred to as the Çeşm-i Cihan (Eye of the World) by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. In Bartın’s Amasra, you can enjoy a short trip and swim in the sea during the summer months. Of course, you should keep in mind that this is the Black Sea, so the water can be quite cool. Don’t leave without trying the fresh fish – this place is one of the most popular destinations for Bartın and neighbouring provinces! And let’s not forget, during the busiest times Amasra can become overcrowded, and finding a parking space might be difficult. For this reason, I recommend visiting on weekdays or during quieter periods.
Where is Amasra?
Get ready for our travel guide to discover Bartın’s attractions, Amasra’s must-see spots, what to eat in Amasra, the famous Kemere Bridge, and the well-known Amasra Salad!
Where is Bartın’s Amasra?
How to Get to Amasra?
Where is Amasra? It’s a historic district in the province of Bartın, located in the Black Sea region. As for how to get to Amasra, its location is easily accessible by road from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Bursa, and Antalya – which is a big plus. Travelling by road from Istanbul to Amasra takes about 5 hours. You can reach Amasra by private car, bus, or minibus.
For air travel, the nearest airport is Zonguldak Airport. From there, you can reach Amasra in about an hour by road. There are direct flights to Zonguldak Airport from major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, and Antalya. Another option could be to rent a car in Amasra – click here for affordable car rental!
Accommodation in Amasra
Where to Stay in Amasra?
Amasra, with its historical heritage and sea views, offers a charming holiday destination. The city offers a wide range of accommodation options, from hotels near the sea to quieter village houses. For a comfortable and authentic experience, Amasra offers wonderful places to stay. For more information, CLICK HERE.
Amasra Travel Planning
Amasra Guided Tour
The Amasra Guided Tour is a great opportunity to discover historical and natural beauty. Guided tours include important sites such as Amasra Castle, Çekiciler Bazaar, and Ağlayan Ağaç (Weeping Tree). It’s a delightful route where you can stroll through historic streets and sample delicious seafood. Click here for the Amasra Guided Tour TIKLAYIN.
List of Places to Visit in Bartin
- 1Amasra Castle
- 2Çekiciler Çarşısı
- 3Amasra Covered Market Area
- 4Amasra Kemere Bridge
- 5Amasra Museum
- 6Madirekli Kaya
- 7Ağlayan Ağaç
- 8 Amasra Aşıklar Hill
- 9Güzelcehisar Lava Columns
- 10Bird Rock Road Monument
- 11Küre National Park
Bartin Places to Visit Map
Click to download the Amasra Places to Visit Map!
Places to Visit in Bartın – Amasra
Amasra Castle
You can reach Amasra Castle just after passing through Çekiciler Bazaar in the town centre. This is one of the must-see places in Amasra. Built during the Byzantine period, the castle underwent modifications during the Genoese era and was restored in the Ottoman period. From Amasra Castle, you can enjoy breathtaking views. Added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in 2013, the castle consists of two sections: “Sormagir Castle” in Boztepe and “Zindan Castle” in Amasra.
Çekiciler Çarşısı
Amasra Çekiciler Bazaar
Located in the centre of Amasra, Bartın, the Amasra Çekiciler Bazaar has been operating for centuries. Here, you can find locally made handcrafted wooden items. Its history dates back to the times when wood carving was widely practised during the Ottoman period. It is one of the main stops for tourists visiting the area.
Amasra Covered Market Area
The Amasra Covered Market Area is set up in the town centre on Tuesdays and Fridays. It consists entirely of organic products produced in the villages. It is also known as Galla Bazaar. In the local Bartın dialect, “galla” means “woman”, and it is usually the women from the villages who sell their goods here.
Kemere Bridge
The Amasra Kemere Bridge has become a symbol of Amasra in Bartın. Built during the Roman period, the bridge offers stunning views on both sides that are truly captivating. By crossing the bridge, you can reach the “Weeping Tree” and “Lovers’ Hill.”
Amasra Museum
Founded in 1982, Amasra Museum displays archaeological artefacts and ethnographic items. The building housing the museum was originally intended to be the Naval School, construction of which began in 1884 but was left unfinished. After undergoing restoration, it has been in service as a museum since 1982.
In two of its sections, the museum exhibits artefacts from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Genoese periods, while the remaining two sections display ethnographic remains from the Ottoman era. It is one of the must-see places in Amasra.
Amasra Direkli Kaya
Amasra Direkli Kaya is located in the small harbour area. It can be described as a natural pool connected to the sea. You can enter the water via steps carved into the rock. Standing 7 metres high, Direkli Kaya was built by the Genoese for lighting and observation purposes.
Weeping Tree
The Weeping Tree is located just a short walk after crossing the Kemere Bridge. It gets its name from the way it absorbs moisture from the sea and air, then releases it as raindrops during the spring and autumn months. The tree is actually a type of cypress. While here, you can relax in one of the nearby cafés, enjoy a cup of tea, and take in the beautiful view of Rabbit Island.
Amasra Lovers’ Hill
Amasra Lovers’ Hill has become one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Amasra, Bartın. After exploring Amasra and taking a break at the Weeping Tree for a cup of tea, it’s just a short walk to this popular spot. The view is stunning, but it really is just a hill – there are no facilities or businesses here. It is one of the must-see places in Amasra.
Places to Swim in Amasra
Amasra is one of the suitable spots for swimming in Bartın. For details, check out our article on the best places to swim in Amasra!
What to Eat in Amasra? Where to Eat in Amasra?
As Amasra is located by the sea, it is considered a fishing town – so it’s not hard to guess its most popular dish 🙂 In Amasra’s cuisine, you can also find local flavours with influences from the Black Sea region. So, what should you eat in Amasra?
Must-try flavours in Bartın’s Amasra include:
- Fish – Amasra is famous for its fresh fish! I recommend eating at Canlı Balık Mustafa Amca’nın Yeri. Operating since 1945, it is one of the most established fish restaurants in Amasra. If you ask someone who knows Amasra, they will probably suggest this place straight away 🙂 I’ve also heard they make an excellent Amasra Salad.
- Amasra Pide – A local delicacy made with thin dough and filled with ingredients such as cheese, minced meat, spinach, or mushrooms. You can try it at Karadeniz Pide Salonu Aydın Bayraktar.
- Amasra Mantı – This local dumpling is filled with cheese and served with garlic yoghurt and tomato paste. I highly recommend Türkan Hanım’ın Yeri, which is also a great choice for breakfast.
- Amasra Pickles – One of the well-known pickles of the Black Sea region.
- Amasra Salad – A signature dish of Amasra, prepared with fresh, colourful seasonal vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, lettuce, carrots, peppers, and radishes. The dressing typically includes olive oil, pomegranate molasses, and lemon juice. It is usually served alongside fish dishes in the region. You should definitely try the Amasra Salad – I recommend tasting it at Canlı Balık Mustafa Amca’nın Yeri.
Bartın Amasra Frequently Asked Questions
What is the famous dessert of Amasra?
Amasra’s famous desserts are known as “Walnut Baklava” and “Pişmaniye.” Walnut baklava, in particular, is a local dessert made with plenty of walnuts inside thinly rolled dough and is a favorite in Amasra.
What are the famous souvenirs of Amasra?
Handmade wood carvings: Beautiful and detailed wooden ornaments, small paintings, jewelry, and kitchenware made by local craftsmen, especially those you can find in Çekiciler Bazaar.
How many minutes between Bartın and Amasra?
The distance between Bartın city center and Amasra is approximately 30 kilometers and it takes approximately 35-40 minutes by car under normal traffic conditions.
Can you swim in Amasra?
Yes, you can swim in Amasra!
As a small and beautiful coastal town on the Black Sea coast, Amasra offers plenty of places to swim. While the Black Sea waters, which cool off in the summer months, can be a bit chilly, you can still enjoy the sea, especially on hot days.
In which months should we go to Amasra?
The best time to go to Amasra is generally between May and September.
Places to Visit Near Amasra
Güzelcehisar Lava Columns
The Güzelcehisar Lava Columns, 80-million-year-old lava rocks found just 36 kilometers (43 minutes) from the center of Amasra, are a site of only five examples in the world. Don’t leave without seeing this magnificent natural wonder.
Bird Rock Road Monument
The Amasra Kuşkayası Road Monument is located 5 km from the centre of Amasra, on the Amasra–Bartın highway. It was built by Gaius Julius Aguilla between AD 41–54 in honour of the Roman Emperor Tiberius Germanicus Claudius. It is one of the popular stops either on the way back or en route.
Küre Mountains National Park
Küre Mountains National Park
Küre Mountains National Park is located within the borders of Bartın and Kastamonu provinces. It is one of the places you must visit before you die.
We have now reached the end of this article. See you in the next posts!
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