Budget Travel to Amasra 2024
Welcome to Amasra!
Are you looking for a small and laid-back seaside destination that is affordable and without all the extreme heat and crowds of the Aegean? Then Amasra may be the perfect choice.
This hidden jewel on the Black Sea Coast offers travellers a unique and affordable holiday experience for travellers who want to explore the culture and beauty of Black Sea region of Turkey.
If you’re the type of person who is interested in exploring historical sites, taking it easy on a quiet beach, or just enjoys eating lots of delicious fresh sea food, Then, Amasra will be an ideal place for you to relax.
In this travel guide, we will tell you everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to this small resort town. We will inform you about its history, the best time of year to visit, the top things to do, and even suggest some local Black Sea cuisine. You’ll also find tips on affordable accommodation options and how to get to there inexpensively.
Key Takeaways
- Amasra is a small and laid-back seaside destination on the Black Sea Coast, offering unique and typically Turkish holiday experience at an affordable price.
- The town has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and is located in the province of Bartın, about 300 km north of Ankara and 450 km west of Istanbul.
- Visitors can explore historical sites like the Amasra Museum, Castle Walls, and Kemere Bridge, take a leisurely walk along the seafront, go on a boat trip around Rabbit Island, and enjoy the beaches.
- You can take a day trip to nearby Safranbolu, a historic town with well-preserved Ottoman architecture.
- Budget-friendly accommodation options include guesthouses like apartment rentals, and homestays available through platforms like Airbnb.
- The Black Sea region’s cuisine is famous, especially seafood dishes like hamsi and mezgit. These dishes are as a must-try dining experience for visitors.
- Bus travel is recommended as a cost-effective way of transportation to and from Amasra, with routes connecting major cities like Istanbul and Ankara.
- The best times to visit Amasra is July and August. However, during the months of May, June, September, and October is the best time for budget-conscious travellers to visit as the weather is mild, and the town is less crowded and more affordable.
Where is Amasra?
Amasra is located in the province of Bartın, on the stunning Black Sea Coast. It is about 300 km north of Ankara and 450 km west of Istanbul.
About Amasra
Amasra has a rich history and has preserved its historical architecture, including many Ottoman houses and Byzantine ruins. The blend of old-world charm and natural beauty makes Amasra a really fascinating destination.
What makes Amasra different is its laid back and peaceful atmosphere. It is far from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist destinations, such as Antalya or Bodrum. Perhaps it is better for older travellers or people with kids who are looking for something different.
Here, visitors can experience authentic Turkish culture, and try the delicious Black Sea cuisine, and explore the hidden corners of this small and cosy coastal paradise.
Interactive Map
A Brief History of Amasra
Situated on the Black Sea coast of Turkey, this small seaside town has been shaped by many historical events and influences.
The roots of Amasra go back to ancient times, with evidence of settlement dating as far back as the 6th century BC. Over the centuries, the town has been under the rule of several different empires, including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
During the Byzantine period, Amasra played a significant role as a strategic port city due to its location on the Black Sea. It was an important trading hub and a gateway to the rest of the Byzantine Empire.
In the 15th century, Amasra came under Ottoman rule and many of the town’s iconic landmarks, such as the Castle Walls, and Kemere Bridge, are examples of Ottoman architecture.
Things to Do in Amasra
Amasra is a small town with not many attractions. The main places of interest are the Amasra Museum, Byzantine Castle Walls, and Kemere Bridge. In fact, what is charming about the town is its atmosphere and overall beauty, rather than any particular place.
You should start your day by visiting the Amasra Museum, which houses a collection of artefacts that give you an idea the town’s history and culture. This small but popular museum is located on Çamlik Street. It is inexpensive and is worth a quick visit.
From there, you can make your way to the Amasra Castle Walls, and Gateway to the old town. From this point you can admire the impressive fortifications and enjoy the panoramic views of the town and the Black Sea.
Don’t forget to cross the Kemere Bridge, this is a picturesque stone bridge that crosses the crystal-clear waters below that separate the island from the mainland. The narrow bridge was originally built by the Romans and still provides access between the main town and the picturesque Boztepe Island.
When you go over to the island you can take a walk around, there a couple a nice little tea shops with great views of the sea along the way to the viewing point on the far side of the island.
You can walk to the other side of the island in less then ten minutes. There are some benches where you can sit and relax as you admire the views of the sea and mountains.
After returning to the town you can go walking along the Seafront and around the new part of Town. One of the best ways to take in the beauty of Amasra is by taking a leisurely stroll along the seafront. As you walk along the promenade, you will see many charming shops, cafes and affordable restaurants.
You can sit down on one of the benches next to Liman beach and admire the views of the sea and the surrounding mountain cliffs.
The weather in the Black Sea region of Turkey can be changeable. Even in the summer it can be cool and cloudy in the morning and then hot and sunny in the afternoon, so take a light sweater with you even in the summer and a light raincoat in the cooler months of the year, as it often rains. .
Beaches
Amasra offer visitors several sandy beaches that let you appreciate the wild beauty of the Black Sea coast. These beaches are not like the ones on the Aegean, but more like the ones in Northern Europe. The weather can change quickly, and the sea is generally cold, even in the summer.
Some beaches have sunbeds and beach umbrellas for rent at inexpensive rates, but you should still make sure to bring some sun protection with you. It´s not easy to find it on sale in the town and sun protection can be quite expensive in Turkey. Always take it with you from your home country.
Küçük Liman Plaj (Small harbour beach) as its name suggests is a small beach that is located not near the harbour and not far from the museum. it is generally a less popular beach. The main town beach is called Büyük Lıman Plaj, (Bıg Harbour Beach). This Amasra Beach is sandy and has plenty of amenities for bathers.
It is not too deep, so it is also suitable for families with kids. There is a wooden walkway down to the water, so I believe that it would also be possible for physically challenged people to get easy access to the sea.
There are stunning views of the sea and mountains from the beach.
Boat Trips
For a unique experience, you can hop on a boat and take a trip around Rabbit Island which is located just off the coast of Amasra. The boat only goes when there are enough passengers.
On the boat trip you will see the rugged cliffs, deep blue waters, as well as the surrounding beaches. Taking photos of Amasra from the sea, also gives you the opportunity to see it from another perspective.
The boat trip is very affordable at less than 5 euros, but you´ll need to wait until there are enough passenger before it goes. This is quick and easy during the summer months, as it is a popular attraction. The trip lasts for about 20 minutes and in my opinion it is worth every cent.
Excursions from Amasra
Safranbolu
While Amasra is a charming fishing town and lovely seaside resort, Safranbolu offers many more opportunities to discover the region’s fascinating past.
Safranbolu is a historic town that is famous for its well-preserved traditional Ottoman architecture. Exploring Safranbolu is like stepping back in time, with its narrow cobblestone streets, ancient houses, and enchanting atmosphere.
Visitors can enjoy walking through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, admiring the Ottoman wooden mansions and discovering a town where history comes alive. You can get there for just a few euros by bus, but you should consider it as a full day trip. (Check out the Safranbolu guide).
Accommodation in Amasra
When it comes to finding a nice place to stay in Amasra, you’ll be happy to know that there are a variety of options available to suit different budgets and preferences.
There are no hostels in the town, nor are there large hotels. It is more a place with small, friendly guesthouses and apartment rentals. However, as it it only a small town, hotel prices can often be higher in the summer months. as Amasra is a popular holiday resort for people who live in Ankara.
Room & Apartment Rental
If you prefer a bit more space and convenience during your stay in Amasra, you should consider renting an apartment. There are various apartment vacation rental options available, ranging from cosy studios to spacious multi-bedroom units.
- Keskinel Apartments, located about 200m from the beach is a simple but well priced apartment complex.
You can also check Airbnb.com and booking to see if there are any apartments available, comparing prices, locations and recommendations from former guests.
Budget Hotels & Guesthouses
For budget-conscious travellers, there are several affordable hotels in Amasra that offer comfortable accommodations without compromising on quality.
- Utku Konagi is a small guest house that is reasonably priced, well located and highly recommended.
- Yildiz Pansiyon is a centrally located guest house than is relatively inexpensive, with wi-fi and breakfast.
What to Eat in Trabzon
In Amasra, you have the opportunity to discover the unique and delicious flavours of Black Sea cuisine.
The region’s cuisine is known for its fresh delicious seafood, and two standout dishes are hamsi (anchovy) and mezgit (whiting).
Hamsi & Mezgit and Other Dishes
The Black Sea is abundant in hamsi and mezgit, and local chefs have perfected the art of preparing these fish in various mouthwatering ways.
You can enjoy hamsi and mezgit grilled, fried, or even in stews and pilafs (with rice). These delicate fish are a must-try for seafood lovers. Don´t forget to try the fresh mussels, they are widely available and inexpensive.
If you don´t like fish, there is a great range of typical Black Sea style Pides, as well as meat dishes. A pide is a Turkish style Pizza and is delicious, cheap and filling, they are often served with salad in summer.
Black Sea Dishes
Where to Eat
If you’re wondering where to eat Black Sea cuisine in Amasra, there are several popular restaurants to choose from on the road that continues up from the seafront.
One top recommendation is Restaurant Çinler Restaurant, which offers a wide selection of traditional Black Sea dishes, including hamsi and mezgit prepared in different styles.
Another great option is Amasra Vapur Fish Restaurant, which is located in a old ship that is floating in the harbour. It is a unique experience and there are great views from the deck.
Both restaurants are reasonably priced and are popular choices in the town.
Getting to Amasra
If you´re planning a trip to Amasra, it’s essential to consider your transportation options. Of course car rental is the most convenient for getting around the country at your own pace. However, it is also the most expensive option and can be stressful at times.
The most cost-effective mode of travel is by bus. Bus travel to Amasra offers a comfortable and cheap way to travel that allows you to enjoy the beauty of the Turkish countryside along the way.
There is a small airport in the regional town of Zonguldak, which isn´t too far away along the coast, but flights are limited and expensive. check out the guide to intercity bus travel in Turkey for more information.
Bus Routes and Schedules
You can easily find buses departing from cities such as Istanbul and Ankara.
- Ankara to Amasra – Approximately 5 hours
- Istanbul to Amasra – About 8 hours
- Bolu to Amasra – 3h.30m
It’s recommended to check the schedules and book your bus tickets in advance to be sure you get the departure time and seat that you like.
Using an app such a busbud is very helpful, but you should remember that some tickets on local routes, like Amasra to Safronbolu can´t be bought online and will not appear on the app. In these cases you need to go to the bus station in person and buy the ticket.
Getting around Amasra
Amasra is such a small town that you can get around easily on foot. There are buses and dolmus minibuses, if you want to go outside the town. However, everything you need is really within a kilometre of the town centre.
Getting to Safranbolu
This trip in theory should not take more than an hour and a half, but in reality, can take up to 3 hours. This is due to poor bus connections in Bartin and delays waiting for the minibus to fill up with passengers.
You will need to leave early, no later than 9 am, so that you can enjoy a complete day trip. You should take a minibus from the car park near the beach on the west side of the town.
They leave more or less every hour, but you need to wait until it fills up before it goes. You need to get a ticket to the town of Bartin from the small ticket office in the car park. It is cheap, less than fifty cents.
When you get to Bartin, you need to change bus, and wait for another minibus that will take you to Safranbolu.
The minibus should leave about every hour or so, and again, needs to fill up at least half before going.
It takes about 45-55 minutes to get to Safranbolu from Bartin, as it stops of in a small village on the way and the driver stops to have a glass of tea and a chat. The Road between Amasra and Safranbolu is beautiful, with lots of tree and mountains.
The minibus will take you to the Safranbolu new town minibus terminal in the town centre. That is where you need to go to take the bus on the return journey.
You should start your trip back to Amasra no later than 4 pm, if not you may not get a connecting bus back to Amasra. When you arrive at the Safranbolu new town minibus terminal in the centre of the new town, you should get a taxi, that will cost you 2 or 3 euros to go to the old town which is located a few kilometres away. You could walk, but you will waste valuable time.
There are buses, you can try to use a credit card to pay for the bus ticket as they don´t accept cash.
When to Visit Amasra
The weather in Amasra is generally pleasant throughout the year. However, it can be hot and humid in the summer and cold and wet in the winter.
The best months to visit are May, June, September, and October. During these months, you can enjoy mild temperatures and clear skies, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the town’s attractions.
If you are going to the town for a beach vacation, then July and August are the best months, but they are also the busiest and most expensive. Spring and autumn are considerably cheaper than the summertime, but you might need to take an umbrella.
Is Amasra Worth Visiting?
Amasra is a budget-friendly destination for travellers who are seeking an peaceful holiday experience on the Black Sea Coast. It offers a unique combination of history, natural beauty, but doesn´t have many main attractions, apart from its beauty. natural beauty
You could stay in Amasra just for one day and see everything, but it would be a pity to go all that way and not spend more time there. It is quite an isolated town that is worth at least a few days in the summer.
I suggest that you combine the visit to Amasra, with a visit to Safranbolu, that way you can get the best of both worlds and enjoy the natural beauty of the Black Sea with the historical treasure of Safranbolu.
