Turkey’s Black Sea coastline covers a fifth of the country, yet this verdant stretch of tea plantations, agricultural villages, and Ottoman-era towns is still far from the tourist track. A major draw of this sea-facing region is vibrant port towns such as Amasra and Giresun, from which rugged Black Sea beaches are just a jump away. Add ancient monasteries and Silk Road-era fortresses, and you have all the makings of a region well worth experiencing.
Beach lovers should aim for May to September when the days are golden-bright and the coastlines swell with bathers. Expect the biggest crowds in July and August (and also the highest temperatures). This is also a good time to visit remote landmarks such as the cliff-hanging Soumela Monastery or off-the-beaten-track villages where higher altitudes offer relief from the summer’s stifling heat. Fall and spring are excellent windows for trekking or sightseeing.
If you’re planning to spend the most time on the beach, fly into Amasra and travel onward by local bus or taxi. Direct domestic flights from Istanbul take about an hour (inter-city buses take about 10 hours). However, if you’re itching to get further inland or visit lesser-known villages in the region’s picturesque hills and valleys, fly into Kastamonu, 1.5 hours from Istanbul. You’ll want your own rental car from there.
Avid hikers and anyone interested in deeper exploration of the Black Sea region’s lush wilderness can head to Kure Mountains National Park, which boasts almost 300 miles (482 kilometers) of trekking routes. You’ll find caves, canyons, rivers, and hundreds of endemic animal species including brown bears and wolves. The best season for trekking is from May to November. While the snowfall after that is beautiful, it creates challenging road conditions.
