Amasra journeys: Best Things to Do on the Black Sea
Located 450 km from Istanbul in Bartın Province, this town of 7,000 people holds Amasra Castle, Kemere Bridge, a lighthouse built by the French in 1863, and a museum restored in 2017, all reachable on foot within 20 minutes of each other.
The 6 stops in this guide cover what makes these Amasra journeys stay with you long after you’ve driven home.
Table of contents
Kemere Bridge (Kemere Köprüsü)
The Kemeri Bridge is a significant historical landmark in the Amasra journeys, renowned for its long history and unique architectural design. Built during the Roman period, the bridge connects Boztepe Island with the mainland. Its beautiful stone design attracts attention and offers stunning views of Amasra and the surrounding areas. The bridge is surrounded by tea gardens and cafés where visitors can relax and enjoy the natural scenery.
Weeping Tree (Ağlayan Ağaç)
The Weeping Tree is a centuries-old cypress tree that attracts many people due to its unique feature that makes it appear as if it is crying. The tree got its name from the phenomenon of collecting moisture from the sea and air, then releasing it as raindrops in the spring and autumn. During these seasons, the trunk and branches of the tree are covered with droplets of water, giving it an attractive and fascinating appearance. Around the tree, there is a garden and stalls selling souvenirs and other products.
Amasra Lighthouse (Amasra Deniz Feneri)
The Amasra Lighthouse features an aerial lantern lens, which is operated in the traditional old-fashioned way in case of a power outage. The lighthouse sends a light signal to sailors every 10 seconds, visible from a distance of up to 20 nautical miles. It offers stunning views of Rabbit Island and the Black Sea, making it one of the best spots to watch the sunset. Visitors can also see pods of dolphins passing in front of the lighthouse.
Tavşan Adası — Rabbit Island in
Directly opposite Kemere Bridge sits a small, uninhabited island that most people photograph without knowing its backstory. Tavşan Adası — Rabbit Island — is a protected nature reserve with the remains of a Byzantine-era church and stairs carved into the rock, believed to have been used by the Orthodox Patriarch Kyros when he lived here. Rabbits were introduced to the island in the 1960s and adapted quickly; they are still there today, though their numbers have dropped in recent years. Landing on the island is not permitted, but boat tours circle it closely enough to see the ruins and the shoreline clearly. From Boztepe Hill, you can spot the entire island with binoculars — free of charge, and with one of the cleanest panoramic views in Amasra stretched out behind you.
Amasra Museum (Amasra Müzesi)
The building that houses the Amasra Museum was originally constructed as a Maritime Vocational High School in 1884, which already tells you something about how this town has always seen itself in relation to the sea. It became a museum in 1976, and after a full renovation in 2017 that added a sunken ship hall and video visualizations, it quietly earned the reputation of Turkey’s best small museum among Black Sea destinations. The collection spans five civilizations — Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, and Ottoman, with sculptures, coins, and architectural fragments that were excavated locally, both on land and underwater. Foreign visitors pay approximately 4 euros (in Turkish lira on the day of visit), and the museum stays open until 8 pm in summer. It takes around an hour to walk through, though most people end up staying longer than planned.
Amasra Fortress (Amasra Kalesi)
The Amasra Castle, also known as Sormagir Castle, is the most famous landmark in the area. It offers postcard-like views across the Black Sea. The castle features walls ranging from 65 to 200 meters and has eight different bastions.
After exploring the most famous Amasra journeys, let’s discover all the tourist attractions in Turkey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amasra worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the few Black Sea towns with a walkable Byzantine fortress, a 9th-century stone bridge, a French-built lighthouse from 1863, and a museum covering five civilizations all within 20 minutes on foot.
When is the best time to visit Amasra?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best weather. Swimming season starts after June 15.
How far is Amasra from Istanbul?
Amasra is 450 km from Istanbul — roughly a 4 to 4.5-hour drive.
Is Amasra good for families?
Yes. The old town is compact and walkable, the fortress is open and easy to explore, and the harbor area has cafes and fish restaurants that work well for all ages.
