Bartın - Amasra Guide for the Weekend

Bartın is our suggestion for a weekend route close to Istanbul. Bartın is a peaceful city in the west of the Black Sea, which is just starting to spread its fame, hiding every shade of green and blue. The locals don't want it to become famous. They want it to stay as it is. 
Let #yapikrediadiosilegeziyos #adiosrotalari begin then 🎒🤗 

Its name comes from the Bartın River on the outskirts of the city. The ancient name of the river was Parthenios. It has changed hands by various civilizations since ancient times, and finally, the Turks named it Bartın. Bartın is a small and charming city. But this doesn't hinder you from finding what you're looking for. Although it's on the western side of the Black Sea, it strongly reflects the atmosphere of the region. With its lush plateaus, national parks, sea, and forests, it's a true Black Sea city. With its history and culture, it's a city that impresses you.

The most special and touristic town in the city is Amasra. Amasra is a magnificent bay. It is nestled at the point where the green forests it leans on meet the blue. Be sure to stay in Amasra for a night or two when you go. The Weeping Tree here is a must-see.

There are also quiet and peaceful small hotels for your stay in Bartın. (See Bartın Hotels page.) Most of them are located by the sea or in the city center. They offer everything for your comfort and peace. Bartın is especially a nice getaway for weekends. It's a city where you can find peace away from the crowds of tourists, whether with your partner or close friends. Perhaps a few photos we took for you can encourage you for a beautiful trip to Bartın. When you come to Bartın or Amasra, we recommend you to cut off your connection with the world, leave the stress of daily life and work aside, and relax.

Amasra

 The most beautiful place in western Black Sea! Known as the 'eye of the world', it's the perfect time for a quiet weekend...

Amasra is a warm port city with its green nature, blue seas, and peaceful atmosphere. It's quite an ideal destination for a weekend with its narrow paths, streets full of history, and caves. So what flavors should you taste and where should you visit in this beautiful district that even impressed Fatih Sultan Mehmet, who said, "Lala, Lala, could this be the eye of the world?" We have prepared a very nice Amasra travel guide for you.

Here are the details: 

Amasra, one of the charming districts of western Black Sea and Bartın, is the jewel of the region with its lush nature and natural beauties. That's why it's one of the most ideal routes for weekend trips. Although it's a small place, it carries the distinction of being Turkey's first tourism resort in 1942. Especially, it was the favorite summer destination for famous political figures and artists of the time. It was important for many figures from Ismet Inönü to Zeki Müren... Even Fatih Sultan Mehmet described Amasra as the 'eye of the world'. With its fish and homemade salads, and its fresh air, this lovely district, which attracts you to itself, offers a wonderful atmosphere where you can find peace as a delightful and intimate seaside town.

In addition, Amasra has a history dating back 3,000 years. With its different fish restaurants, historical sites, local art objects, and tiny guesthouses, it's a complete resting and peaceful point. It takes about four hours by private car from Ankara and about five to six hours from Istanbul. It's the right address for a weekend getaway packed with fun.

PLACES TO VISIT IN AMASRA

So, what can be fit into a two-day trip to Amasra? Here's a list of places to visit. First of all, you should enjoy your tea or coffee in the tea gardens at the Small Harbor and savor the view. This area is enjoyable and fun not only during the day but also in the evenings... Especially, it's very ideal if you want to watch the sunset. You will take fantastic photos. Your next stop should be the 'Direkli Kaya' (Columned Rock) at the Small Harbor, we think. This ancient pool, which used to be Queen Amatris's sea bath, with its marble pier and steps carved into the rock, is worth seeing.

If you're interested in history, there are many places in Amasra for that. The Amasra Archaeology Museum comes first among them. In the museum, you can see Roman, Byzantine, Genoese, Seljuk, and Ottoman artifacts. Amasra Castle is also one of the symbols of the town. Although its history dates back to the Byzantines, the castle was conquered by the Ottomans and repaired later. In this castle, consisting of two sections named Sormagir and Zindan, you can gaze at the beautiful view of the town and take plenty of photos. The Bird Rock Monument is also a famous place. This masterpiece, built by carving rocks in the centuries after the birth of Christ, was used as a resting point on the way to Amasra. It's a good idea to take a break and catch your breath on this road monument where you can see every shade of green. Additionally, there are about 120 caves between Amasra and Çakraz. Among them, you can find traces from ancient times in the most famous one, Gürcüoluk Cave.

Continuing from the other symbols of the city, the Hammerers Bazaar stands right next to Amasra Castle. It's a bazaar full of souvenirs where you can find handcrafted items, wire breaking, and woodworking objects unique to Amasra. In this colorful bazaar, you can also taste local delicacies on the go.

Of course, there's more in Amasra. There are also plenty of Natural Beauties. To spend a few hours surrounded by nature, you should head to Göldere Waterfall. Especially in the summer months, this waterfall, with its ice-cold water, offers a very refreshing atmosphere, and it will also present you with beautiful scenes in the winter for photography. One of the natural beauties that must be seen in Amasra.

WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE IN AMASRA?

What flavors should you taste in Amasra, which Fatih Sultan Mehmet called the 'eye of the world'? In Amasra, regardless of whether it's summer or winter, there are mobile vendors selling stuffed mussels and mussel fry almost everywhere in the town. Fish, Amasra Salad, Honey Yogurt, Çöven Bread, Macun Halva, and Organic Jams are other famous local flavors.

As for places, Canlı Balık Restaurant-Mustafa Amca's Place, Yakamoz Fish House, Çınar Restaurant, Sahil Fish Restaurant, and Çeşmi Cihan Restaurant are recommended for fish lovers, Türkan Hanımın and Northdoor Hotel Restaurant for those who prefer a vegetarian style, and Amasra Sofrası for classic Turkish and European cuisine. Also, if you want to try Indian food in Amasra, there is a restaurant called Gurgenpinari Kasap Erdal with a different style that might interest you. If you're short on time and busy, you can head to Han Cafe, Yalçın Buffet, or Hamam Cafe as snacks. Their toasts and sandwiches are quite delicious. As for coffee and dessert menus; we can recommend Kahve Evi, Konak Cafe, and Lütfiye.

Transportation in Amasra 

There are regular bus services from almost every city in our country to Bartın center, and you can easily reach there. There is also a port in Bartın since it's located on the Black Sea coast. You can also reach Bartın from here. Amasra and Kuruçeşme ports are also national ports. There is also Saltukova Zonguldak Airport, which is about 40 km away from Bartın. It is approximately 440 km from Istanbul, 450 km from Bursa, 290 km from Ankara, and about 790 km from Izmir. It's approximately 850 km from Trabzon.

What to Buy from Amasra?

 Bartın and Amasra are known as stone slab and wire breaking centers. From here, you can also buy special silver handicrafts for your loved ones, patterned fabrics, and souvenirs that remind you of the region. Almost every kind of jam is made organically. You can also buy these food products.