Amasra (not to be confused with the Central Anatolian mountain town of Amasya) is a seaside resort on the Black Sea coast of Turkey with a population of 14,984 (2016), though this explodes in the summer to around 25,000. Most summer visitors are from Istanbul or Ankara.
Amasra is 310 km (193 miles) north of Ankara, 467 km (290 miles) east of Istanbul; 203 km (122 miles) west of Kastamonu; 97 km (56 miles) north of Safranbolu; 387 km (240 miles) west of Sinop and 111 km (69 miles) east of Zonguldak.
At Amasra an isthmus leads to the upstanding promontory rock of Zindan Kalesi (Dungeon Castle) on which part of the Byzantine fortification stands, overlooking both Büyük Liman (Big Harbour) to the east and protecting the prettier Küçük Liman (Little Harbour) to the west. Küçük Liman is further protected by the closely adjacent island of Boztepe which encloses the northern side of the harbour and is connected by the Roman era Kemere Köprüsü (Arch Bridge) to Zindan Kalesi.
The best time to visit may be in September, after the crowds have left. Try and avoid Turkish long weekends.
The town has no permanent tourist information office, though over the summer there is a small information kiosk at Büyük Liman, which has irregular hours.
- Amasra Museum was once selected as the best small museum in Turkey.
Amasra Museum was once selected as the best small museum in Turkey.
Woodwork
Fish and salad
Traditional cold drink in Turkey is "ayran" which diluted yoghurt with some salt. However beer and wine are also available.