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Akçakoca

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City
—°9
Akçakoca (Turkey)
ℹ️

Practical info — Akçakoca

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Try the local hazelnuts that the region is famous for.
  • Parking can be tight near the beaches in summer, so arrive early.
  • The Genoese Castle gives the best views of the sea, especially at sunset.
  • Visit the central mosque, which features unique modern architecture resembling nomad tents.

🍽 Food

🍽
Melengücceği Tatlısı

Try this local dessert made with hazelnuts and syrup at a bakery in the center.

🍽
Fresh Black Sea Fish

Enjoy the seasonal catch at the seafood restaurants right next to the harbor.

🍽
Roasted Hazelnuts

Taste freshly roasted hazelnuts from the local street vendors.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local Hazelnuts

Buy freshly harvested Akçakoca hazelnuts at the local markets or from stalls in the center.

🛍
Tuesday Market

Visit the weekly market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and regional goods.

🧘
Genoese Castle Ruins

Enjoy a peaceful walk around the ruins set among the trees with beautiful sea views.

🧘
Fakıllı Cave

Explore this quiet, naturally cool cave located just a short drive from the center.

🧘
Çuhallı Beach Promenade

Take a calm morning stroll along the water before the beachgoers arrive.

Akçakoca is the gateway of the western Black Sea region to the sea and a popular destination for weekend travelers from Istanbul and Ankara. The town impresses with its clean, Blue Flag beaches and the striking Genoese castle that stands proudly on a cliff overlooking the sea. The castle is part of the UNESCO World Heritage tentative list and provides dramatic views of the sunset over the Black Sea. The nature in Akçakoca is characterized by dense forests and rolling hills, almost exclusively dedicated to hazelnut cultivation. Hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls like the Aktaş Waterfall, which features a refreshing experience, especially in spring. The fresh sea air and the lush greenery of the surroundings make the place an oasis of peace away from the large tourist crowds. The local cuisine focuses on fresh fish and, of course, hazelnuts, which can be found in almost every dish or dessert. Fish restaurants at the harbor offer seasonal specialties like anchovies (Hamsi) or turbot. A visit to the local market is a must to discover handmade products and fresh regional produce. The best time to visit is between June and September when the Black Sea is warm enough for swimming. Akçakoca is easily accessible by car or bus. The town maintains its characterful small-town character while offering all the amenities for a relaxing beach holiday with a cultural touch.

Geography

Population
35,151 (2025)
Coordinates
41.08897, 31.12497

Facts

  • Historic Genoese Castle
  • UNESCO World Heritage tentative site
  • First tourist resort on the Black Sea
  • Center of Turkish hazelnut production
  • Blue Flag certified beaches
  • Distinctive modern central mosque
  • Nearby Aktaş Waterfall
  • Popular weekend getaway destination

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Akçakoca (8)

Akçakoca Merkez Camii

Central mosque of Akçakoca, a place for Muslim prayer.

Akçakoca Liman

Viewpoint at Akçakoca harbor, overlooking the Black Sea.

Atatürk Anıtı

Monument honoring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk in Akçakoca.

Antik Tiyatro

Ancient theatre, ruins of a historical stage in Akçakoca.

Halk Plajı

Public beach in Akçakoca, open for swimming.

Çuhallı Plajı

Beach in Akçakoca, located on the Turkish Black Sea coast.

Ceneviz Kalesi🏰 castle

Genoese castle in Akçakoca, a historical fortress.

Kale Plajı

Beach near the castle in Akçakoca, popular for bathing.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Akçakoca located?
On the western Black Sea coast, about 3 hours from Istanbul.
What is the Genoese Castle?
A historic fortress by the sea, part of the UNESCO World Heritage list.
What is the main product of the region?
Hazelnuts are the most important agricultural product of the area.
Are there sandy beaches there?
Yes, Akçakoca is known for its clean Black Sea sandy beaches.
What is special about the Central Mosque?
Its modern architecture is inspired by traditional tents.
Akçakoca: where is it located?
Akçakoca is located in Turkey.
Akçakoca: what is there to see?
Highlights include Akçakoca Merkez Camii, Akçakoca Liman, Atatürk Anıtı.
Akçakoca: why is it worth visiting?
Akçakoca is the gateway of the western Black Sea region to the sea and a popular destination for weekend travelers from Istanbul and Ankara.
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