Information about Amasra, Turkey
Amasra is a charming, relatively undeveloped fishing town built on a fortified peninsula that juts out into the Black Sea. Founded in the 12th century BC, the Byzantines named Amasra Sesamos Amastris after the Persian Princess Amastris. Amasra was a significant trading port during the Byzantine Empire, but slowly lost its importance to other Black Sea cities during Ottoman rule.

The town is built on a peninsula beneath the ramparts of a citadel built by the Byzantines. Inside the walls of the fortress is a Turkish bath and Byzantine church that is now the Fatih Mosque. Amasra's Archaeological Museum houses local artifacts from Hellenistic through Ottoman periods, including an interesting ethnographic collection.

Amasra boasts plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Off the peninsula are two islands- one rowing distance away, the other connected to the peninsula by a Roman vault used as a bridge, and both providing great views of Amasra and the old citadel. Between Bartin and Amasra are colorful caves that can be explored. The east side of town has nice sandy swimming beaches, the bay protecting bathers from the Black Sea waves.

Amasra is known for its wood carvings, and you can find hand crafted gifts ranging from kitchen utensils to figurines in Cekiciler Street. In addition, you can find beautifully embroidered textiles for your home, and an interesting array of toys made from seashells, hazelnut shells and even fish bones.

If you are visiting Safranbolu, Amasra is a nice village to continue onto as it's just 90 km away. You can also reach Amasra by bus from Ankara and Istanbul.