Akçakoca, crowded in summer, quietens down in winter: fishing boats in the harbour, waves on the shore and anchovies on the table. This route has the harbour, the historic quarter, the cave and the castle instead of the sea. Winter days are short and the sun sets between 4:30 and 5:30 pm; head to the Genoese Castle early in the afternoon to watch the waves and the sunset.
Open the whole route in Google Maps
Stops
- 1
Akçakoca Harbour and Lighthouse
Akçakoca's sunset spot, with fishing boats, a marina and a lighthouse on the breakwater.
~1.2 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 2
Historic houses of Yukarı Mahalle
A protected historic quarter in Akçakoca's oldest neighbourhood, lined with 150–200-year-old houses with bay windows.
~350 m to the next stop as the crow flies
- 3
Historic Orhangazi Primary School
One of the first school buildings of the Turkish Republic, opened in 1929, where the writer Rıfat Ilgaz taught.
~6.1 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 4
Fakıllı Cave
350 m of the 1,017 m cave is lit; stalactites, stalagmites and dripstone "white rooms".
~7.9 km to the next stop as the crow flies
- 5
Genoese Castle
A historic castle on a cliff jutting into the sea between two coves, the symbol of Akçakoca.
- 6
Black Sea fish
Bonito in autumn, anchovies in winter: in Akçakoca the fish changes with the season.
Tips for the route
- Winter is anchovy season; try anchovies pan-fried or in anchovy pastry. You can find which fish is caught in which month on the site's Fish in Akçakoca page.
- In stormy weather, don't go out on the breakwater or to the edge of the castle cliff; watch the waves from a safe distance.
- When it snows, village and forest roads can freeze or close; postpone waterfall and canyon trips and stay in the centre.
- Ask the Tourist Information Office (+90 380 611 40 60) whether the cave is open in the winter months before you go.
- If you come in autumn (October–November), you can find fresh Kaplan Dede chestnuts and newly harvested hazelnuts.