Akcakoca (Duzce)

Akçakoca: Hidden Paradise of the Black Sea

Akçakoca, one of the most popular vacation spots in the Western Black Sea, draws attention with its natural beauties and historical texture as a district of Düzce province. This charming town, where the blue of the sea meets the green of the forests, is frequented by local and foreign tourists, especially in the summer months. While Akçakoca offers a peaceful atmosphere for those looking for a quiet vacation, it also has many treasures to discover for nature sports and history enthusiasts. In this blog post, I will discuss in detail why you should visit Akçakoca, the places to visit, why you should go and the businesses in the region. At the end of the post, I will add the distance between Amasra and Akçakoca from Google Maps.

Why Go to Akçakoca?

Akçakoca, Karadeniz’in en temiz plajlarına sahip olmasıyla ünlü. Mavi bayraklı plajları, siyah inci taneli kumsalları ve berrak deniziyle yaz tatili için ideal bir seçenek. Ancak Akçakoca’yı yalnızca bir yaz destinasyonu olarak görmek haksızlık olur. İlçenin %40’ına yakını ormanlarla kaplı ve bu ormanlar kayın, kestane, meşe, ıhlamur gibi ağaçlarla dolu. Bu da temiz hava ve doğayla iç içe bir tatil vaat ediyor. Özellikle sonbaharda, yaprakların renk cümbüşü adeta bir görsel şölen sunuyor.

Akçakoca, which has a rich historical background, is named after Akçakoca Bey, who played an important role in the foundation of the Ottoman Empire. Genoese fortresses, Ottoman architecture and an atmosphere blended with natural beauty make it worth exploring. Its proximity to big cities like Istanbul and Ankara (243 km to Istanbul and 275 km to Ankara) makes Akçakoca an attractive destination for weekend getaways. For those who want to swim in the sea and find peace in nature, this is the perfect balance point.

Places to Visit in Akcakoca

Although Akçakoca is a compact district, it is very rich in terms of places to visit. Here are the points you should definitely see:

1. Genoese Castle
   This castle, the symbol of Akçakoca, was built by the Genoese between the 11th and 15th centuries. The castle, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, is fascinating both with its history and its view. You can swim in the blue flag beach around the castle and have a picnic in the shade of the castle. Especially at sunset, this place offers a unique beauty.
2. Fakıllı Cave
   Located in Fakıllı Village, 8 km from Akçakoca, this cave has a length of 1,017 meters, but the part open to visitors is 350 meters. Filled with stalactites and stalagmites, the cave's air is believed to be good for asthma and shortness of breath. There are also picnic areas around it, so you can spend a day in touch with nature.
3. Aydinpinar Waterfalls
   Located 10 km from the center, this natural wonder consists of five waterfalls in a row. Moderately difficult hiking trails, the cool waters of the waterfalls and the surrounding greenery make it an ideal spot for trekking and photography. May, August and September are the best months to visit.
4. Çuhallı Beach
   Çuhallı, one of the most popular beaches of Akçakoca, has a blue flag award. The promenade along the beach is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. With its clean sandy beach and calm sea, it is a great place for both swimming and sunbathing. In the summer evenings, you can have pleasant moments with music in the bars on the beach.
5. Kurugol Canyon
   Located in Kurugöl Village, 14 km from the center, this canyon is indispensable for nature lovers. Suitable for activities such as trekking, photo-safari and rock climbing, the canyon offers a visual feast with its impressive views. There are options for those who like challenging trails and those with easy passages.
6. Akcakoca Central Mosque
   This mosque, which attracts attention with its modern architecture, started to be built in 1989 and was completed in 2004. Inspired by Seljuk hair tents, its design is one of the buildings worth seeing in the district. It deserves attention both in terms of worship and architecture.
7. Historic Neighborhood Houses
   These houses, one of the oldest settlements of Akçakoca, exhibit simple yet elegant examples of Ottoman architecture. This area, consisting of 160 houses in total, is under protection by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Wandering among the one-story, two-story and high-ceilinged houses is like a short journey into the past.
8. Akçakoca Bey Monument
   This monument, built to commemorate Akçakoca Bey, who made important contributions to the foundation of the Ottoman Empire, is one of the symbols of the district. It is a meaningful stop for those who want to follow the traces of a historical figure.

Enterprises in the Region

Although Akçakoca is a touristic town, it has not yet become overcrowded and commercialized. This gives the businesses a more intimate and local feel. Here are the types of businesses that stand out:

• Accommodation: Ataturk Street on the coastline is generally preferred for accommodation in Akçakoca. Akcakoca Bayraktar Hotel, Diapolis Hotel, Turkuaz Hotel 4-star facilities stand out in terms of cleanliness and comfort. For those who want to stay in nature, those that are a little further away from the city center Wolfgarden Hotel There are options such as. For camping lovers, there are areas around Ceneviz Castle and Kurugöl Canyon.
• Food and Drink: Being in the Black Sea, fish restaurants are a must. Anchovy Fish Restaurant, Akcakoca Pier Fish And Anchor RestaurantIt is famous for its fresh fish and appetizers. For breakfast, you can find a mixed breakfast at the beachside establishments, but it is worth checking whether your hotel includes breakfast. Local delicacies include pita with mancar, melengücücceği dessert And sooty fish must be tried. Hazelnuts can be bought both for eating and as a souvenir.
• Other Businesses: There are small businesses on the beaches offering sun lounger and umbrella rental services. Also, souvenir shops sell local handicrafts and nut products. There are also a few places offering equipment rental for outdoor sports.

What to Eat in Akcakoca?

Akçakoca's cuisine reflects the richness of the Black Sea. Seafood is predominant in the menus. anchovy, whiting And kidney bean fish are served with different cooking techniques. Mancar pitais one of the geographically marked flavors of the region and must be tasted. For dessert melengücücceği dessertis a light and local option. Also, Akçakoca's hazelnuts are famous; you can buy roasted hazelnuts or hazelnut paste as a gift for your loved ones. Chestnut honey is also one of the special products of the region.

Last Words

Akçakoca is a unique destination for those who want to enjoy both the sea and nature. With its historical texture, clean beaches and peaceful atmosphere, it is the perfect place for those who want to escape from big cities and take a short break. You can swim in its cool waters in summer, walk in its forests in spring and fall, and discover a different beauty in every season. If you are ever in Akçakoca, do not return without visiting the places on this list!

Distance Amasra - Akcakoca

According to Google Maps, The distance between Amasra and Akçakoca is approximately 111 kilometersis. This distance by car, depending on the traffic situation, is on average 1 hour 45 minutes continues. The road offers a pleasant route following the Black Sea coastline. Don't forget to check Google Maps for current traffic and road conditions!