| Amasra
(17km from Bartin), one of the most beautiful towns on the Black Sea coast,
was called Sesamos in ancient times, when it was founded by the Miletians
in the sixth century B.C. It stands on a peninsula made by two inlets.
The eastern side enjoys a reputation for good swimming. On a rocky promontory
rise the ramparts of a Byzantine citadel, inside of which is an old church,
now the Fatih Mosque. The necropolis dates from the Roman period. Remnants
from Amasra's entire history are displayed in the Archaeology Museum. You
can purchase a lovely handcarved wooden souvenir on Cekiciler street. Continuing
eastward along the coast, you arrive at Cakraz (15km east Amasra)
a typical fishing village with excellent beaches, friendly accommodation
and fine restaurants. The winding road between Cakraz and Inebolu has steep
mountainsides and offers a spectacular panoramic view. |
Amasra
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Beyond
Cakraz is Kurucasile, a town known for its fishing boat manufacturing.
Cide.
28 km farther, has good hotels and a pleasent beach, providing comfort
and relaxation.
Gideros Bay will make you think a dream has come
true.
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Inebolu
(100km east of Cide) is a typical Black Sea town set in lush greenery displaying
many fine examples of traditional Turkish architecture. East of Inebolu
is Abana, another good holiday center. |
Situated
inland amid beautiful forests. the provincial center is Kastamonu
(90 km south fof Inebolu) also bdasts several important monuments: the
12th century Byzantine castle, the 13 century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni
Neccar Mosque of 1356. The archaeology and Ethnography Museum displays
artifacts found in the region and the Liva Pasa Mansion Museum also has
local ethnographical artifacts. Near the town is Evkaya, a rock
tomb dating from the sixth century B.C. In the village of Kasaba,
the 14th century Mahmut Bey Mosque retains some of the finest wood carvings
foun anywhere in Turkey. About 41km west of Kastamonu via Daday,
Comlekciler
village has traditional timber houses and farms offering country horseback
riding tours.
Ilgaz
National Park (Ski center)
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Kastamonu
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Then,
63 km south of Kastamonu is Ilgaz National Park, a delightful protected
area in the Ilgaz Mountains, in which also is ski center and good accommodation.
East of the park by the Devrez and Kizilirmak rivers, is
Tosya
where extensive rice fields cover the landscape.
Ilgarini
cave, in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu), is one of the
largest caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful place for trekking and exploration
off the beaten path. |
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