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A shot of a coastal town at sunset with a park, houses, streets, and a harbor with ships. The sky is covered with orange and blue clouds.
A shot of a coastal town at sunset with a park, houses, streets, and a harbor with ships. The sky is covered with orange and blue clouds.

Samsun

Published: 19 August 2025, 13:20

Jewel on the Black Sea Coast

Those traveling to Turkey for a beach vacation can choose between the Mediterranean coast and the lesser-known Black Sea region. In contrast to the tourist resorts in the south, the Black Sea in the north impresses with its wild nature, green mountains, and authentic Turkish culture. Right in the middle lies Samsun, a modern city with a mountainous hinterland and extensive sandy beaches. Atakum Beach, with its cafés, long promenade, and sweeping views of the sea, is particularly inviting on warm summer days. Samsun plays a central role in Turkish history: on May 19, 1919, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived in the city – a symbolic moment that led to the founding of the modern Republic of Turkey and is commemorated to this day with monuments. Nature, cultural heritage, and relaxation by the sea make Samsun a destination with character.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + one hour (in summer)
  • Population: 750,000 
  • Official language: Turkish 
  • Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)

Samsun between coast and history

Panoramic view of a coastal town. Residential buildings and a green park can be seen in the foreground. In the background, a harbor and a densely built-up town stretch out on the hillside.
Samsun is known as the green jewel of the Black Sea. There are several parks, including Batipark along the coast, which is ideal for long walks. © photohasan/stock.adobe.com
Waterfront promenade with wooden walkways and benches on a tranquil body of water. In the background, a colorful, densely built-up city can be seen on a hill, as well as a harbor with several ships.
Walking, cycling, and relaxing with a view of the sea: this is wonderful along the waterfront promenade, which is a popular meeting place for locals. © photohasan/stock.adobe.com
Equestrian statue on a stone pedestal with golden relief, surrounded by trees in a park. Overcast sky with sun shining through the clouds.
The Atatürk Monument marks an important historical event in Turkey: it was in Samsun that Atatürk began fighting for the country's independence in 1919. © nejdjetduzen/stock.adobe.com
View of an old steamboat, moored at the shore under clear skies, with Turkish flags in the background and an empty, paved square in the foreground.
The Bandırma Museum is located in a replica of the ship that Atatürk used to travel from Constantinople to Samsun. The museum displays memorabilia. © nejdjetduzen/stock.adobe.com
Busy beach with swimmers in the water and on the shore. In the background, a city with skyscrapers can be seen, nestled in a mountainous landscape.
Samsun is the perfect place to combine a city break with a beach vacation: Atakum Beach is a long sandy beach with cafés, restaurants, and bike paths and boardwalks. © attractionart/stock.adobe.com

Nature experiences on the Black Sea

Samsun belongs to the province of the same name in the Black Sea region. The city stretches along a wide bay with long sandy beaches and is nestled between mountains and the sea. From here, there are numerous excursions to the surrounding area. If you enjoy bird watching, you should visit the Kızılırmak Delta. More than 300 species are native here, including flamingos and pelicans. South of the Kızılırmak Delta, near Bafra, there are beautiful natural beaches that are often almost deserted. The 1,224-meter-high Nebiyan Mountain is ideal for hiking, clear mountain air, and panoramic views. A trip to the “girls' castle” Kızlar Kalesi combines nature with history. The ruins of the old fortress are idyllically situated in the hills. The small, charming coastal town of Yakakent offers peace and quiet, fresh fish, and small bathing bays.

Excursion destinations from Samsun

Quiet lake landscape with flat shore in the foreground and green mountains in the background. The sky is partly cloudy.
The Kızılırmak Delta is located about 35 kilometers west of Samsun and, with more than 300 species, is a UNESCO site and one of Turkey's most important bird sanctuaries. © inzell/stock.adobe.com
Rocky, partly wooded coastal landscape with a striking mountain rising directly from the deep blue sea.
Nebiyan Mountain is located about 40 km north of Samsun, rises to a height of 1,224 m, and impresses visitors with its dense forests. A hiking trail leads to the summit. © slava2271/stock.adobe.com
The picture shows the ruins of an old rectangular stone building with arched windows surrounded by green, wooded mountains.
The ruins of Kızlar Kalesi Castle are located in the village of Çamlıkale, about 30 kilometres west of Samsun. According to legend, two women lived there 2,000 years ago. © Selcuk/stock.adobe.com
Coastal promenade at sunset with a mosque and a tall minaret in the center. Several houses line the beach.
Yakakent is a small coastal town about an hour west of Samsun that has retained its charm as a fishing village and offers peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. © AydinTutas/stock.adobe.com
Empty, long sandy beach with gentle waves and calm sea under a slightly overcast sky.
South of the Kızılırmak Delta, the long beaches near Bafra stretch out. The fine sand and clear water are ideal for swimming and walking. © Etfoto/stock.adobe.com

Samsun from BER

Aircraft about to land on the runway

SunExpress

Airport Samsun-Çarşamba (SZF)

Five tips for ...

  1. Stroll through the Subasar Bazaar on Çiftlik Caddesi
  2. Discover street art in İlkadım and Atakum
  3. Explore the Ondokuz Mayıs University campus
  4. Hike and relax in the Kunduz highlands
  5. Take a boat trip through the Mert Delta

  1. Take the cable car up Amisos Hill
  2. Stroll through West Park and admire the Amazon statue
  3. Stroll along the Atakum promenade
  4. Explore the Kızılırmak Delta and watch birds
  5. Look out over the Black Sea from East Park

  1. Visit the Bandırma Vapuru museum ship
  2. Marvel at the Atatürk monument in the park in the evening
  3. Explore the Gazi Museum with its historical photos
  4. Walk along the Liberation Trail with information boards from the harbor to the city
  5. Discover the caves of Tekkeköy and the open-air museum


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© AydinTutas/stock.adobe.com    

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