From the European border with Bulgaria to the Georgian border, dense pine forests cover the mountaintops while lush vegetation and bountiful crops grow in the lower elevations and valleys. Along the coastline, mile after mile of beautiful uncrowded beaches offer sun, swimming and relaxation. In the springtime, delicate wild-flower blossoms carpet the rolling meadows of the eastern hills. The wooden houses in fishing villages and mountain hamlets alike preserve indigenous and traditional architectural styles. The humid climate and fertile soil encourage cultivation of a variety of crops including tea, tobacco, corn and hazelnuts.

The magic of such a diverse landscape proves irresistible to any friend of nature, whether hiker or mountain climber or canoe enthusiast whether you go in by mountain bike or by jeep safari, Archeological excavations from the early Neolithic Age settlements at Ikiztepe in Samsun Province have uncovered evidence of the region's earliest inhabitants between 7000 - 5000 BC. The Hittites, Miletians, Phrygians and, according to Homer, the Amazons all colonized parts of the coast. Alexander the Great in his world conquest also brought the region under his sovereignty. Eventually, it was incorporated into the Roman and then the Byzantine Empire. The 15th century saw the greater part of the area come under the Ottoman rule of Sultan Mehmet II.
The Black Sea is easily accessible to tourists and provides a wide range of hotels and restaurants at a variety of prices.

THE WESTERN BLACK SEA COAST

The Yildiz (Istranca) Mountains bisect the province of Kirklareli. Lush mountainous landscape dotted with quaint houses transport you to an idyllic and tranquil reverie. In the city of Kirklareli the oldest mosque is the Hizirbey Mosque, built in 1383. The mosque complex includes a bazaar. Nearby stands a hamam (bath) also built under the patronage of Hizir Bey. The 14th-century Kirklar Memorial with its impressive 18 columns stands on Kirklar Hill honoring the site where 40 soldiers lost their lives when the Ottomans conquered this area under the command of Murat I. The Archeology Museum exhibits finds from local excavations.

The Sokollu Mosque in Luleburgaz, on the Edirne-Istanbul road, is an exquisite work of the famous architect Sinan that dates from 1570. The neighboring town of Babaeski also boasts a Sinan building in the Cedid Ali Pasa Mosque. Vize (Byzia), an important Byzantine center, houses the Kucuk Ayasofya church and a castle, both dating from the Byzan tine period.

If you are travelling north to Bulgaria, linger for a few hours in the peaceful and green town of Derekoy, the last stop before the border.
Kirklareli's Black Sea Coast is another place to enjoy beaches and good fish restaurants. Igneada, 98 km east of Kirklareli, lies sandwiched between sandy shores and the Yildiz Mountains. Kiyikoy (Midye) is another holiday resort town with good accommodation and picturesque dwellings from the Middle Ages. The town and its walls date from the Byzantine period. The best site to visit in Midye is the historic St. Nicholas Rock Monastery. Also on the European Black Sea coast, only 35 km from Istanbul, are the sandy beaches, and hotels, motels and camping facilities of Kilyos.

Across the Bosphorus, 71 km from Istanbul on the Asian shore, Sile's long sandy beaches, overlooked by the remains of a Genoese Castle, attract many visitors. The excellent restaurants and night life make it a popular weekend retreat for Istanbul residents. Cotton blouses and shirts (Sile Bezi) are sewn and embroidered here.

Zonguldak, called Sandra or Sandraka in ancient times, is a major center of coal production and an important Black Sea port. The ancient history of this region including Paflagonia and Bithynia was influenced by the cultures of the Hittites, Phrygians, Assyrians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, and Byzantines. Later the various Turkish cultures left their influence on the area. The scenic road on the east side of town leads to the areas of Kopuz and Uzunkum, where tea gardens and restaurants beckon tourists to spend a leisurely afternoon. Plateaus, the highest of which is Bacakli at 1,637 meter, offer many opportunities to enjoy nature along hiking trails. Zonguldak also contains interesting caves including Kizilelma, Sofular, and Cokgol. Mineral dyes have been used since ancient times to dye cloth, thread, and even furniture.

Amasra (17 kilometers 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 Archeology Museum. You can purchase a lovely handcarved wooden souvenir on Cekiciler street. Continuing eastward along the coast, you arrive at Cakraz (15 kilometers east of 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.

Inebolu (100 kilometers 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.

THE EASTERN BLACK SEA COAST

Sinop (192 km northeast of Kastamonu) is one of the most beautiful natural harbors of the Black Sea. The first evidences of civilization date from 4500 BC. It was founded as a major colony in the seventh century B.C. by Miletian colonists and was the birthplace of the third century B.C. philosopher, Diogenes the Cynic. The town's citadel and the foundations of a temple dedicated to the god Serapis, who was supposedly born in Sinop, date from that period. Serapis was worshipped in the Roman world as far away as Egypt. After the Miletians, subsequent rulers included the Phrygians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks, and beginning in 146, the Ottomans. The Archeology Museum exhibits several beautiful golden icons, and the 18th-century Aslan Torunlar Mansion Museum displays ethnographical artifacts. Other important monuments include the 13th-century Alaeddin Mosque and the Alaiye Medrese.

Excellent fish restaurants along the charming fishermen's wharf serve tasty meals while brightly colored boats bobbing in the water complete the picturesque setting. Sinop is also known for its traditional nautical wooden carvings. Seaside hotels and holiday villages provide accommodation in all price ranges. Some 35 kilometers to the southwest, high in the mountains, lie the yaylas (mountain plateaus) of Guzfindik and Bozarmut. At an elevation of 1,350 meters, these green pastures with their summer residents offer a glimpse into a traditional way of life.

Gerze is situated on a peninsula 40 kilometers east along the coast and is surrounded by parks and beaches. After Akkum beach you can see Turkey's only fjord, the Hamsaros. Farther along the coastal road, 44 km east of Gerze, you arrive at Yakakent, a fishing village with clean, sandy beaches. Camgolu, a large forest which slopes to the sea, has camping sites, guest facilities and restaurants.

Terme is ancient Themiskyna, founded in 1200 BC by Amazon warrior women. It has natural beaches and lakes.

The charming little port of Unye (93 km east of Samsun) is one of the nicest holiday towns on the eastern Black Sea and justly boasts of its excellent beaches and camping facilities. Do not miss the extraordinary 18th-century town hall. Within easy reach of Unye is the beautiful Camlik Beach.