Province · Mar Negro Ocidental

Düzce

A green province between Istanbul and Ankara, with the beach and the Genoese castle of Akçakoca, the ruins of Prusias ad Hypium in Konuralp and waterfalls in the forest.

In the photo: Genoese castle of Akçakoca, Düzce

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

The province

Get to know Düzce

Düzce became a province in 1999, separated from Bolu, and lies on the route between Istanbul and Ankara. The landscape mixes agricultural plains, hazelnut plantations and forested mountains that descend to the Black Sea coast.

On the coast, Akçakoca, about 200 km from Istanbul, is the province's seaside resort: it has beaches, the ruins of a small Genoese castle above the sea and a central mosque of modern architecture. In July the town holds a traditional hazelnut festival, the region's main crop.

In the Konuralp quarter, in the capital, are the ruins of Prusias ad Hypium, a city founded in the 3rd century BC. Remains include the theatre, which locals call “forty steps”, sections of wall, a gate with a horse relief and a Roman three-arch bridge. The Konuralp Museum displays statues, mosaics and objects found there.

In the interior, Güzeldere waterfall in Gölyaka and the Samandere natural monument lie in forested valleys, and Lake Efteni is a wetland sought for birdwatching. Fakıllı cave, near Akçakoca, has stalactites, and the Melen river is used for rafting.

When to go

June to September is beach season in Akçakoca. May and October are usually good for the waterfalls and trails, which generally have more water in spring. The climate is humid, with rain throughout the year, and winters are cool, with snow in the higher areas.

Getting there

Düzce has no airport. The nearest is Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), on Istanbul's Asian side; from there you follow the highway between Istanbul and Ankara, which crosses the province. There are frequent buses from Istanbul to Düzce and Akçakoca.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Düzce

Can you go from Istanbul to Akçakoca in a weekend?

Yes. Akçakoca is about 200 km from Istanbul, with buses and road access. A weekend allows time for the beach, the Genoese castle and a waterfall inland.

What to see at the ruins of Konuralp?

The ancient theatre, sections of wall, the gate with a horse relief and the Roman three-arch bridge, from the city of Prusias ad Hypium. The Konuralp Museum next door houses the artifacts found on site.

How to visit Güzeldere waterfall?

The waterfall is in Gölyaka, inside a natural park with woodland and paths. A car is the most practical way to reach it. The falls usually have more water in spring.

Does Düzce go well with Bolu?

Yes. The two provinces are neighbors and lie on the same highway between Istanbul and Ankara. You can combine Akçakoca and Konuralp with Lake Abant or Yedigöller in Bolu.