Samsun, Turkey: cities, destinations and things to do

The province

Get to know Samsun

Samsun lies mid‑coast on Turkey’s Black Sea, between the deltas of two rivers: the Kızılırmak to the west and the Yeşilırmak to the east. It is a large port and commercial city, and a practical base for visiting Amasya, Sinop and the inland areas.

In Turkey’s history Samsun has a special place: on 19 May 1919 Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed there to begin the War of Independence. A replica of the ship Bandırma that brought him from Istanbul operates as a museum by the seafront, next to a park with an open‑air exhibition about that period.

From Batı Park a cable car climbs Amisos hill, where the original Greek city stood and where there are Hellenistic tombs. From the top you can see the city and the sea. On the western waterfront, Atakum has a long promenade and urban beaches, linked to the centre by tram.

Near Bafra, the Kızılırmak delta is a wetland protected under the Ramsar Convention since 1998 and is on UNESCO’s tentative list. About three quarters of Turkey’s bird species have been recorded there; observation towers are open to visitors and roughly 450 horses live free in the area.

In the interior, the Şahinkaya canyon in Vezirköprü is traversed by boat on the reservoir. In Çarşamba, the wooden Göğceli mosque, assembled without nails, dates to the early 13th century. On the table, Bafra pide—thin and long—nokul (a filled pastry roll), and goose tirit are the local specialties.

When to go

June to September is beach season in Atakum and along the coast, with warm, humid days. May, September and October are usually good for walking around the city and visiting the delta; spring and autumn are migration seasons for birds. Winter is mild for the region but rainy.

Getting there

Samsun-Çarşamba Airport (SZF), east of the city, has flights to Istanbul and Ankara. Samsun is a departure point for buses along the Black Sea coast and to the interior, and the railway links the city with Amasya and Sivas. Confirm schedules before booking.

Your questions

Frequently asked questions about Samsun

Does Samsun have a beach?

Yes. Atakum, west of the centre, has a long promenade and urban beaches, with tram access. Beach season typically runs from June to September.

How do you get up to Amisos hill?

A cable car departs from Batı Park on the seafront and climbs the hill in a few minutes; you can also drive up. At the top are Hellenistic tombs and a viewpoint over the city and sea.

How do you visit the Kızılırmak delta?

The delta is near Bafra, northwest of Samsun. There are bird‑watching towers open to visitors and paths for walking and cycling. A car makes getting around easier because the sites are spread out. Spring and autumn usually have more migratory birds.

Is it possible to go from Samsun to Amasya and return the same day?

Yes. Amasya is inland and is connected to Samsun by road and rail. A day trip covers the historic centre; staying overnight in Amasya lets you see the Pontic kings’ rock tombs illuminated.

What to eat in Samsun?

Bafra pide, thin and long, is the best‑known dish. Also typical are nokul, a rolled pastry filled with walnuts, raisins or meat, and goose tirit, common in winter.

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