Things To Do
in Türkeli

Türkeli is a small coastal town in Sinop Province on the Black Sea. It sits along a bend of the coastline with a laid back pace and friendly locals. The town is surrounded by green hills, fishing boats, and waterfront cafes.

Visitors come for seafood, scenic views, and easy access to nature excursions along the coast.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Begin your day by wandering through the charming streets of Türkeli's historic center, where you can admire the traditional architecture and vibrant local culture. Stop by a local café for a traditional Turkish breakfast featuring fresh bread, olives, and local cheeses. As you stroll, don't forget to capture photos of the picturesque waterfront views and the iconic clock tower.

afternoon
:

After a delightful morning, head to the local bazaar to experience the hustle and bustle of Turkish commerce. Browse the stalls filled with handcrafted goods, spices, and textiles, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local dishes like manti, Turkish dumplings served with yogurt and garlic sauce.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the Türkeli shoreline, where the gentle sounds of waves create a serene atmosphere. Find a seaside restaurant to indulge in fresh seafood, complemented by a glass of local wine. Conclude your evening by enjoying a traditional Turkish tea while watching the stars twinkle over the sea.

day 2
Beach and Water Sports
morning
:

Kick off your day with a refreshing swim at one of Türkeli's beautiful beaches, where the crystal-clear waters invite you to dive in. Afterward, rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the stunning coastline and hidden coves. The morning sun will warm your skin as you enjoy the invigorating sea breeze.

afternoon
:

For lunch, pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach, or visit a local beachside café for fresh fish and chips. Spend the afternoon trying out thrilling water sports like jet skiing or parasailing, allowing you to experience the beauty of the Aegean Sea from a new perspective. Take breaks to relax on the sand and soak up the sun.

evening
:

As evening approaches, find a spot on the beach to watch the sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. Treat yourself to dinner at a beachfront restaurant, savoring grilled fish and seasonal vegetables while listening to live music. Afterward, stroll along the beach, enjoying the soft glow of lanterns and the sound of waves lapping at the shore.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🥗Meal for 2 at a mid-range cafe$25-40
🏨1-night hotel in town center$40-70
🚕Taxi 1 km$0.50-1.50
Cappuccino$2-4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Relaxed small-town atmosphere
  • Fresh seafood and scenic coast
  • Friendly locals and easy access to nature
  • Low crowds outside peak season
  • Limited nightlife and nightlife venues
  • Fewer English speakers outside tourist hubs
  • Limited healthcare facilities in town; longer trips to larger cities
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
  • "Ne kadar?" - How much?
  • "Burası Türkeli mi?" - Is this Türkeli?

Places to Visit in Türkeli

Visit one of these nice places.

Harbor at sunrise

Colorful boats, reflections on calm water, and morning fishermen at work.

Coastal promenade and lighthouse

Cliffs, waves, and a classic Black Sea shoreline view with a lighthouse as a focal point.

Old town waterfront alleyways

Narrow lanes with whitewashed houses and hanging laundry framed by sea light.

Ridge viewpoints above Türkeli

Panoramic overlooks of the coastline and green hills in the distance.

Culinary Guide

Food in Türkeli

Turkish Black Sea cuisine is hearty and seafood focused. Fresh fish, cornmeal dishes, and dairy products are common, with a fondness for simple, comforting flavors.

Türkeli Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hamsi (anchovy) with rice

Seasonal grilled or fried anchovies served with rice and greens.

Must-Try!

Kuymak (muhlama)

A rich melt of cheese and cornmeal cooked in butter, served with bread.

Laz böreği

A savory pastry with cheese and herbs, reflecting regional flavors.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Local Pazarı (market)

Seasonal produce stalls, fish, cheeses, and olives near the town center.

Climate Guide

Weather

Türkeli has a humid Black Sea climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rainfall is common throughout the year, especially in autumn and winter, with relatively wet springs.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet with a smile and a handshake. In rural areas some people may kiss on the cheek in informal settings.

Dress and behavior

Dress modestly when visiting mosques. Remove shoes if required and speak softly near religious sites.

Dining etiquette

Wait for others to be served before starting to eat; say please and thank you.

Safety Guide

Safety

Türkeli is generally safe for travelers. Take standard precautions against petty theft, watch your belongings on crowded boats, and be careful near wet rocks and strong currents along the shore.

Tipping in Türkeli

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

A 5-10 percent tip is customary if service is good and no service charge is included.

Payments

Cash is widely accepted in small shops; major credit cards are accepted in hotels and some restaurants.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm and humid days with refreshing sea breezes. Expect crowds at weekends and longer daylight hours.

Autumn

Mild days with occasional rain and strong sea winds. Great for photography and seafood festivals.

Winter

Cool to cold, with occasional snowfall on higher ground. Roads are sometimes slippery but the coast stays dramatic.

Spring

Mild temperatures, blooming landscapes, and quieter streets before the peak season.

Nightlife Guide

Türkeli at Night

The nightlife in Türkeli is relaxed and low key. You will find seaside cafes with tea and raki, occasional live music, and sunset views rather than club scenes.

Hiking in Türkeli

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal cliff walk

A scenic 2-4 km walk along the Black Sea cliffs with ocean views and photo opportunities.

Güzelçay Forest Trail

Shaded trail through pine forest with occasional viewpoints over the coast.

Airports

How to reach Türkeli by plane.

Sinop Airport

Small regional airport serving domestic flights; closest airport to Türkeli, approximately 2 hours by road.

Samsun Çarşamba Airport

Larger airport with more connections; about 2-3 hours by road depending on traffic.

Ordu-Giresun Airport

Coastal airport with seasonal flights; practical for travelers coming from the east.

Getting Around

Walkability

Türkeli is walkable for a small town, with most sights along the coast and in the center within a 2–3 km radius. Side streets can be narrow, and hills may require some uphill walking, but the town is generally easy to navigate on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Longtime families and fishermen who know the coast well.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists and weekend travelers who visit in summer and during holidays.

Agricultural workers

People who work in surrounding farms and markets, contributing to local food traditions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in Turkey and in the region, with local amateur teams and community fields.

Fishing

Traditional occupation and leisure activity along the coast; you can observe or join guided fishing trips.

Sailing and water sports

Sea breezes make the coast suitable for sailing and light water sports.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light in Türkeli outside peak holiday periods. Local transport includes dolmuş minibuses and taxis. The coastal road can be busy during weekends and holidays, with slower speeds on narrow streets.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Türkeli.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarians can enjoy cheeses, vegetables, and legumes. Ask for ayran and bread as staples; many dishes can be prepared without meat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Türkeli is basic. There are local clinics and a few doctors, with more comprehensive services available in Sinop city or coastal towns. Pharmacies are common and hospitals are in Sinop, accessible by road or short bus rides.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide