Beauty on the Black Sea

Cruise to Sinop, Turkey

From its striking stone battlements to its golden-sand beaches and tranquil harbors dotted with fishing boats — Sinop, Turkey is a fascinating place for your cruise getaway. Unlike the bustling resort towns along Turkey's more popular Turquoise Coast, this lesser-known yet fascinating port city has managed to remain under the radar among tourists for many decades. No matter what time of year you cruise to Sinop, you'll feel as though you've stumbled upon an undiscovered oasis. Located in the northernmost region of Turkey, along the sapphire-blue waters of the Black Sea, this ancient and captivating port of call is a hidden gem. Its origins remain somewhat mysterious — one legend has it that this coastal city was founded by Amazonian warrior women and named after their queen. Another tale credits its founding to Autolycus, a companion of the mythic hero Hercules. Over the centuries, Sinop has been claimed by various peoples — including Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans — and it wears this rich and complex history in its architecture, ruins, castles and houses of worship. Silvery waterfalls, remote bays, evergreen forests and hidden lakes provide just as much incentive for savvy nature lovers to cruise to Sinop, Turkey year-round.

National Language Turkish

Currency Accepted Turkish Lira (TRY)

Things To Do in Sinop

Sinop Castle, now a museum, housed prisoners for centuries.

Step Into the Past

Trace history with a visit to the Sinop Castle and Sinop Fortress Prison. Located on an isthmus that extends into the Black Sea, Sinop Castle dates to the seventh century B.C. In the 13th century, the Seljuk Turks modified the site adding a prison. The Ottomans and later the Turkish Republic continued to use the fortress to house prisoners until 1999, when it was converted into a museum.

Hamsilos Bay has beautiful views with reflective waters.

Go Bold in the Great Outdoors

You'll find plenty of unique places near Sinop to be immersed in nature. Akgöl has been hailed the region's prettiest and most secluded lake; its crystal-clear waters reflect the surrounding fir trees. Hamsilos Bay is a quiet cove characterized by blue-green waters. Tatlıca Şelalesi is one of Sinop's most iconic natural wonders, a series of 28 waterfalls that tumble down into a placid turquoise lake.

Sinop has beautiful beaches and coastline.

Elevate Your Beach Day

Sinop is known for its beautiful beaches. One of the most popular stretches is Karakum Beach, located about a 10-minute drive from the city center and outfiitted with loungers and umbrellas. If you're after a more remote vibe, head to Akliman recreation and picnic area, lapped by jewel-bright waters on one side and hemmed by emerald forests on the other.

Try manti, meat dumplings served with a yogurt sauce and walnuts.

LOCAL CUISINE

Sinop, Turkey is a foodie's dream. Best known are seafood dishes — especially those that spotlight hamsi, an anchovy that abounds in the waters of the Black Sea. For something heartier, try manti, a dumpling stuffed with minced beef or lamb and topped with walnuts.

Turkish delight cups are made of copper.

SHOPPING

On Sinop's streets you'll pass dozens of stalls and artisan shops selling little model ships — a tribute to the city's ancient seafaring history. You can also find beautiful Ayancık linen decorated with intricate patterns, nautical wood carvings and items inspired by Diogenes, a famous philosopher who once called Sinop home.