Genoese Castle
A historic castle on a cliff jutting into the sea between two coves, the symbol of Akçakoca.
Fakıllı Cave
350 m of the 1,017 m cave is lit; stalactites, stalagmites and dripstone "white rooms".
Aktaş Waterfall
A waterfall dropping about 50 m in the forest, and a 10 km hiking trail along the stream.
Kurugöl Canyon Nature Park
A canyon declared a nature park in 2011, covered in hornbeam, oak and beech forest, with a waterfall inside.
Cumayanı Picnic Area
A picnic area by a stream in the shade of centuries-old monumental plane trees, with a historic mosque and tomb.
Sarıyayla Waterfall
A quiet waterfall in the forest in Sarıyayla village, with a picnic area next to it.
Akçakoca Central Mosque
A mosque unlike any other in Turkey, with an octagonal roof inspired by a Seljuk imperial tent.
Historic houses of Yukarı Mahalle
A protected historic quarter in Akçakoca's oldest neighbourhood, lined with 150–200-year-old houses with bay windows.
Historic Wooden Mosque of Hemşin Village
A historic village mosque with a stone ground floor, a nail-free wooden (çantı) upper floor and a wooden minaret.
Akçakoca Bey Monument
Who was Akçakoca Bey? A comrade-in-arms of Osman Gazi, a frontier lord who gave his name to the district and to Kocaeli. On the seafront monument he stands with Konuralp Bey.
Akçakoca Harbour and Lighthouse
Akçakoca's sunset spot, with fishing boats, a marina and a lighthouse on the breakwater.
Çayağzı Orhangazi Mosque
A nail-free wooden village mosque without a minaret, said to have been built by Orhan Gazi in 1323.
Yeni Meze Mosque, Uğurlu Village
A historic village mosque in Uğurlu, known for its stonework and the Ottoman inscriptions inside.
Historic Orhangazi Primary School
One of the first school buildings of the Turkish Republic, opened in 1929, where the writer Rıfat Ilgaz taught.
Arabacı Village and Hazelnut Orchards
An old Manav village surrounded by hazelnut orchards; at harvest time, see the Black Sea countryside up close.
Frequently asked questions
What are the places to visit in Akçakoca?
The main ones are the Genoese Castle, Fakıllı Cave, Aktaş Waterfall, Kurugöl Canyon, Cumayanı Picnic Area, Akçakoca Central Mosque, the historic houses of Yukarı Mahalle and the nail-free wooden village mosques.
Where is the Genoese Castle and how do you get there?
The Genoese Castle is about 2.5 km west of Akçakoca centre; it is 5 minutes by car, and in summer you can also take the municipal bus.
How can I see Akçakoca in a day?
You can walk around the Central Mosque, the harbour, Yukarı Mahalle and Orhangazi Primary School, then end the day with sunset at the Genoese Castle. The Day Trip to Akçakoca route on this site lists the stops in order.