When you think of a picnic in Akçakoca, Cumayanı in the shade of its centuries-old plane trees comes to mind first. A picnic area by a stream, a meadow by a waterfall or a castle hill overlooking the sea: all less than half an hour from the centre. They get crowded at weekends; if you want a quiet day, go early in the morning.
Cumayanı Picnic Area
A picnic area about 3 km from the centre, within Göktepe village, by a stream in the shade of centuries-old plane trees. It also has the ruins of a bathhouse said to date from the Seljuk period, the historic Evliya Mosque and the Tomb of Evliya Ahmet Dede. There is a restaurant where you can eat local food and trout.
Akkaya Picnic Area
In Akkaya village, towards Ereğli, about 13 km from the centre by road. A shady area with a stream running through it, a football pitch, a children's playground, walking areas and a mosque. Away from the crowds; good for spending time with the family.
By waterfalls and canyons
Next to Sarıyayla Waterfall there is a picnic area in the forest; a good break on a nature trip along the village roads. Kurugöl Canyon was declared a picnic area in 2006 and a nature park in 2011; here hiking matters more than picnicking. There is no public transport; go by car or taxi.
Sarıyayla Waterfall
A quiet waterfall in the forest in Sarıyayla village, with a picnic area next to it.
Kurugöl Canyon Nature Park
A canyon declared a nature park in 2011, covered in hornbeam, oak and beech forest, with a waterfall inside.
Aktaş Waterfall
A waterfall dropping about 50 m in the forest, and a 10 km hiking trail along the stream.
Overlooking the sea: around the Genoese Castle
The area around the castle is one of the district's favourite picnic and sunset spots. It's 3 km from the centre, and a municipal bus runs there in summer. Go in the late afternoon and end the day with the sunset.
A little further: Güzeldere
If you don't mind an hour's drive, there is also a picnic area around Güzeldere Waterfall in Düzce's Gölyaka district.
Picnic rules
- Only light a barbecue in designated places. Under the Forest Law, lighting fires in forests is forbidden except in designated places. Lighting fires on the municipal beaches is also forbidden.
- Check for summer bans. When the risk of forest fires is high, Düzce Governorship may restrict entry to forests.
- Picnic areas are for day use. If you want to stay overnight, see the campsites.
- Take your rubbish home. Leave the stream banks and the foot of the plane trees as you found them.
- Weather: on the Black Sea there can be downpours even in midsummer; check the weather before you set off.
What to pack in your basket?
For a local picnic, pick up mancarlı pide and melengüççeği at the Yukarı Mahalle Market, held on Saturdays and Sundays; in season, add a handful of yellow hazelnuts.
Frequently asked questions
Where can you have a picnic in Akçakoca?
The best known is Cumayanı Picnic Area, 3 km from the centre. Akkaya Picnic Area, the picnic area next to Sarıyayla Waterfall and the area around the Genoese Castle are also popular picnic spots.
Can you have a barbecue in Akçakoca?
Only in the spots set aside for barbecues at picnic areas. Lighting fires in forests is forbidden except in designated places, and fires may not be lit on the municipal beaches either.