If you only have one day, the best plan is to start in the centre and end with sunset at the Genoese Castle to the west. The stops in the centre are within walking distance of each other; Fakıllı Cave and the castle are 5–11 minutes by car. As the drive takes about 2.5–3 hours from Istanbul and 3 hours from Ankara, set off early in the morning.
The centre, the cave and the Genoese Castle
Open the day's route in Google Maps
- Morning09.00
A walk in the centre: mosque, monument and harbour
Start the day at Cumhuriyet Square in the town centre. The Central Mosque with its octagonal roof inspired by a Seljuk tent, the Akçakoca Bey Monument on the seafront and the harbour where the fishing boats tie up are all a few minutes' walk from each other.
Akçakoca Central Mosque
A mosque unlike any other in Turkey, with an octagonal roof inspired by a Seljuk imperial tent.
In the town centre
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.
In the town centre - Late morning10.30
Yukarı Mahalle: bay-windowed houses and Rıfat Ilgaz's school
Just west of the centre, Yukarı Mahalle, with its 150–200-year-old bay-windowed houses, is the oldest part of town. On the way is the 1929 Orhangazi Primary School, where Rıfat Ilgaz taught.
Historic houses of Yukarı Mahalle
A protected historic quarter in Akçakoca's oldest neighbourhood, lined with 150–200-year-old houses with bay windows.
From the centre: about 1.5 km
Historic Orhangazi Primary School
One of the first school buildings of the Turkish Republic, opened in 1929, where the writer Rıfat Ilgaz taught.
From the centre: about 1 km - Midday12.30
Lunch: mancarlı pide
Mancarlı pide with geographical indication is Akçakoca's easiest local dish to find: it is made with chard and spinach and cooked on a griddle. If it's in season, fish is also a good choice.
- Afternoon14.00
Fakıllı Cave
About 11 minutes by car from the centre. 350 m of the 1,017 m cave is lit, with stalactites, stalagmites and dripstone "white rooms". It is cool inside in summer. Check the visiting hours before you go.
- Early evening16.30
The Genoese Castle and its Blue Flag beach
On the way back, head to the Genoese Castle, 3 km west of town. In summer, swim at the Blue Flag beach below the castle; in other seasons, walk along the clifftops. Watch the sunset here.
- EveningAfter sunset
Dinner: fish of the season
End the day with fish of the season; there are fish restaurants in the centre and along the coast. Bonito in autumn, anchovies in winter, and horse mackerel and bluefish through the summer.
By season
Before you go
- If you come by car, park in the centre and explore it on foot; use the car for the cave and the castle.
- You can find the sunset time on the Weather page.
- When visiting mosques, keep prayer times in mind.
- On the day you go, check the weather and, in summer, the sea conditions.
Other itineraries
Frequently asked questions
What can you do in Akçakoca in one day?
In the morning, walk around the Central Mosque, the harbour and the historic houses of Yukarı Mahalle; have mancarlı pide at noon; go to Fakıllı Cave in the afternoon; head to the Genoese Castle in the early evening to watch the sunset, and end the day with fish of the season.
Can you visit Akçakoca as a day trip?
Yes. It takes about 2.5–3 hours from Istanbul and 3 hours from Ankara. If you leave early in the morning, you can see the centre, Fakıllı Cave and the Genoese Castle on the same day.
Do you need a car to get around Akçakoca?
The places in the centre are within walking distance. You need a car for Fakıllı Cave, the Genoese Castle and the villages; in summer a municipal bus runs on the Ceneviz route.