If you have two days, devote the first to the town and the sea and the second to Akçakoca's green side away from the coast. The stops on day two are on village roads; you need a car, and it's best to set off early.
- Day 1 The town, the sea and the Genoese Castle
- Day 2 A cave, centuries-old plane trees, a canyon and a waterfall
Day 1: The town, the sea and the Genoese Castle
Open day 1's route in Google Maps
- Morning09.30
The centre and the harbour
Start with the Central Mosque, the Akçakoca Bey Monument on the seafront and the harbour. They 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 morning11.00
The bay-windowed houses of Yukarı Mahalle
Walk among the protected 150–200-year-old houses in the town's oldest neighbourhood. The historic Orhangazi Primary School, where Rıfat Ilgaz taught, is also here.
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
Mancarlı pide and melengüççeği
At noon try mancarlı pide with geographical indication, and for dessert melengüççeği, made with dartı from water-buffalo cream.
- Afternoon14.00
The Genoese Castle and the sea
Spend the afternoon swimming at Genoese Castle Beach, with its Blue Flag, below the castle, or at the women-only Women's Beach right next to it. Out of season, walk along the castle's cliffs.
Genoese Castle
A historic castle on a cliff jutting into the sea between two coves, the symbol of Akçakoca.
From the centre: 3 km · about 5 min
Genoese Castle Beach
A sandy beach with castle views at the foot of the Genoese Castle, awarded the Blue Flag in 2026.
From the centre: 3 km · about 5 min
Women's Beach
A women-only beach next to the Genoese Castle, run by the municipality and awarded the Blue Flag in 2026.
From the centre: 3 km · about 5 min - EveningSunset
Sunset and fish
Watch the sunset from the castle or by the lighthouse at the harbour; try fish of the season for dinner.
Day 2: A cave, centuries-old plane trees, a canyon and a waterfall
Open day 2's route in Google Maps
- Morning09.00
Fakıllı Cave
7.5 km south-east of the centre, about 11 minutes by car. The 350 m lit section is visited on foot.
- Late morning10.30
Cumayanı's monumental plane trees
Take a short break in the shade of the centuries-old plane trees by the stream. The picnic area also has a historic mosque and tomb. A good place for a picnic.
- Midday12.00
Kurugöl Canyon Nature Park
Walk in the canyon covered in hornbeam, oak and beech forest; there is a waterfall inside too. After rain the paths get muddy.
- Afternoon14.30
Aktaş Waterfall
A waterfall dropping about 50 m in the forest, about 22 minutes from the centre. There is also a 10 km hiking trail along the stream; if you want to walk it, set aside half a day.
- Early evening17.30
A walk on the seafront and heading back
Before heading back, take a short walk along the coast road from Çuhallı to Ayazlı. Ayazlı is also lovely at sunset.
Çuhallı Beach
A beach known for its dark sand, stretching in front of the Çuhallı shopping street in the Osmaniye neighbourhood.
From the centre: ~1.3 km as the crow flies
Ayazlı Beach
A quiet sandy beach east of the centre, running along the coast road; lovely at sunset.
From the centre: ~2.4 km as the crow flies
By season
Before you go
- For day 2, bring water, snacks and walking shoes; there are few shops in the villages.
- Village roads are narrow and winding; drive carefully.
- Cumayanı and Aktaş get crowded at weekends; go early in the morning.
- 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 2 days?
On the first day explore the centre, Yukarı Mahalle and the Genoese Castle and go for a swim; on the second day see Fakıllı Cave, Cumayanı's plane trees, Kurugöl Canyon and Aktaş Waterfall.
Where to stay in Akçakoca for a weekend?
If you come without a car, stay in the centre; you can walk to the shops, the harbour and the beaches. If you're looking for somewhere quieter, the western coves or places near the nature areas are a good fit. Details on the accommodation page.
How do you get to Aktaş Waterfall?
Aktaş Waterfall is about 14 km from the centre, around 22 minutes by car. The directions button on the page takes you straight there.