Sinop is a peaceful coastal city located at the furthest point of the Black Sea Region and is home to İnceburun, the northernmost tip of Turkey. With its natural beauty, historical structures, tranquil atmosphere, and impressive landscapes, it is an ideal destination for both nature lovers and those interested in cultural trips. Its deep-rooted history stretching from ancient times to the present makes Sinop not only a holiday spot but also an open-air museum to be discovered.
Offering visitors a peaceful holiday intertwined with the sea as well as a cultural tour enriched with historical textures, Sinop stands out with its natural parks, waterfalls, castles, and museums. This rich travel route extending from Hamsilos Bay to Erfelek Waterfalls, from Sinop Castle to İnceburun Lighthouse, promises unforgettable experiences for anyone who wants to take walks, take photographs, explore historical structures, or simply enjoy nature.
1. Sinop Castle – Ancient walls surrounding the Sinop peninsula. The city views are wonderful.
Sinop Castle is one of the city’s most striking historical structures, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC. Originally built by Milesian colonists, the castle was repaired and reinforced during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods, taking on its present magnificent form. Constructed by taking advantage of the city’s naturally sea-surrounded location, these walls were used for both defense and observation purposes. The castle measures approximately 2,000 meters in length, 25 meters in height, and up to 3 meters in thickness.
Sinop Castle offers not only a historical structure but also a magnificent scenic experience for visitors. When one climbs the bastions, the endless blue of the Black Sea and a panoramic view of Sinop city center unfold beneath their feet. Especially at sunset, the view from the bastions can be one of the most unforgettable moments of a Sinop trip. The cafés and walking paths around the castle also make it a delightful stop full of both history and enjoyment.
2. Sinop Historical Prison (Old Prison) – “Alcatraz of Anatolia,” can be visited as a prison museum.
Sinop Historical Prison is located within the inner walls of Sinop Castle, one of the city’s most striking historical structures. This building was used as a dungeon starting from the 6th century BC until 1560. In 1887, it was transformed into a modern prison and became one of the first provincial prisons built during the Ottoman period. Its U-shaped architecture, 28 wards, two-story structure, and adjacent bathhouse stand out. The Sinop Prison was closed in 1997 and transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 1999, opening to visitors as a museum.
Today known as the “Alcatraz of Anatolia,” the prison is notable for its multilayered history and structure that made escape nearly impossible. Located behind the inner bastions of Sinop Castle, very close to the sea and surrounded on all sides by high walls, the prison is famously described by Evliya Çelebi as a place “where not even a bird can fly away.” After restoration efforts, the building was arranged as a museum, offering visitors the chance to tour areas such as inmate cells, torture chambers, wards, and workshops. It also holds a special place in cultural memory as a place where prominent intellectuals such as Sabahattin Ali and Nazım Hikmet once stayed and drew inspiration for their works.
3. Pervane Medrese – A Seljuk-era madrasa built in 1265. It now serves as a handicrafts bazaar.
Pervane Medrese was built in the 1260s by the Seljuk vizier Muînüddin Süleyman Pervâne to commemorate the recapture of Sinop from the Byzantines. According to various sources, the construction year is recorded as either 1262 or 1265. The building has a rectangular plan measuring 38 × 28 meters in a north–south orientation and represents a typical example of Anatolian Seljuk madrasa architecture. The main entrance on the southern façade consists of an ornate marble portal, with rooms located immediately beside it. On the eastern and western sides of the courtyard are arched porticoes, with five student cells behind each. An octagonal fountain, centrally located in the courtyard, adds an elegant touch to the madrasa’s aesthetic, and the tombs of Gazi Çelebi and his daughter are also located here.
After the foundation of the Republic, the madrasa lost its educational function and was used as a storage and exhibition space for archaeological and ethnographic artifacts between 1932 and 1970. Assigned to the Governorship of Sinop in 2002, the structure now functions as a handicrafts bazaar, housing shops that sell local products, cafés, and offering a destination appealing to visitors for its blend of history, culture, and shopping.
4. Alaaddin Mosque – A Seljuk-era mosque dating back to the 13th century.
Alaaddin Mosque (also known as the Grand Mosque) is a magnificent structure from the 13th century Seljuk period, located in the city center of Sinop. According to foundation records, it is believed to have been built by the Anatolian Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubad I shortly after the conquest of Sinop in 1214. However, another strong hypothesis based on existing inscriptions suggests it was rebuilt by Pervâne Muinüddin in the years 1267–1268. The mosque is enclosed by 12-meter-high walls to the north and occupies a 66 × 22 m² structure with a courtyard measuring 66 × 44 m². The courtyard is accessed through three gates, and the interior space is connected to the courtyard by five doors. The structure is characterized by three large domes and two smaller ones on each side, reflecting the classical Seljuk “transverse-aisled, large courtyard” mosque typology.
Seljuk aesthetics are evident in the architectural details: the intricate decorations and chain motifs on the marble mihrab are reminiscent of works from the Candaroğlu period. A part of the original, highly artistic minbar was transferred to the Tiled Kiosk in Istanbul after its collapse in the 19th century; the current wooden minbar in the mosque is a reconstructed version. The mosque has undergone several restorations throughout its history, with the most recent carried out in 2008–2009, making it one of the region’s most important structures for both religious and cultural tourism.
5. Balatlar Church – A 7th-century Byzantine basilica, an important open-air site with historical ruins.
Balatlar Church (Sinope Koimesis Church), located in Sinop’s Ada District, is a rectangular early Byzantine basilica dating back to 660 AD, covering an area of 3,062 m². Originally believed to be a Roman bath, the structure was converted into a church in the 6th–7th centuries, later used as a grain storage facility especially during the 11th–13th centuries, and transformed into a monastery accessible to the local Christian community during the Ottoman period. It continued to be used for worship and as a cemetery until the 1920s. Although the interior frescoes—depicting Jesus, Mary, and saints—are largely worn due to time, some traces are still visible.
Since 2009, archaeological excavations conducted by Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University and Turkish historical institutions have been particularly notable. Mosaics (such as panels depicting “refrigerium” scenes) were uncovered, and it was determined that they were created in the 4th–5th centuries using the opus tessellatum technique. In addition, archaeologists discovered “sacred” stone fragments belonging to the building, human skeletons, and burial chambers that included a buried cat—offering unique insights into human–animal relationships during the Byzantine period. Today, the structure—open to visitors in limited sections—represents a rare and enlightening archaeological and historical richness encompassing multiple periods.
6. Arslan Torun Mansion & Ethnography Museum – An Ottoman-era mansion, ideal for cultural visits.
Arslan Torun Mansion & Ethnography Museum (also known as Aslantorunlar Ethnography Museum) is a three-story historical mansion built in 1890, representing an elegant example of Ottoman-era civil architecture. The ground floor is constructed of cut stone, while the upper floors are made with a wooden frame and brick infill. The structure stands out with its symmetrical room layout, spacious central hall, bay windows, and intricate hand-painted decorations.
Visitors can explore different themed sections on each floor of the mansion. On the ground floor, there is a gallery featuring Sinop and Boyabat houses, along with exhibits of a kitchen and a village room. The first floor presents local items such as looms, jewelry, and swords, while the second floor displays a salon and adjoining rooms that recreate traditional mansion life.
This museum is significant not only for its Ottoman mansion architecture but also for showcasing traditional Turkish mansion culture, local lifestyle in Sinop, handicrafts, and the use of household items. The museum is open to the public free of charge and is especially praised by visitors for its interior decorative art. According to Anadolu Agency, the museum houses over 3,000 artifacts and preserves the hospitality culture of traditional Turkish mansions.
7. Sinop Archaeological / Sinop Museum – Exhibits artifacts from various periods of the region.
Sinop Archaeological / Sinop Museum is a comprehensive archaeology museum that houses artifacts reflecting the region’s layered history dating back 5,000 years and numerous civilizations. Continuing the museology efforts that began in 1921, the museum was first opened to the public in its original building in 1941, relocated to a new central building in 1970, and reopened in 2006 with a modern exhibition concept.
Visitors can view artifacts from various periods displayed in both open-air and indoor sections. The open-air area features remains from the ancient Serapeum temple found in Sinop, the Sultan Hatun Tomb dated 1395, as well as various architectural fragments, stone columns, and sarcophagi. The interior exhibition halls are organized as follows:
- Small Artifacts Hall: Contains vessels, metal tools, vases, terracotta figurines, glass items, and architectural fragments arranged in chronological order from the Early Bronze Age to the Byzantine period.
- Stone Artifacts Hall: Features remarkable items such as Anatolia’s oldest Archaic grave steles, marble sculptures themed “lions tearing apart a deer,” and a sarcophagus belonging to a sailor.
- Coin Section: Displays the first silver coins minted in Sinop, city coins, collections from the Ordu and Gelincik treasures, as well as Byzantine and Seljuk coins.
- Icon Hall: Comprises icons with gold gilding or fresco style from Byzantine-era churches; stylistically similar to those found in Russia and Cyprus.
- Amphora Hall: Exhibits related to amphora production workshops, kilns, and trade areas uncovered during French–Turkish excavations conducted between 1994 and 2000, shedding light on Sinop’s ancient economic history.
Sinop Archaeological Museum not only brings together archaeological artifacts but also offers a time-traveling journey through Sinop’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient trade routes to religious architecture. This small-to-medium-sized museum provides an informative and comfortably navigable experience that can be toured in about an hour, making it a significant stop for both local and international visitors.
8. Serapeum Ruins – Remains of an ancient temple located in the garden of Sinop Archaeological Museum.
The Serapeum Ruins are located in the open-air section of the Sinop Archaeological Museum, in the museum’s southwest corner. This Hellenistic-period temple was built in the 4th century BC and, according to inscriptions found during excavations, was dedicated to Serapis, a syncretic deity combining elements of ancient Egyptian and Hellenistic traditions. The temple has a rectangular plan (approximately 15 m × 8.6 m), and excavations revealed figures of deities such as Serapis, Dionysus, Heracles, Isis, and Kore, along with architectural fragments and terracotta artifacts.
These ruins hold great religious, artistic, and archaeological significance: in addition to revealing the traces of the Serapis cult in Anatolia, they symbolize cultural interactions during the Hellenistic period. The temple is currently exhibited in the museum’s garden; while the area is simply arranged, the ruins have been preserved and are open to visitors. Located in the open-air section of the museum, these remains are a notable example of Sinop’s ancient religious structures.
9. Hamsilos Nature Park / Bay – A wonderful park on the Black Sea coast where forest and sea intertwine.
Hamsilos Nature Park is located about 14 km west of Sinop, in the Akliman area. Situated along the Black Sea coast and known for its natural coves surrounded by green forests, this area was designated as a nature park in 2007 and holds the title of Turkey’s 22nd nature park. The ria-type Hamsilos Bay, where the sea extends into the land in an aesthetically pleasing form, is often compared to a “fjord,” although it is not technically a true fjord. This geographical feature adds both visual richness and natural appeal to the region.
The nature park not only offers magnificent landscapes but also stands out with its rich biodiversity. The forested areas host trees such as beech, oak, and coastal pine, and the park is home to six endemic plant species—including Sinop crocus, wild carnation, and spurge. Additionally, around 150 bird species live, migrate through, or rest in the park, making it an important spot for birdwatching.
In terms of recreational activities, Hamsilos Nature Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, viewing terraces, fishing spots, and boat tours around the bay. It is heavily visited by domestic and international tourists during the summer months, and even in winter, it draws attention with its snow-covered natural scenery; according to AA reports, snowfall creates a visual spectacle.
10. Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls Nature Park – A natural wonder featuring numerous waterfalls and hiking trails.
Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls Nature Park is a unique natural area consisting of 28 small and large waterfalls lined along a narrow valley near Tatlıca Village in the Erfelek district of Sinop. It was officially designated as a “nature park” in 2011. The area covers approximately 45–72 hectares, stretching along the valley formed by the Karasu Stream and offering about 2 km of hiking trails. A full walk along the waterfalls usually takes 2 to 2.5 hours, enriched with natural pathways, ponds, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints.
In terms of flora and fauna, the park has rich biodiversity. The forest section includes dense tree species such as beech, oak, hornbeam, hazelnut, chestnut, and fir. Additionally, plants like cornelian cherry, medlar, blackberry, and ivy contribute to the natural undergrowth. On the fauna side, mammals such as roe deer, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox, lynx, marten, weasel, rabbit, and squirrel live in the park. Bird species observed include woodcock, quail, jay, coot, falcon, owl, crow, stock dove, woodpecker, and various ducks. Reptiles and aquatic species such as trout also add to the diversity.
In terms of recreational facilities, the park is equipped with wooden walking paths, observation terraces, a country-style café, kiosks, restaurants, restrooms, playgrounds, and parking areas. Activities such as hiking, photography, picnicking, swimming in cool ponds, and camping are suitable for nature lovers. At the end of the hike, visitors can rest at a tea garden facing the summit view and taste local products.
11. Akgöl Nature Park – A small lake and its surroundings located in the Ayancık district.
Akgöl Nature Park is located in the Akgöl area, south of the Ayancık district of Sinop, covering an area of approximately 40 hectares. It was officially declared a nature park on May 28, 2018. The lake originated as an artificial pond formed by the merging of the Çatalmeşe and Kayadibi streams and spans about 2 hectares. The park is surrounded by natural forest cover, with different plant species distributed according to elevation.
The park is located about 42 km from the Ayancık district center and approximately 100 km from Sinop city center. Most of the route to the park is paved, while the last few kilometers consist of a stabilized forest road. Visitors can reach the park by private vehicle, and some minibus lines also provide access from Sinop and nearby districts to Ayancık and then to Akgöl.
The park offers an ideal environment for nature lovers, with picnic areas, forest walking trails, and open spaces for relaxing by the lake. Camping opportunities are also available; visitors can pitch tents around the lake, sleep under the stars, and wake up to the sounds of birds in the morning. For photographers, the reflections of the Sun on the lake provide stunning images, especially at sunrise and sunset. In addition, fish species such as carp and catfish can be found in the lake, offering fishing as another recreational option.
12. Sarıkum Lake – A natural lake known for its bird diversity.
Sarıkum Lake (Sarıkum Nature Protection Area) is a natural lagoon lake located in the western part of the Sinop Peninsula, near the village of Sarıkum. It was formed when an ancient bay, created by tectonic movements, was closed off by a coastal sand barrier formed by northwesterly winds. The lake covers approximately 102 hectares of water surface, with a total area of 184 hectares, and has an average depth of 2 meters. There is still a strait about 25–30 meters long between the lake and the sea, but this connection may occasionally close due to shifting sand dunes.
Sarıkum is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) and is notable for its biodiversity. Studies have identified 233 different bird species in the area, including notable ones such as the crested cormorant, white-headed duck, little gull, and moorhen. The lake serves as a critical habitat for many native and migratory species by providing a space for wintering, resting, and breeding. At times, more than 20,000 waterbirds are known to gather here during the winter season.
From an ecosystem perspective, Sarıkum includes not only birds but also a combination of habitats such as dunes, marshes, forests, wet meadows, and coastline. This diversity supports rare and endemic plant species, reptiles, insects, butterflies, mammals, and other wildlife. Species such as roe deer, wild boar, fox, marten, and squirrel inhabit the region.
For visitors, Sarıkum is particularly popular for birdwatching. With bird observation points, hiking trails, and its natural scenery, it offers a suitable environment for nature walks and photography. Additionally, due to its rare connection to the sea and its extraordinary natural character, the lake is one of Sinop’s most prominent natural areas.
13. Akliman Beach / National Park – Ideal for nature walks and enjoying the sea.
Akliman Beach and National Park (Akliman Recreation Area) is a natural beauty located in the Akliman region of Sinop, nestled closely with the sea. The area forms a natural bay with the “Ak liman” (a lagoon where the sea extends inward) shape; it serves as a peaceful harbor where boats are calmly moored and the sea remains tranquil, living up to its name. This area has been organized as a picnic spot with national park status, surrounded by green spaces and trees, and equipped with wooden picnic tables and benches, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a quick getaway from the city.
It offers both nature walks and seaside enjoyment: there are walking paths running parallel to the shore and designated picnic areas. Access to the sea is usually via a pier, so caution is advised for those who cannot swim. In summer, Akliman is known among Sinop residents as a shaded resting place where one can swim and picnic, and it is also favored by campers. Since there is no entrance fee, it is accessible to a wide range of visitors. Additionally, the organization of the area and its natural harbor structure provide a great advantage for those wishing to experience the sea and nature together.
14. Karakum Beach – One of the popular beaches located near the city center.
Karakum Beach is a black sand beach located approximately 2–3 km from Sinop city center, notable for its easy accessibility. The black-colored sands contain volcanic minerals and are believed to be beneficial for ailments such as rheumatism and sciatica. The beach has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, making it one of the favorite weekend escape spots for locals. Since the water deepens gradually, it is also suitable for families with children and those who cannot swim.
In terms of infrastructure, Karakum Beach offers facilities such as showers, restrooms, changing cabins, umbrellas, and sunbeds. Additionally, small establishments like cafés and snack bars operate in the area. With a shoreline approximately 280 meters long, it provides a fairly wide beach area. Entry is generally free, although optional fees may apply for using facilities or renting sunbeds.
15. Sarıkum, Mobil, Korucuk, Büyük Gerze beaches – Other popular beaches in the region.
Sarıkum Beach (Sarıkum Nature Protection Area)
This wide sandy beach, located about 25 km from Sinop, offers a natural setting where green meets blue. With its spacious area and tranquil atmosphere, it is ideal for those seeking relaxation. The beach is free of charge and only basic facilities (toilets, parking) are available. Since the area also includes wetlands like Sarıkum Lake, it is valuable for nature walks and observation as well.
Mobil Beach / Korucuk Beach
Located just about 2–3 km from Sinop city center, in the Gelincik – Korucuk area, it is known for its 250-meter-long fine sandy beach and crystal-clear sea. It offers well-equipped facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, restrooms, and cafés/restaurants. With its shallow waters and high cleanliness level, it is a very suitable option for families with children.
Büyük Gerze Beach
Located in the Gerze district, about 37 km from Sinop city center, the beach offers a beautiful coastline surrounded by forest. It features a clean, paved surface with available facilities such as restrooms and parking. Also preferred for caravan vacations, this beach is suitable for those seeking tranquility and closeness to nature.
16. İnceburun Lighthouse & İnceburun – The northernmost point of Turkey, famous for its dramatic sea views.
İnceburun is located at the northwestern tip of the Sinop Peninsula, extending into the Black Sea, and is known as the northernmost point of Anatolia. It is situated approximately 20–25 km from Sinop city center. The area features an impressive geography surrounded by steep cliffs formed by volcanic lava and agglomerates; with its rugged coastal terrain and shoreline integrated with nature, it is one of the rare places of its kind. The nearby Davşan Island is a small rock formation at the northernmost point of Turkey.
The İnceburun Lighthouse, located on İnceburun, was built in 1863. Positioned approximately 26 meters above sea level and 9–12 meters above ground, it emits four white flashes every 20 seconds. It still serves as an important navigational light for sailors, and its maintenance has been carried out by the Çilesiz family for five generations. While the lighthouse itself is open to visitors, the tower is closed to the public.
In terms of scenery and visitor experience, İnceburun offers breathtaking panoramic views from its steep cliffs merging with the sea, especially captivating at sunrise and sunset. The area includes suitable spots for nature walks, photography, picnics, and camping. Visitors can easily include this striking natural and cultural site in their travel plans from Sinop city center or via the Akliman route.
17. Diogenes Statue – A statue symbolizing the famous philosopher Diogenes, located at the entrance to the city center.
The Diogenes Statue is an impressive monument symbolizing the famous Ancient Greek philosopher Diogenes of Sinope (circa 412–323 BC). The statue was built at the narrow strait where the Sinop Peninsula connects to the mainland—right at the entrance to the city—and was inaugurated in 2006. It was designed by Turan Baş, a faculty member at Ondokuz Mayıs University, and stands approximately 5.5 meters tall. Diogenes is depicted not sitting in a barrel, but holding a lantern in his hand as he searches for an honest man, accompanied by his faithful dog—this stance represents the act of “searching for an honest man,” which became the symbol of his philosophy.
This statue is not only a work of art but also a symbol of Sinop’s historical and cultural identity. It is located at the narrowest point of Sinop, facing the sea, and is integrated into significant historical routes alongside the Historical Sinop Prison and the castle walls. After its unveiling, some groups criticized the statue, either for referencing Diogenes’ search for honesty or due to his status as a philosopher; however, the Mayor of Sinop described this symbolic figure as a “cultural asset” for the city.
18. Boyabat Castle – An impressive castle located within the Sinop provincial borders, with ancient historical roots.
Boyabat Castle is a historical structure located in the Boyabat district of Sinop, perched on steep rocky hills overlooking the Gökırmak Valley. Its initial foundations were laid by the Paphlagonians in the 7th or 6th century BC. The castle later witnessed the Roman and Byzantine periods, and its current structure primarily reflects characteristics of the Ottoman era. Registered by the Immovable Cultural and Natural Heritage in 1987, the castle was included in the list of “Turkey’s 13 Most Magnificent Castles” in 2018.
The castle’s location is notable for its elevated position dominating the town of Boyabat; its walls are integrated with natural rock formations. Underground tunnels and a subterranean city extending from the lower part of the castle, dating back to the Roman era, may have been used for defense or water access. Today, the castle is open to visitors as an open-air museum; the exterior allows for scenic views and architectural observation, while the interior offers a simpler experience imbued with historical atmosphere.
19. Pasha Bastion – A crescent-shaped coastal defense structure with beautiful sea views.
Pasha Bastion, located on the Karakum road in the southeast of the Sinop Peninsula, is one of the crescent-shaped Ottoman-era defense structures. It was built in the 19th century, primarily during the Ottoman-Russian conflicts, to ensure the security of the Sinop harbor and shipyard. The upper section of the bastion contains 11 cannon emplacements, while the lower section houses an ammunition depot, barracks, and cellars—serving as a strategic base against potential attacks from both land and sea.
Structurally, it is partially integrated with volcanic rocks and constructed in accordance with crescent (arc)-style bastion architecture; this shape can be clearly seen from an aerial perspective. Today, the facility has been arranged as a tourist site, with some sections open to visitors and areas around it hosting food and beverage services as well as event organizations. Additionally, being located just about 2 km from Sinop city center makes it highly accessible.
20. Şahin Hill – An ideal spot for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Şahin Hill is a viewing point located in the Gerze district of Sinop that offers a bird’s-eye view of the city. Situated near the Kefevi neighborhood, it is one of the highest points in Gerze and is known for its commanding panorama. From here, both the blue waters of the Black Sea and the forest-covered coastline can be clearly seen; especially during sunset, the sky turns crimson, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
The hill also features a viewing terrace or café where visitors can enjoy the scenery along with tea, breakfast, or light snacks. Guests often take quiet breaks here with tea brewed in a samovar, take photos, and enjoy the sunset. Reviews describe this spot as a “must-visit first stop” and highlight its value as the only place where “you can see all of Sinop at once.”