TR · Black Sea Region · 40.65°N 35.83°E
amasya
Timber houses along the river and royal rock tombs cut high into the cliffs.
- Best time
- April–June and September–October are the best months, with blossom in spring and the apple harvest in autumn. July–August is hot in the gorge; winter is cold, with ice on the steps.
- How long
- 2 days, 1 night
- Getting there
- Fly with one stop via Istanbul to Amasya Merzifon, about 14–16 hours all in, then about 45 minutes by road. Turkey is 5 hours behind KL all year.
amasya
Dear group chat,— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingAmasyaTR, Black Sea Region
Photo: Ahmtzngn34 · CC BY-SA 4.0 Photo: Ingeborg Simon · CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo: Ingeborg Simon · CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo: Babbsack · CC BY-SA 3.0 Photo: Ingeborg Simon · CC BY-SA 3.0
Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.
Amasya is a small river town in a narrow gorge, with Ottoman timber houses along the water and the tombs of ancient kings carved into the cliff above. It's quiet and pretty, and lovely after dark when the houses and tombs are lit.
Makan
Things to do
- Yalıboyu housesA row of timber Ottoman houses leaning over the river, best seen from the opposite bank.Map ↗
- Tombs of the Pontic KingsHuge tombs cut into the cliff face over 2,000 years ago, reached by a steep path.Map ↗
- Hazeranlar MansionA restored 19th-century riverside house with its rooms furnished as they were.Map ↗
- Amasya MuseumLocal finds from the Hittites onwards, plus the mummies of medieval rulers.Map ↗
Good to know
- The tomb path is steep, so climb it in the cool of the morning and save the riverside for the evening.
- Meat is halal as standard here.
Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.