Samsun is a coastal city located in the Samsun Province of the Black Sea Region in northern Turkey. Positioned along the southern coast of the Black Sea, Samsun serves as an important urban center and port. It is the largest city in the Black Sea Region, featuring a mix of historical sites, natural landscapes, and modern infrastructure. Samsun functions as a regional hub connecting the Black Sea coast with central Anatolia.
Samsun Overview
Location: Northern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast
Primary features: Black Sea port city with historical sites and natural parks
Time needed: 2-3 days (1 day minimum)
Best time to visit: May-September (warm season), October-April (cool, wetter season)
Cost level: Low to medium compared to major Turkish cities
Tourism profile: Cultural tourism, coastal sightseeing, nature activities
Reasons Travelers Visit Samsun
Historical significance as a key site in the Turkish War of Independence (Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s landing point)
Coastal location on the Black Sea with beaches and waterfront promenades
Rich regional cuisine emphasizing Black Sea specialties like hamsi (anchovy) and corn bread
Nearby natural parks and mountainous areas for outdoor activities
Modern city infrastructure with museums and cultural centers
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Samsun is from May to September when the weather is warmer and drier, suitable for coastal activities and sightseeing. Temperatures during these months typically range between 18°C and 28°C. The winter months, October to April, are cooler with frequent rainfall and temperatures between 5°C and 15°C, resulting in fewer tourists and a quieter city atmosphere.
Season
Months
Weather
Crowd Levels
Spring
March–May
Mild, increasing warmth, rain possible
Moderate
Summer
June–September
Warm and dry, 20–28°C
High (peak in July–August)
Autumn
October–November
Cooling down, wetter
Low to moderate
Winter
December–February
Cold, frequent rain, occasional snow, 0–10°C
Low
How to Get There
Samsun can be accessed primarily via air, road, and bus from major cities in Turkey. The city has an airport with domestic flights and is connected by highways and bus routes to other regions.
Nearest major city: Ankara (~370 km south)
Airport: Samsun Çarşamba Airport (domestic flights)
Main transport options: flight, car, intercity bus
Train service: limited; no direct high-speed trains
From Istanbul
Flight: 1 hour 15 minutes direct domestic flights from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen
Car: Approximately 720 km by highway, about 8-9 hours drive
Bus: 10-12 hours by intercity bus services
From Izmir
Flight: No direct flights, typically requires connection via Istanbul (total travel time approx. 4-6 hours)
Car: Approximately 930 km, about 10-11 hours drive
Bus: No direct buses generally; combination routes via major hubs
From Antalya
Flight: No direct flights, connections via Istanbul required, total travel approx. 4-6 hours
Car: Approximately 850 km, around 9-10 hours drive
Bus: No direct buses available; requires transfers
From Ankara
Flight: Direct flights available, about 1 hour
Car: Approximately 370 km, about 4-5 hours drive
Bus: 6-7 hours via direct bus services
Getting Around
Public transportation includes buses and minibuses with extensive coverage of the city
City center and waterfront areas are walkable with pedestrian paths
Taxis are widely available for point-to-point transport
Typical distances between major sites range from 1 km to 5 km within central Samsun
Top Attractions in Samsun
Atatürk Statue and Square
A large monument dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey; a central city square and historical landmark. Visit duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Bandırma Ferry Museum
Museum housed in the ship replica used by Atatürk when arriving in Samsun in 1919, representing Turkish War of Independence history. Visit duration: 1 hour.
Arkeoloji ve Etnografya Müzesi (Archaeology and Ethnography Museum)
Museum featuring archaeological artifacts and ethnographic displays from the Black Sea region. Visit duration: 1-2 hours.
Amazon Village (Amazon Köyü)
Cultural park based on the local mythology of the Amazons native to the area, with replicas of huts and statues. Outdoor attraction. Visit duration: 1-1.5 hours.
Bafra Sands (Bafra Longoz Forest)
Natural site comprising coastal sand dunes and wetlands near Bafra, suitable for nature observation and hiking. Visit duration: 2-3 hours.
Common Visitor Activities
Walking along the Samsun waterfront promenade (Atatürk Park)
Visiting historical museums and cultural sites in the city center
Sampling local Black Sea cuisine, especially seafood like hamsi
Exploring natural parks and coastal areas near Samsun
Day trips to nearby beaches and forested zones
Samsun Pide (Bafra Pidesi) is legendary throughout Turkey for being thinner, longer, and crunchier
Amisos Hill Tumuli – Cable Car (Teleferik) that takes visitors from the Batı Park (coastal area) up to Amisos Hill. It offers the best panoramic view of the city and contains ancient tomb chambers.
Suggested Samsun Visit Duration
Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 days in Samsun to cover the main historical sites, museums, and natural attractions. A minimum of 1 full day can allow for key landmarks and waterfront exploration. Half-day visits are possible for quick urban sightseeing but do not allow for regional or cultural activities.
Nearby Destinations
Çarşamba: Approximately 20 km east, known for its airport and local markets
Bafra: 50 km west, coastal town with beaches and natural wetlands
Ordu: 130 km east, another coastal city with mountain views
Amasya: 140 km south, historic city with Ottoman architecture
Practical Information
Climate
Humid subtropical/Black Sea climate with warm summers and moist winters
Seasonality notes
Peak tourist season is summer (June-September); off-season includes colder, wetter months
Crowd levels
High in summer, moderate in spring and autumn, low in winter
Constraints or limitations
Winter may have heavy rain and occasional snow; limited direct train service; some attractions closed on public holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of travelers visit Samsun?
Samsun attracts cultural travelers interested in modern Turkish history and museums, nature enthusiasts exploring coastal and forested areas, and visitors seeking regional Black Sea cuisine. It is also frequented by domestic tourists and local day-trippers from nearby provinces.
How many days are needed to visit Samsun?
A typical visit ranges from 1 to 3 days. At least 1 full day is required for the central city and key historical sites, while 2 to 3 days allow time for nearby natural attractions and cultural exploration.
Is Samsun safe for travelers?
Samsun is generally considered safe for travelers, with low rates of violent crime. Normal urban precautions apply. Public areas and tourist sites are monitored, and local authorities maintain standard safety measures.
What is the best time to visit Samsun?
The best time to visit is during late spring to early autumn (May to September) when weather is warmer and suitable for outdoor activities. Winter months are colder and wetter, with fewer tourists.
Written by Isabella Schmidt
Isabella is a travel writer from Germany who specializes in art and architecture. She explored Hagia Sophia, Cappadocia’s cave churches, and Ottoman palaces. Isabella’s guides focus on architecture, museums, and heritage tours.
