- Rock-cut tombs of the Pontic kings tower over the city
- Ottoman timber houses line the Yeşilırmak river
- Ottoman princes were trained here as provincial governors
- Known for its apples and an easy trip from Samsun
- Airports
- Amasya-Merzifon (MZH) for domestic flights, or Samsun (SZF) about 2 hours by road
- Best time to go
- April-June and September-October
- Type
- Province
Amasya is a small city squeezed into a narrow gorge of the Yeşilırmak river. On one side, Ottoman timber houses lean out over the water; above them, tombs of the kings of Pontus are cut deep into the cliff, lit up at night. It was the birthplace of the geographer Strabo, and later a training ground where Ottoman princes served as governors before taking the throne.
It is one of the most rewarding towns to visit in northern Turkey, compact enough to explore on foot. Amasya is part of the Black Sea region; see our Turkey guide for more planning help.
Things to do
- Tombs of the Pontic kings – huge rock-cut tombs in the cliff above the river, reached by steps from the old town.
- Yalıboyu houses – the row of Ottoman houses along the river bank, the classic view of Amasya.
- Hazeranlar Mansion – a restored 19th-century house open as a museum.
- Amasya Castle (Harşena) – the citadel high above the city, reached by road, with sweeping views.
- Sultan Bayezid II Mosque – a large 15th-century Ottoman mosque complex by the river.
- Darüşşifa – a 14th-century hospital building famous for treating patients with music, now a museum of medical history.
- Amasya Museum – archaeology and ethnography collections from the province.
- Ferhat water channel – an old channel cut into the rock and linked to the folk legend of Ferhat and Şirin.
Where to stay
| Area | Why stay there |
|---|---|
| Yalıboyu riverside | Boutique hotels in restored Ottoman houses facing the tombs |
| City centre | Modern hotels within walking distance of everything |
Getting there
There are no direct UK flights. Fly to Istanbul and connect to Samsun (SZF), then drive or take a coach roughly two hours south to Amasya. Amasya-Merzifon Airport (MZH), about 45 minutes away, has limited domestic flights from Istanbul. Coaches also run from Ankara, about four to five hours away. Hattusa in Çorum and Tokat are both within easy reach for a touring trip.
Best time to visit
Spring and autumn are ideal for walking the town and climbing to the tombs. Summer is hot in the gorge. Late summer and autumn bring Amasya's famous apples to the markets.
Take an evening stroll along the river when the tombs and houses are lit up; it is the best time to see the town.
Top attractions in Amasya
Amasya on the map
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need in Amasya?
One full day is enough to see the main sights; two nights allows a relaxed pace and a trip to the castle.
Is Amasya on the Black Sea coast?
No. It is inland, roughly two hours south of Samsun, though it is grouped with the Black Sea region.
Can you visit the rock tombs?
Yes, the main tombs are reached by a stepped path from the old town. Wear good shoes for the climb.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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