- Akçakoca is a modest Black Sea beach town
- Konuralp has the remains of ancient Prusias ad Hypium
- Güzeldere and Samandere waterfalls are easy nature trips
- About two hours from Istanbul
- Airports
- Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen (SAW), about 2 hours by road
- Best time to go
- June-September
- Type
- Province
Düzce is a compact province between Sakarya and Bolu, stretching from the motorway corridor up to the Black Sea coast. It is farming country, with hazelnut orchards on the hills, and its main city was largely rebuilt after the 1999 earthquake. Visitors mostly come for the coast at Akçakoca and the forests and waterfalls inland.
It is a short, easy trip from Istanbul and suits travellers who want a taste of the Black Sea without flying east. Düzce is part of the Black Sea region; the larger lakes and ski slopes of Bolu are next door. For wider planning see our Turkey guide.
Things to do
- Akçakoca – the province's seaside town, with sandy beaches, a promenade and the ruins of a small castle on the headland.
- Konuralp and Prusias ad Hypium – remains of a Roman city, including theatre seating and stretches of wall, with a small museum in the village.
- Güzeldere waterfall – a high waterfall in a nature park south of the city, with picnic spots and a café.
- Samandere waterfall – a forest walk to falls and pools near the city.
- Lake Efteni – a shallow lake and wetland west of the city, good for birdwatching.
- Kardüz plateau – a high summer pasture in the mountains with forest views, reached by a winding road.
- Hazelnuts – the orchards around Akçakoca are part of Turkey's huge hazelnut belt; buy them fresh in late summer.
Where to stay
- Akçakoca – seaside hotels and pensions, best for a summer beach stay.
- Düzce city – modern hotels, handy for the waterfalls and Konuralp.
- Mountain areas – a few simple bungalow-style places near the plateaus.
Getting there
Fly to Istanbul. From Sabiha Gökçen, Düzce is about two hours by road on the Istanbul to Ankara motorway, and Akçakoca roughly 45 minutes beyond that. Coaches run frequently from Istanbul. A car makes it much easier to reach the waterfalls and plateaus.
Best time to visit
June to September for the beaches at Akçakoca. Spring and autumn suit the waterfalls and forest walks, with fewer people. Winters are damp, and the high plateaus can see snow.
Visit the waterfalls after a few days of rain for the best flow, but bring proper shoes as paths get muddy.
Top attractions in Düzce
Düzce on the map
Frequently asked questions
Is Akçakoca good for a beach holiday?
It is a simple, family-oriented Turkish resort with long beaches. Do not expect the facilities of the Mediterranean coast, and remember the Black Sea can be rough.
What is there to see at Konuralp?
The remains of the Roman city of Prusias ad Hypium, including part of a theatre, plus a small museum. It makes a good short stop.
How far is Düzce from Istanbul?
About two to 2.5 hours by road, depending on traffic leaving the city.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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