Sinop, Turkey

Conquerors, Castles, and Cuisine

A charming city perched on the shore of the Black Sea, Sinop is perfect for exploring on foot. Its seaside location provides stunning views, and the thick stone walls running throughout the town, punctuated by seven stately towers, give it the air of a large fortress. With its natural sheltered harbor, Sinop was a prime attraction for conquerors since 800 BC. Today, it’s the capital city of the Sinop region and a delightful spot to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine, history, and culture.

Start your day in Sinop with a fresh loaf of Ekmek, a flavorful sourdough bread, from one of the local bakeries (add butter and honey for the perfect breakfast to fuel a day of exploring). Stroll along the harbor, chat with local fishermen, or pop into an open-air cafe for a cup of tea.

For a glimpse into local history visit the Tarihi Sinop Cezaevi, a former prison which was repurposed into a museum in 1999. The Sinop Archaeological Museum documents the region’s conquerors of centuries past, while the Sinop Castle focuses on the medieval history of the town.

After a day immersed in Sinop’s colorful past, savor a fresh fish dinner, or indulge in a sweet treat, such as baklava or Turkish coffee.