Turkish Black Sea
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Positives
- Two different swell directions
- No tides
- Totally virgin Scenic coastal road
- Istanbul, culture and snow resorts
Negatives
- Inconsistent, short-lived swells
- Gutless small waves
- Cold and wet winter climate
- Lack of tourist infrastructure
- Long drives
Turkish Black Sea surf travel guide
Turkey's capital city Istanbul straddles the narrow Bosphorus strait which connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and onwards to the Mediterranean coast and thereby dividing the continents of Europe and Asia. There’s a huge contrast between this bustling city and the rural Turkish ‘Kara Deniz’ coastline most families own just a tractor, and the roads are almost entirely clear. Turkey is one of the few surfing destinations where you actually surf in semi-fresh water, which greatly reduces buoyancy. Saltwater comes from the Mediterranean via the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, whilst freshwater pours in from the bordering countries. Like bore-riders and lake surfers the world over, adjust your board accordingly. The winding coastal road from Erikli to Sinop reveals vast potential for untouched, empty waves.
Surf spots in Turkish Black Sea
Research the 15 surf breaks in Turkish Black Sea and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 15 breaks in Turkish Black Sea.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Turkish Black Sea
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Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 45,768,000
- Population
- 84,339,067
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- TRY
- Exchange rate
- $1 USD = 5.7 EGP TRY
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +90
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- Turkish (official), Arabic, Kurdish
Electricity
- Plug Type
- f
Visas
Europeans can travel to turkey visa free but USA, Canada, Oz, NZ and most others need to get an eVisa before arrival (US$50).
Getting There
As a busy tourist hub, Istanbul (IST) is easy and fairly cheap to reach from Europe and Asia. It's 700kms (430mi) to Sinop, about an 8h drive or fly to Samsun (SSX), 1h east of Sinop but car rentals will be more expensive. Istanbul-Sinop ferry leaves three times weekly but not in winter. Igneada is a 4h drive from Istanbul, Kylios 45min.
Getting Around
Driving from one spot to another can take several hours and hopping from the NE to the exposed NW coast can take a day. Winding coastal roads, despite being slow, are super scenic and not busy. The main highway from Istanbul to Kastamonu is efficient. Beware of icy roads in the mountains. Driving in Istanbul itself is a bit mad. Petrol is also not cheap.
Accommodation
The best hotels in coastal towns won’t cost more than $40, like Sinop Antik Otel. Staying in minor seaside resorts off-season will be a problem, with only cheap basic rooms to rent. Food is rich and varied, and everyone drinks tea. Expect to pay $10 for a meal. Beer is for sale in Tekel shops. Avoid Ramadan time.
Activities
Beautiful coastline between Amasra and Sinop. Go snowboarding in nearby Kartalkaya, Uludag or Ilgaz. Towns like Safranbolu or Amasra have a great feel to them, and Istanbul is a trip of its own. Try ferryboat rides in Yalova or Bandirma and visit the Prince’s islands.
Hazards & hassles
Driving can be sketchy on icy and snowy roads, and Istanbul traffic is mad. Beware of hypothermia if you surf on windy, cold days. Pollution problems in major coastal towns. Swells are short-lived and require a degree of forecasting skill.
Handy Hints
The Aegean and Mediterranean Sea both have coastal resorts with wind/kite surfing centres like Bodrum or Alacati, but no surfing equipment is available. Don’t miss the big Bazar markets and the Mosque in Istanbul. You cannot access Bulgaria in a rental car.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.