Did you know that Diogenes, the famous Cynic who advised us to be happy with what we have in life, was born in Sinop? According to the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT), Sinop is one of the happiest provinces in Türkiye. Of course, the available information about Sinop, is not limited to only this fact. Our Sinop travel guide begins now, where you can find many other important details about the city!
Sinop is one of the remarkable provinces of the Black Sea due to its natural coastline. Especially when you go to Hamsilos Bay, you will understand why this cove of Sinop is so prominent. Hamsilos Bay and Natural Park, which uniquely melds the blues and greens into a harmonious panorama, is at the top of the list of places to visit in Sinop. Of course, the other beauties of the city are not to be underestimated. What are you waiting for, let’s go!
1. Where is Sinop located?
Sinop is located at the northernmost tip of Türkiye, specifically in the Black Sea Region. Sinop province, which is located within the borders of the Central Black Sea, neighbours Kastamonu in the west, Çorum in the south and Samsun in the southeast. When we look at the physical map of Sinop, which has the only natural harbour on the Black Sea, we see that the city consists of the following nine districts:
- Merkez
- Boyabat
- Ayancık
- Gerze
- Türkeli
- Durağan
- Dikmen
- Erfelek
- Saraydüzü
2. How to get to Sinop?
Transportation to Sinop is quite easy, as the Sinop Airport has been open since 1993, that is, for more than 30 years. It is also easy to reach Sinop comfortably by road. Let us also answer the questions such as “How many kilometres is the drive from İstanbul to Sinop?” and “How many kilometres is the drive from Ankara to Sinop?”: Sinop to İstanbul is 681 kilometres, and Sinop to Ankara is 421 kilometres.
3. What are the outstanding natural features of Sinop?
Sinop is a place that enchants visitors with its natural beauty. However, the city is like an oyster, you may not notice the beauty of its pearl from afar. Come on then, it is time to take a closer look!
3.1. Sinop Waterfalls
When thinking of Sinop, we are aware that the waterfalls may not come first to mind. So, it is our responsibility to introduce Erfelek Tatlıca Waterfalls to you so that from now on you will be informed. Erfelek Tatlıca Şelaler, which consists of 28 waterfalls in a valley where two forests meet, is among the places that you should visit!
3.2. Sinop Beaches
Summer is different in Sinop! Dotted around the beaches that open to the cool waters of the Black Sea, Sinop beach accommodations offer ideal holiday experiences for you and your loved ones. If you wish, you can stay at hotels, in bungalow houses, or in a home inside a holiday village. Moreover, from these different accommodation options, Sinop hotels are located where there are many transportation alternatives.
3.3. Buzluk Plateau
Buzluk Plateau, is a region in Türkiye that is registered as a natural park. It is on the list of must-see places in Sinop because it includes the Buzluk cave and a hornbeam tree that is estimated to be 500 years old.
4. What to eat in Sinop?
You can find special tastes in every corner of Türkiye. Sinop is one of the provinces in which you can discover unique tastes that you will not soon forget. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you set aside enough time during your holiday for exploring Sinop’s local specialities.
4.1. Sinop Mantısı
If you go to the top of Sinop’s castle and shout, “What is Sinop famous for?”, there will surely be someone who will answer your question with “Mantı!” Sinop mantısı distinguishes itself from its counterparts with the shape of the dough and the greens added to the filling, and that it is served with both yogurt and walnuts.
4.2. Nokul
When you explore Sinop’s cuisine, be prepared to encounter the puffed pastry nokul, one of the leading tastes of the city, first. According to your preference, you can choose from sweet or savoury varieties including minced meat, hazelnut, tahini, raisin, or spinach.
4.3. Corn Soup
One of the thousands of corn dishes in Sinop’s cuisine is the corn soup (mısır çorbası). If you are one of those who say, “Always soup!”, you will like this soup made with kidney beans, corn, and lamb.
5. Where to go in Sinop?
After discovering the natural beauties of Sinop and nourishing yourself with exquisite local flavours, it is time to visit Sinop’s attractions! It would be a pity to leave without visiting:
5.1. Sinop Castle
Sinop Castle, located by the beach in the city centre of Sinop, offers an exquisite view to its guests with its high walls and seaside location. While you are there, do not miss the opportunity to relax and have a drink in the castle’s café.
5.2. Historical Sinop Prison
The historical Sinop Prison, since converted into a museum, is one of the locations in the city that you should visit. This museum-prison, which is identified in Sabahattin Ali’s poem “Aldırma gönül” (Nevermind my Heart), is a unique place to witness history.
5.3. İnceburun Lighthouse
İnceburun Lighthouse, located at the northernmost point of Türkiye, evokes an atmosphere found in movie thrillers. İnceburun Lighthouse, only 20 kilometres away from the city centre, is also very easy to reach.
5.4. İnaltı Cave
Located 35 kilometres away from the Ayancık district of Sinop, this natural formation will impress you with its size. The road is muddy during the last 400 meters of the cave, which is 700 meters long in total. Make appropriate plans for these conditions before you go.
You do not have to worry about places to stay in Sinop! Odamax offers you the most suitable hotel options for your Sinop holiday. All you have left to do is book now and enjoy your trip.
