Bartın is a small Black Sea province in northwestern Turkey, known for its Ottoman wooden architecture, the historic coastal town of Amasra with its Genoese castle, the Bartın River winding through forests, and the long sandy stretch of İnkumu Beach. A compact and largely overlooked destination, Bartın rewards travellers seeking authentic Turkish provincial life, unspoiled Black Sea scenery, and traditional wood-carving crafts.
Best souvenirs
Authentic items worth bringing home.
Carved wooden items (kaşık, kepçe, dekoratif oyma) — Bartın is famous for traditional wood carving; spoons, ladles, and decorative panels made from local hardwoods are sold in the bazaar
Nazar boncuğu (evil eye amulets) — blue glass beads in various sizes, sold throughout Amasra
Local honey (Bartın balı) — Black Sea forest honey from Ulus and Kurucaşile districts; sold at markets and roadside stalls
Amasra ceramics and painted tiles — small-scale local pottery souvenirs in the castle souvenir shops
Dried Black Sea herbs and teas — local mountain herb mixes from the Saturday market
Mısır ekmeği (cornbread) baked on stone — sometimes sold wrapped for travel from village bakeries
Traditional markets
Where locals shop and travellers find treasures.
Bartın Covered Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)
Wooden handicrafts, local produce, spices, textiles
Where: Kemeraltı Mah., Bartın city centre
Hours: Monday–Saturday 08:00–19:00; Sunday varies
Bartın Saturday Market (Pazar)
Fresh produce, cheese, honey, clothing, household goods
Where: City centre pazar alanı, Bartın
Hours: Saturday 07:00–15:00
Amasra Souvenir Shops
Wooden carvings, nazar boncuğu (evil eye beads), local honey, Amasra pottery
Where: Kalekale Mah. and Büyük Liman Cad., Amasra
Hours: Daily 09:00–22:00 (summer); shorter hours in winter