Home Search by budget Destinations Beaches Interactive map Services Booking Collections Ratings VIP Club
Find flights Book transfer
Home / Destinations / Samsun

Samsun

Turkey · Coast · TRY · 41.279800, 36.336100
Family friendly 7.1/10 · Rank 656 of 2 709
Best season: June-September

Best for

Suitable for beach lovers, history, families, and those seeking a quiet holiday on the Black Sea

Best season

June-September

Daily budget
$63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 2 142 TRY)
For 7 days
$441.00 (≈ 37 009 ₽ · ≈ 14 994 TRY)
Samsun is a major port city and important industrial centre on the Black Sea coast. The city is known for its role in the history of the Turkish Republic — it was here that Atatürk started the War of Independence. In Samsun, you can visit the Atatürk Museum and stroll along the scenic waterfront.
Summer
31.0°C
Winter
3.0°C
Sea
25.0°C
Search by budget Atmosphere Pros and cons Climate Sea and beach Hazards Attractions Excursions Prices FAQ
Search by budget
Enter an amount — we'll show destinations within your reach
Description and atmosphere

Energy

calm

Pace of life

moderate

Local character

Friendly, hospitable, with Black Sea character

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Scenic Black Sea beaches
  • Rich history
  • Amisos Hill with cable car
  • Affordable prices
  • Visa-free entry for Russians up to 60 days
  • Excellent local cuisine

Cons

  • No direct flights from Moscow
  • Limited nightlife
  • Few hotels
  • Transport needed to get around the outskirts
  • Cool water for swimming
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
22.7°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
28.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
31.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
4.5°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
10.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
3.0°C
Summer Water Temperature
Average sea temperature in the warm season
24.0°C
Water Max Temp
Maximum water temperature in warm season
25.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
year-round
Sea and beach
Sand Type
Type of beach surface
sand
Sand Color
Colour of the beach sand
grey
Water Entry
Type of water entry
gentle
Waves
Level of waves
moderate
Water Clarity
Clarity of the water
moderate
Best Beach
Name of the most popular beach
Atakum Beach
Beach
Availability of a beach
Yes
Tides
Whether tides are noticeable
No
Rip Currents
Presence of dangerous rip currents
Yes
Sunbeds
Availability of sunbeds
Yes
Beach Cafe
Availability of a cafe or bar
Yes
Toilet / Shower
Availability of toilets and showers
Yes
Lifeguards
Presence of lifeguards
Yes
Safe for Swimming
Whether swimming is safe
Yes
Sea hazards
Sea Urchins
Presence of sea urchins
None
Corals / Reefs
Presence of corals or reefs
None
Jellyfish
Presence of jellyfish
Present
Sharks
Presence of sharks
None
Overall Danger
Overall danger rating
moderate
Note

Black Sea may have strong currents. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended

Sea urchins — details

  • Sea urchins in the coastal waters of Samsun inhabit rocky bottoms and algal beds. They do not pose a serious danger, but special swimming shoes are recommended
  • Found at depths from 1 to 30 metres, feeding on algae

Corals and reefs — details

  • Coral reefs are absent off the coast of Samsun in the Black Sea — Black Sea waters are characterised by low salinity and are unfavourable for reef-building corals
  • Marine ecosystems are represented by rocky reefs, algae and temperate fish species

Jellyfish — details

  • Jellyfish may appear in warmer months, especially late summer
  • Check with locals about jellyfish

Sharks — details

  • The spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) inhabits the Black Sea off Samsun, found in the central Black Sea (Sinop and Samsun vicinity). The longnose spurdog (Squalus blainvillei) is also found
  • These species do not pose a danger to humans. Shark attacks on humans have not been recorded in the Black Sea
Attractions

Amisos Hill

Scenic hill with panoramic city views and cable car

Atatürk Park

Large city park with lakes and walking paths

Gazi Museum

Museum dedicated to the start of the Turkish War of Independence

Atakum Beach

Popular city beach with golden sand

Tekkeköy Archaeological Valley

Ancient settlement with ruins and museum

Best areas

Atakum

Coastal area with hotels, restaurants, and beach

İlkadım

Central area with hotels, restaurants, and museums

Canik

Coastal area with hotels and restaurants

Must-try food

Kebab

Grilled meat, popular dish

Pide

Turkish flatbread with meat and cheese

Hamsi

Black Sea anchovy, fried or baked, regional specialty

Meze

Assortment of small appetizers with wine or rakı

Baklava

Layered dessert with nuts and honey

Where to go next

Amisos Hill

Viewpoint with cable car, 10 minutes away

Tekkeköy Archaeological Valley

Ancient settlement, 15 minutes away

Bafra

Town with beaches and market, 1 hour away

Sinop

Historic Black Sea city, 2 hours away

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
medium
Getting there
Nearest airports
Аэропорт Самсун-Чаршамба (SZF).
Check flight prices Putivator
Compare prices from 800+ airlines — Putivator
Search
Visa
Visa requirements
not required (up to 60 days)
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
June-September
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 510 TRY
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 1 360 TRY
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$70.00
≈ 5 874 ₽ · ≈ 2 380 TRY
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 4 080 TRY
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 4 080 TRY
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 700 TRY
Book a hotel Partner
Over 2 million hotels — Trip.com
Find
Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 204 TRY
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 510 TRY
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 85 TRY
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$3.50
≈ 294 ₽ · ≈ 119 TRY
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 17 TRY
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 272 TRY
Burger
Average price for a burger
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 238 TRY
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 102 TRY
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$7.00
≈ 587 ₽ · ≈ 238 TRY
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 510 TRY
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 17 TRY
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 102 TRY
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$45.00
≈ 3 776 ₽ · ≈ 1 530 TRY
Airport transfer Putivator
Comfortable transfer — Putivator
Book
Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 170 TRY
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 510 TRY
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 850 TRY
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 1 360 TRY
Tiqets — museums & landmarks Samsun Partner
Museums, parks, tours - Tiqets
Find
Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$25.00
≈ 2 098 ₽ · ≈ 850 TRY
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 272 TRY
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 340 TRY
eSIM for travellers Partner
Internet in 200+ countries — Yesim
Connect
Frequently asked questions
Samsun: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is June-September. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Samsun: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +31.0°C, during the day — up to +28.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Samsun: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +3.0°C, during the day — up to +10.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Samsun: what is the sea temperature?
The sea near the resort warms up to an average of +25.0°C in the warm season. This water temperature is considered ideal for long swims — you can stay in the sea for hours without discomfort. The water is comfortable for both adults and children. If you want to know the exact temperature by month, use the match-by-month tool.
Samsun: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on year-round. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Samsun: what are the beaches like?
The beaches here are with a "sand" surface, grey sand, moderate water. The most popular beaches: Atakum Beach. The beaches have sunbeds and cafes and bars.
Samsun: is it safe to swim in the sea?
Swimming is allowed here, but standard precautions should be taken. The overall danger level in the sea is rated as high — swimming is only recommended in specially designated areas. Lifeguards are on duty on the beaches.
Samsun: what are the sea hazards?
The sea contains: jellyfish. Black Sea may have strong currents. Swimming on guarded beaches recommended. It is recommended to swim in special shoes and avoid contact with marine life.
Samsun: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 2 142 TRY) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Samsun: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $15.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $40.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $70.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $120.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Samsun: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $6.00, dinner at a restaurant — $15.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $3.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.50. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Samsun: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $3.00, car rental — $45.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Samsun: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Amisos Hill — Scenic hill with panoramic city views and cable car; Atatürk Park — Large city park with lakes and walking paths; Gazi Museum — Museum dedicated to the start of the Turkish War of Independence; Atakum Beach — Popular city beach with golden sand; Tekkeköy Archaeological Valley — Ancient settlement with ruins and museum. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Samsun: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Kebab — Grilled meat, popular dish; Pide — Turkish flatbread with meat and cheese; Hamsi — Black Sea anchovy, fried or baked, regional specialty; Meze — Assortment of small appetizers with wine or rakı; Baklava — Layered dessert with nuts and honey. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Samsun: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: Atakum — Coastal area with hotels, restaurants, and beach; İlkadım — Central area with hotels, restaurants, and museums; Canik — Coastal area with hotels and restaurants. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Samsun: is a visa required?
Visa: not required (up to 60 days). Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Samsun: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Аэропорт Самсун-Чаршамба (code SZF). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Samsun: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — TRY. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $63.00 (≈ 5 287 ₽ · ≈ 2 142 TRY). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Samsun: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Samsun: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as medium. There is a good choice of bars and restaurants, but without excessive noise.
Samsun: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Amisos Hill — Viewpoint with cable car, 10 minutes away; Tekkeköy Archaeological Valley — Ancient settlement, 15 minutes away; Bafra — Town with beaches and market, 1 hour away; Sinop — Historic Black Sea city, 2 hours away. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.1/10
Overall rank: 656 of 2 709
Rank among coastal: 469

Best season

June-September

Useful information

Currency: TRY
Coordinates: 41.279800, 36.336100