EREGLI
Alapli is an ideal place for water sports, especially sailing and surfing. Long sandy beaches stretch both east and west on both sides of the town. Eregli, whose ancient name was Heraklea ad Pontus, stands on a hill adjacent to a Byzantine castle. In the spring the aroma of strawberries, some of the sweetest grown in Turkey, fills the air, making a visit a mouthwatering experience. Eregli derives its name from the mythological demi-god, Hercules, who, in the 11th century caught the three-headed dog, Cerberus, guardian of the gates of hell. According to Xenophon, Cerberus resided in the cave. Cehennemagzi (Entrance to Hell), outside of Eregli near Kavakderesi.
Zonguldak
is a major center of coal production and an important Black Sea port. 
The
scenic road on the east side of town leads to the areas of Kopuz and Uzunkum,
where tea gardens and restaurants beckon tourists to spend a leisurely
afternoon. Connoisseurs of fine handcrafted wood, travel to Devrek, a pretty
town, 50 km southeast of Zonguldak, to purchase its renowned wooden canes.
Karabük, situated 10 km southeast of Safranbolu is the most important
industrial center in Turkey, known for its iron and steel industry. Not
far from Karabük lies the charming park of Camlik, the perfect place
for rest and relaxation. The entire area is dotted with pine forests and
there is a lovely tea garden and restaurant in a nice place to enjoy nature.
Also inland and further to the east is charming Safranbolu. Step back in
time in the lovely "old world" style of the town to see some of the most
beautiful traditional old homes, unique in Turkey for their outstanding
design and construction. The most interesting of these include: Kaymakamlar
House, Aygiroglu House, and Asmazlar Havuzlu Konak which has been restored
and is now used as a hotel operated by the Turkish Touring Automobile Club.
The Mektepciler House is also noteworthy as is the Haci Memisler House.
Pasa House is also restored and has been converted into a lovely cafe and
pension as well. The castle on the hill offers a vista of the town. Be
sure to see the Cinci Inn and Hamam (17th-century Turkish bath), the Izzet
Mehmet Pasa Mosque and Library (18th-century), and the Köprülü
Mosque which also dates from the 17th century. Also worth seeing are the
Dagdelen Mosque (18th-century) and Kaçak Mosque (19th-century).
UNESCO has named Safranbolu as an international cultural area.
SAFRANBOLU
Safranbolu
originally takes its name from the saffron fields that dotted the area
in the 19th century. Today, saffron fields abound in the village of Davutobasi,
20 km away, where a thriving saffron business continues. Before leaving,
be sure not to miss the Arasta (Old Bazaar) where you can watch craftsmen
at work and bargain with them for their goods. The "lokum" (Turkish Delight)
is also a special treat, unique among lokum connossieurs and a must to
sample.
BARTIN
About 36 km.
south of Karabük is Eskipazar, where the old Omer Beyler mansion is
located. It is now restored and famous for its ornately decorated ceilings.
Bartin (80 km east of Zonguldak) is a pretty city of timbered houses that
holds a strawberry festival every year in the spring. The remains of a
Roman road dating back to the reign of the Emperor Claudius can still be
seen. A boat trip on the Bartin river makes for a delightful excursion.
Nearby Inkum has been developed into a holiday village with a sandy beach,
restaurant and guest houses.
Amasra
(I7km from Bartin), one of the most beautiful 
towns
on the Black Sea coast, was called Sesamos in ancient times, when it was
founded by the Miletians in the sixth century B.C. It stands on a peninsula
made by two inlets. The eastern side enjoys a reputation for good swimming.
On a rocky promontory rise the ramparts of a Byzantine citadel, inside
of which is an old church, now the Fatih Mosque. The necropolis dates from
the Roman period. Remnants from Amasra's entire history are displayed in
the Archaeology Museum. You can purchase a lovely handcarved wooden souvenir
on Cekiciler street. Continuing eastward along the coast, you arrive at
Cakraz (I5km east of Amasra) a typical fishing village with excellent beaches,
friendly accommodation and fine restaurants. The winding road between Cakraz
and Inebolu has steep mountainsides and offers a spectacular panoramic
view. Beyond Cakraz is Kurucasile, a town known for its fishing boat manufacturing.
Cide, 28 km farther, has good hotels and a pleasant beach, providing comfort
and relaxation. Gideros Bay will make you think a dream has come true.
Inebolu
(100 km east of Cide) is a typical Black Sea town set in lush greenery
displaying many fine examples of traditional Turkish architecture. East
of Inebolu is Abana, another good holiday center. Situated inland amid
beautiful forests, the provincial center of Kastamonu (90 km south of Inebolu)
also boasts several important monuments: the 12th-century Byzantine castle,
the 13th-century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque of 1356. The
Archaeology and Ethnography Museum displays artifacts found in the region
and the Liva Pasa Mansion Museum also has local ethnographical artifacts.
Near the town is Evkaya, a rock tomb dating from the sixth century B.C.
In the village of Kasaba, the 14th-century Mahmut Bey Mosque retains some
of the finest wood carvings found anywhere in Turkey. About 41 km west
of Kastamonu via Daday, Cömlekciler village has traditional timber
houses and farms offering country horseback riding tours. Then, 63 km south
of Kastamonu is Ilgaz National Park, a delightful protected area in the
Ilgaz Mountains, in which also is a ski center and good accommodation.
East of the park by the Devrez and Kizilirmak rivers, is Tosya where extensive
rice fields cover the landscape. Ilgarini Cave, in the region of Pinarbasi
(northwest of Kastamonu), is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is
a wonderful place for trekking and exploration off the beaten path.
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