The wooden walkway between the green walls of Horma Canyon

KASTAMONU · CURATED ITINERARIES

Follow the road.
Make it your story.

A cool canyon breeze. A street full of stories. A road that leads to the sea. Find the escape that feels like you.

Find my kind of route
AN INVITATION FROM NATURE Through the canyons Horma · Ilıca · Valla Explore the 3-day plan
Horma Canyon, Pınarbaşı01 — 08 Every road, a new Kastamonu.

You bring the curiosity. We’ll find the first stop.

8 different themes2–4 days of discovery Day-by-day plans

YOUR NEXT GREAT MEMORY

What does your perfect escape look like?

Make more of your time away. Choose an itinerary that matches your interests and the days you have to spare.

8 routes to discover

Your own pace. Your own story.
Kastamonu from the Clock Tower Weekend Getaway Kastamonu from the Clock Tower

Kastamonu merkez · Ilgaz

Two days. So many stories.

The historic city core plus nearby nature — a short but full first encounter.

2 days Year-round
Explore the day-by-day plan: Weekend Getaway

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Kastamonu Castle, Nasrullah Mosque and the historic bazaar (Kurşunlu Han, coppersmiths)
    • Münire Sultan Madrasa, craft workshops, pulled-halva tasting
    • Liva Paşa Mansion Ethnography Museum

  2. Day 2

    • İsmail Bey Complex and Şeyh Şaban-ı Veli Complex
    • A nature break on Ilgaz Mountain; allow time for the return journey and changing road conditions
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Horma Canyon Canyon Route Horma Canyon

Pınarbaşı · Azdavay

Into the heart of the green.

Follow wooden walkways and the sound of falling water. Three days from Horma Canyon to Valla’s observation terraces.

3 days May–October
Explore the day-by-day plan: Canyon Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Arrive in Pınarbaşı and explore the Horma Canyon boardwalk
    • Ilıca Waterfall walk

  2. Day 2

    • View Valla Canyon from observation terraces open to visitors; this plan does not include a canyon descent
    • Unwind in Pınarbaşı over a regional dinner

  3. Day 3

    • Çatak Canyon observation terrace in Azdavay, then your return journey
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Ilıca Waterfall Family Route Ilıca Waterfall

Pınarbaşı · Kastamonu merkez

Little moments, shared memories.

Waterfall views, city museums and intriguing wooden craftsmanship, with plenty of pauses. Set a pace that suits your family.

2–3 days April–October
Explore the day-by-day plan: Family Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • A scenic break near Ilıca Waterfall; adapt the walking to your children’s age and energy
    • Optional Horma walk; check steps, trail conditions and stroller access before visiting

  2. Day 2

    • Museums and the historic bazaar in Kastamonu city centre
    • Discover local crafts and pause for pulled halva

  3. Day 3 · Optional

    • Mahmut Bey Mosque in Kasaba village — nail-free wooden mosque, fascinating for kids
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Kastamonu city centre Gastronomy Route Kastamonu city centre

Kastamonu merkez · Taşköprü

Every road leads to a good table.

A flavour journey through GI products, women's cooperatives and harvest festivals.

2–3 days Year-round · harvest highlights
Explore the day-by-day plan: Gastronomy Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Taste etli ekmek, banduma and pulled halva; browse regional products in the historic bazaar

  2. Day 2

    • Discover Taşköprü garlic and local products; arrange producer visits in advance
    • Visit the ancient city of Pompeiopolis in Taşköprü

  3. Day 3 · Optional

    • Follow the story of einkorn in İhsangazi through local producers and products
    • Noodles and tarhana from women’s cooperatives; check current listings for festival dates
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Cide coast Coastal Route Cide coast

Cide · İnebolu · Abana

Take the slow road by the sea.

A coastal drive along the Black Sea's untouched coves, fishing towns and long beaches.

3–4 days June–September
Explore the day-by-day plan: Coastal Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Cide — long beaches and the hidden Gideros Bay

  2. Day 2

    • İnebolu — historic wooden houses, War of Independence heritage, fishing harbour

  3. Day 3

    • Abana and Çatalzeytin shores; a scenic stop at Ginolu Bay

  4. Day 4 · Optional

    • Spend an extra day in your favourite coastal town and return at your own pace
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Winter in Ilgaz Winter Route Winter in Ilgaz

Ilgaz · Kastamonu merkez

Wake up to a world of white.

Snow-dusted trees in Ilgaz, time on the slopes and comforting regional food in town. A few days dedicated to winter.

2–3 days December–March
Explore the day-by-day plan: Winter Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Skiing in Ilgaz; confirm open slopes, rental equipment and lesson availability with operators

  2. Day 2

    • Open visitor areas and snowy forest views in Ilgaz Mountains National Park
    • Warm regional dinner in the city centre (tirit, banduma)

  3. Day 3 · Optional

    • Snow-covered historic city centre and museums
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Kastamonu panorama Culture Route Kastamonu panorama

Kastamonu merkez · Kasaba · Taşköprü

A different story on every street.

History from the Byzantine–Seljuk castle to a nail-free wooden mosque, the Hat Reform and ancient Pompeiopolis.

2–3 days Year-round
Explore the day-by-day plan: Culture Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Kastamonu Castle (Byzantine origins, Seljuk–Ottoman era); city panorama
    • Nasrullah, İsmail Bey and Atabey Mosques; historic hans
    • The Hat Reform / Atatürk's 1925 Kastamonu visit route and Republic Square

  2. Day 2

    • Mahmut Bey Mosque (1366) in Kasaba village — built without nails, hand-painted woodwork

  3. Day 3 · Optional

    • Ancient Pompeiopolis in Taşköprü; Liva Paşa Mansion Ethnography Museum on the return
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay
Horma’s wooden walkways Photography Route Horma’s wooden walkways

Kastamonu merkez · Pınarbaşı

Chase the light. Find the moment.

The best frames for misty forest mornings, canyon depths and golden-hour castle views.

3 days Sep–Nov / snow season
Explore the day-by-day plan: Photography Route

A starting point for your trip. Adapt each stop to your own pace.

  1. Day 1

    • Golden-hour and sunset panorama of Kastamonu Castle

  2. Day 2

    • Küre Mountains forests and ridge roads on a misty morning
    • Valla Canyon observation terraces — depth and perspective shots

  3. Day 3

    • Horma Canyon boardwalk and long-exposure of Ilıca Waterfall
    • Replace the canyon day with snowy Ilgaz views, depending on road conditions
Explore the area on the mapPlaces to stay

LEAVE A LITTLE ROOM FOR SPONTANEITY

The best route
is your own.

Take inspiration from these itineraries and bring your favourite stops together. Sign in to save your own trip.

Create my own route

Before you set off

Durations are suggestions. Check current opening hours, road and weather conditions, and stay in open visitor areas. Leave nature as you found it.

Leave No Trace guide

Photography & licences Official destination information