Things To Do
in Alaplı

Alaplı is a picturesque coastal town located in the Zonguldak Province of Turkey, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene environment. The town sits along the Black Sea, offering beautiful beaches and lush green hills, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers. Alaplı has a rich cultural heritage, reflected in its local architecture and traditional lifestyle.

Visitors can enjoy a blend of relaxation and outdoor activities in this charming destination.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Alaplı
morning
:

Start your day with a walk along the Alaplı coastline, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and beautiful views.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to experience the vibrant culture and sample some traditional Turkish snacks.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant, indulging in fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the Black Sea.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Take a trip to the nearby forested areas for a morning hike, enjoying the lush greenery and local wildlife.

afternoon
:

Explore the local museum to learn about the history and culture of Alaplı and its surroundings.

evening
:

Wind down at a local café, sipping on traditional Turkish tea or coffee and interacting with the friendly locals.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍽️Meal at a restaurant$10 - $20
🛒Groceries for a week$30 - $50
🏨Budget hotel per night$20 - $50
🚍Public transport ticket$0.50
Coffee$2 - $4

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful natural scenery
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Friendly local population
  • Limited nightlife options
  • Language barrier for non-Turkish speakers
  • Public transport may be infrequent
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Nasılsınız?" - How are you?
  • "Evet" - Yes
  • "Hayır" - No

Places to Visit in Alaplı

Visit one of these nice places.

Alaplı Beach

Capture stunning sunset views and the tranquil beach atmosphere.

Alaplı Forest

A perfect spot for nature photography, with lush greenery and diverse wildlife.

Historical Sites

Photograph the charming old houses and local architecture that reflect the town's heritage.

Culinary Guide

Food in Alaplı

Alaplı offers a delightful culinary experience with its fresh seafood and traditional Turkish dishes that reflect the region's rich culture.

Alaplı Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hamsi (Anchovy)

A popular dish in the Black Sea region, often fried or grilled, served with lemon.

Must-Try!

Kebab

Juicy grilled meats, seasoned with local spices, served with rice or bread.

Pide

A type of Turkish flatbread topped with various ingredients, including cheese, meat, and vegetables.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Alaplı Market

A bustling market where you can find fresh produce, local cheeses, and street food options.

Street Vendors

Try simit (sesame-covered bread) or gözleme (stuffed flatbread) from local street vendors.

Climate Guide

Weather

Alaplı experiences a temperate oceanic climate, with warm, humid summers and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), while winter temperatures can drop to around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F). The region receives moderate rainfall, especially in spring and autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite handshake is common, and it’s respectful to greet elders first.

Dress Modestly

When visiting religious sites or rural areas, dress modestly to show respect.

Hospitality

Accepting offers of tea or snacks is customary; it’s considered polite.

Safety Guide

Safety

Alaplı is generally safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it’s advisable to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached easily, and locals are usually ready to help.

Tipping in Alaplı

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

It is customary to leave a tip of around 10% in restaurants, though it’s not obligatory.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash is advisable for markets and smaller establishments.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a great time for outdoor activities.

Summer

Expect warm weather and vibrant beach activities; it's the peak tourist season.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures and beautiful fall colors; perfect for hiking and photography.

Winter

Cold and rainy; fewer tourists, but a peaceful time to enjoy the local culture.

Nightlife Guide

Alaplı at Night

Alaplı's nightlife is relatively low-key, with a few bars and cafés offering live music on weekends. Most locals prefer to socialize in cafés or at home. The beach area is popular during summer evenings for leisurely strolls and socializing.

Hiking in Alaplı

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kozlu Trail

A scenic hiking route that takes you through lush forests and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Çaycuma Nature Park

A well-maintained park with multiple trails, ideal for both hiking and picnicking.

Airports

How to reach Alaplı by plane.

Zonguldak Airport (ZGK)

Located approximately 30 km from Alaplı, this airport offers domestic flights and is the nearest option for travelers.

Getting Around

Walkability

Alaplı is quite walkable, especially around the beach and town center. Most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore on foot. However, some hilly areas may pose a challenge for those with mobility issues.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

Most residents are Turkish, with a mix of cultural influences from the surrounding regions.

Tourists

Visitors primarily come from other parts of Turkey, especially during the summer months.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football

Football is a major sport in Alaplı, with many local teams and a passionate fan base.

Wrestling

Traditional Turkish wrestling is also popular, celebrated in local festivals and events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Alaplı is generally light, making it easy to navigate by car or on foot. Public transportation options include local buses, which connect Alaplı to nearby towns and cities. However, schedules may vary, so checking ahead is recommended.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Alaplı.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many local dishes can be adapted for vegetarians, including pide and various mezes.

Gluten-Free

While traditional bread is common, some restaurants offer gluten-free options upon request.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare access in Alaplı includes local clinics and hospitals, with qualified staff available. For serious medical conditions, nearby cities like Zonguldak have larger hospitals with more specialized services.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide