Things To Do
in Çarşamba
Çarşamba is a tranquil town in Samsun Province on Turkey's Black Sea coast, shaped by the Yeşilırmak River and the fertile Çarşamba Plain. The landscape blends wetlands, farmland, and a quaint town center with Ottoman-era silhouettes and modern cafés. Visitors come for markets, local seafood, and easy access to the delta and coastal trails.
It’s a good base for exploring the wider Samsun region while enjoying a relaxed pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Amber light of dawn bathes the narrow stone streets as you step out for a stroll. The scent of freshly baked simit wafts from a neighborhood bakery, tempting every passerby. You settle on a bench with a çay and watch the city awaken around you.
Explore the restored Ottoman houses that line the winding alleys, noticing intricate wooden carvings and pastel-hued walls. Visit the venerable Saitpaşa Mosque to admire its domed interior and ornate calligraphy. A friendly shopkeeper invites you to sample locally made honeycomb before you continue on.
As lanterns flicker to life along the Mert River promenade, you follow the gentle path beside the water. You savor a warm pide at a cozy waterfront café while listening to soft strains of folk music drifting across the water. The reflection of city lights dancing on the river’s surface invites you to linger late into the night.
Step into the bustling Çarşamba market at dawn, where vendors shout their daily harvest of colorful vegetables and freshly baked börek. The aroma of smoky tea wafts through the stalls, drawing you toward a small glass shop. You haggle good-naturedly for heirloom tomatoes before moving on to a stall selling vibrant spices.
Join a family-run cooking workshop in a tiled courtyard, learning to roll dumplings for mantı under a patient grandmother’s guidance. The steam rises from each tiny parcel as it simmers in a fragrant yogurt sauce. Each bite reveals layers of savory meat, fermented yogurt, and tangy tomato essence that dance on your palate.
At a local lokanta, dim lanterns hang overhead as you spread your mezes across the wooden table. You sip chilled ayran while watching an impromptu backgammon match erupt in cheerful competition. The clatter of dice and the aroma of roasted eggplant signal a day well spent.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| 🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $20-40 |
| ☕Coffee or tea at café | $1-3 |
| 🚕One-way local transportation | $2-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel room per night | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Access to delta landscapes and Black Sea coastline
- Delicious regional dishes like hamsili pilav and mıhlama
- Good value for money and central location in the Samsun region
- Limited nightlife and larger-city amenities
- Weather can be rainy and humid, especially outside summer
- Some services may require traveling to Samsun for specialty facilities
- "Merhaba" - Hello
- "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
- "Lütfen" - Please
- "Nerede tuvalet?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Ne kadar?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Çarşamba
Visit one of these nice places.
A broad, scenic vantage point where reeds, waterways, and migrating birds create dynamic landscape shots, especially at dawn or dusk.
Colorful waterfront scenes with boats, reflections on the water, and the town’s skyline as a backdrop.
Narrow lanes, white-washed walls, and wooden balconies offer intimate street photography and candid moments.
Food in Çarşamba
Çarşamba Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Anchovy-studded rice pilaf cooked with herbs and served piping hot; a regional standout you’ll find in many seafood-focused eateries.
Must-Try!
A rich, melted cheese and butter dish often enjoyed with bread; a quintessential Black Sea comfort food.
A rolled pastry filled with cheese or potato, reflecting the broader Laz-influenced culinary heritage of the region.
Savory corn bread baked in a skillet, a common accompaniment to meals and a regional staple.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market offering fresh produce, cheese, olives, herbs, and prepared snacks; best explored in the morning when stalls are full.
Casual stands along the waterfront offering quick bites like grilled fish, gözleme, and borek; ideal for a casual lunch or snack.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 'Merhaba' (hello) or 'Selam' is polite. In many settings, handshakes are common; address elders with respectful titles.
Turkish hospitality is generous; accept offered tea or meals when invited. Remove shoes when entering some homes and sit where invited.
Modest dress is appropriate in more traditional areas; public displays of affection are uncommon in rural settings; be mindful during religious or cultural events.
Safety
Tipping in Çarşamba
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 5-10% is common if service is not included. For small eateries or markets, rounding up is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted, and many places now take bank cards. ATMs are common in town and nearby Samsun; keep small bills for markets and street vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes; a great time for outdoor markets, walking tours, and delta photography.
Warm days with higher humidity; expect occasional showers. Coastal breezes keep evenings pleasant; hydrate and seek shade during peak sun.
Comfortable temperatures and harvest-time markets; ideal for food-focused strolls and longer outdoor sessions.
Cool, damp conditions are common; plan for indoor activities in town and rainy days near the delta; pack a light rain jacket.
Çarşamba at Night
Hiking in Çarşamba
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Easy riverside path offering reed beds, birdlife, and relaxed scenery suitable for all ages.
Wooden boardwalks through the delta’s wetlands; ideal for photography and gentle nature walks.
Airports
How to reach Çarşamba by plane.
Regional airport serving domestic flights; about a 20–40 minute drive to Çarşamba depending on traffic.
Modern regional airport serving domestic routes; roughly a 2–3 hour drive to Çarşamba, with connections to major Turkish cities.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Turkish, with rural and agrarian communities forming the backbone of daily life; traditions remain strong in towns and villages.
Some travelers and seasonal workers draw to the region for agriculture, seafood, and cultural experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Coastal towns in the region are passionate about football, with local clubs and a strong community following.
Over the Black Sea and river flows, fishing is a traditional activity enjoyed by locals and visiting anglers.
Coastal access supports light sailing and other water-based recreation during warmer months.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Çarşamba.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes can be enjoyed without meat; vegetables, cheese, and legumes feature prominently. Look for muhlama, lentil soups, grilled vegetables, and seafood-based dishes that can be prepared without meat.