Akçakale is a 13th-century castle overlooking the Black Sea in Akçaabat, 18 km west of Trabzon, offering both historical and sea tourism with its adjacent beach.
Akçakale is located on a terrace overlooking the Black Sea, within the borders of Akçaabat district, west of Trabzon city center. Sources state that the castle was built by Emperor Alexios II between 1297-1330 for defense against the Seljuks. It was repaired during the Ottoman period after the conquest of Trabzon. The sections between the floors of the structure, built from rubble and cut stone, were made of wood, which is why these parts have disappeared over time. Despite this, the castle largely retains its original appearance in its general outlines.
Akçakale Beach is located exactly behind the castle, right on the sea. In summer, visitors from around Trabzon can leave the castle walls behind and descend to the beach. This is one of the few places in the region where history and the sea merge at the same point.
Related discoveries: Historical Places, Trabzon historical places, Sümela Monastery.
Guide's Note
When to Visit?
The castle can be visited in all seasons, but what truly makes Akçakale valuable is the ability to experience it with the beach. Those who go between June and September can swim in the sea on the beach right behind it after exploring the castle. In winter and transitional months, a quiet, uncrowded visit is possible for those who only want to see the historical structure.
How to Get There?
Reaching Akçakale from Trabzon city center by public transport is practical. Lines 203C (Akçaabat-Mersin) and 551 (Tonya) pass through the area; the nearest stop is Akçakale-5, a 2-minute walk to the castle. It takes approximately 34 minutes from Orta Mahalle and 24 minutes from Akçaabat Minibus Stop. For those traveling by private car, the 18 km distance via the Trabzon-Giresun coastal road takes approximately 25-30 minutes.
From Akçaabat to Akçakale
There is a short distance from Akçaabat district center to Akçakale. You can reach Akçaabat Terminal from the city center by municipal bus number 203 or minibuses, and then continue towards Akçakale. A taxi ride from Trabzon center to Akçaabat takes an average of 30 minutes; from there, a short additional drive remains to Akçakale.
How Much Time Should You Allocate?
The castle visit alone takes about 1 hour. If you plan to go down to the beach in the summer, allocating half a day is more realistic. It is possible to combine it with a Trabzon city center visit and add Akçakale to the afternoon of the same day.
Route Suggestion
After visiting the Hagia Sophia Museum or Atatürk Pavilion in Trabzon city center, you can proceed west towards Akçakale via Akçaabat. Other beaches such as Yalıncak, Albatros, and Kaşüstü are also located on the same coastline. In summer, it makes sense to add Akçakale to this beach route.
Things to Consider
Since the sections between the floors of the castle were made of wood, these parts have disappeared over time; be careful when walking in the remaining sections today. If you plan to go to the beach, keep in mind that facilities may be limited outside the summer season.
Photo Spots
Shots taken from the castle's terrace overlooking the sea include the Black Sea in the background. When viewed from the beach side, the castle walls framed with the sea create one of the most striking views of the region.
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