Open Travel Guide
Adventure in Amasya

Amasya Adventure Activities Guide 2026

From half-day thrills to multi-day expeditions — how to plan adventure travel in Amasya.

By Updated Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

The short answer: start with Canoeing and Pedalo on the Yeşilırmak, İncesu Canyon Trekking and Rafting and Mount Harşena Mountain Biking. This guide profiles 6+ adventure activities in Amasya, with prices, timing, and the practical notes that decide whether each one earns a place in your plan.

Amasya is a historic city and province in north-central Turkey, set in a dramatic gorge on the Yeşilırmak river beneath the rocky heights of Mount Harşena. Known as the Şehzadeler Şehri, or City of Princes, where Ottoman heirs trained as provincial governors, Amasya is famous for its Pontic royal rock tombs carved into the cliffs, its riverside Ottoman timber mansions, and its sweet apples. The birthplace of the ancient geographer Strabo, it blends Hellenistic, Roman, Seljuk, and Ottoman heritage in one of Turkey's most scenic provincial towns.

Top adventure experiences

The most exciting activities Amasya has to offer.

  1. 1

    Canoeing and Pedalo on the Yeşilırmak

    easyAbout 150-300 TRY per person (approx USD 3-6.50)

    The calm reach of the Yeşilırmak as it threads through central Amasya is gentle enough for short paddling and pedalo outings, with the Ottoman Yalıboyu houses, stone bridges and the cliff-top rock tombs rising on either side. Seasonal riverfront stands hire out canoes, kayaks and pedalos for a relaxed float through the historic core.

    Best season: May-September
  2. 2

    İncesu Canyon Trekking and Rafting

    moderateGuided rafting or trekking day about 1,000-2,500 TRY per person (approx USD 22-54)

    İncesu Canyon, on the Çekerek River near the southern edge of Amasya province, is a 12.5 km gorge with 40-60 m walls, a 1,600 m wooden walking platform and Hellenistic rock-cut features. In high-water spring it suits rafting, while a marked trekking route runs the canyon floor past cisterns and a Cybele relief. Trips are guided because of water levels and remote terrain.

    Best season: April-June for high water; summer for trekking
  3. 3

    Mount Harşena Mountain Biking

    moderateBike rental about 300-700 TRY per day (approx USD 6.50-15)

    The dirt tracks and quiet lanes around Mount Harşena and the Yeşilırmak valley give riders a mix of climbs to castle viewpoints and flat riverfront cruising through the old town. Routes range from gentle paved riverside loops to steeper unpaved climbs into the orchards and hills above Amasya, with panoramic stops over the city.

    Best season: April-June and September-October
  4. 4

    Riverfront Cycling Through Amasya

    easyBike rental about 200-500 TRY per day (approx USD 4-11)

    An easy, flat cycle along the Yeşilırmak promenade links the Yalıboyu houses, stone Ottoman bridges, the Bayezid II Mosque complex and the riverside tea gardens, all beneath the floodlit rock tombs and castle. The level paved path makes it an accessible way to take in Amasya's historic core at a relaxed pace.

    Best season: April-October
  5. 5

    Borabay Lake Camping and Canoeing

    easyCamping and bungalow fees about 200-1,500 TRY (approx USD 4-32); boat hire from about 150 TRY (approx USD 3)

    The forested Borabay Lake near Taşova offers a tranquil base for camping, lakeside picnics and gentle paddling on the calm water. Bungalows, tent pitches and seasonal canoe and pedalo hire sit among beech and pine woods well away from the city, making it the province's main outdoor lake retreat.

    Best season: May-October
  6. 6

    Hamamözü Thermal and Hill Day Out

    easyThermal entry about 150-400 TRY (approx USD 3-8.50)

    The quiet western district of Hamamözü pairs the 40-degree Arkutbey mineral hot springs with pine-clad hills for an active-but-relaxing day, soaking in the thermal pools between short walks in the surrounding Black Sea uplands. It is the province's main wellness and soft-adventure escape, far from the city crowds.

    Best season: Year-round; spring and autumn for hill walking

Activities by type

Find adventures that match your interests.

Land

Land adventures

Trekking, mountaineering, rock climbing, mountain biking, and overland expeditions through diverse terrain.

Water

Water adventures

Rafting, kayaking, diving, snorkeling, and water sports where conditions permit.

Air

Air adventures

Paragliding, skydiving, hot air ballooning, and aerial tours for unique perspectives.

Multi-day

Expedition treks

Multi-day treks and expeditions through remote areas with camping and guide support.

Difficulty levels

Beginner

No experience needed. Suitable for most fitness levels.

Moderate

Basic fitness required. Some prior experience helpful.

Challenging

Good fitness and some experience required.

Expert

Significant experience and high fitness essential.

Recommended operators

Vetted companies for safe adventures.

Amasya Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism

Official information on outdoor activities, nature parks, and trekking across Amasya province

Where: Amasya city centre

İncesu Canyon Local Guides (Aydınca / Çekerek valley)

Guided canyon trekking and seasonal rafting through İncesu Canyon on the Çekerek River

Where: Near Aydınca village, Amasya Province

Borabay Gölü Tabiat Parkı (Borabay Lake Nature Park)

Lakeside kayak and pedalo hire, walking trails, camping, and day-use facilities at Borabay Lake

Where: Boraboy village, Taşova district, Amasya Province

Amasya Municipality Parks and Recreation

Riverfront canoe, kayak, and pedalo hire on the Yeşilırmak in the city centre

Where: Yeşilırmak riverfront, Amasya centre

Adventure safety

Stay safe while pushing your limits.

Critical

Never go on adventures alone in remote areas. Always use reputable guides for challenging activities.

High

Get comprehensive travel insurance that specifically covers adventure activities and emergency evacuation.

High

Check weather conditions and be prepared to cancel or postpone. Mountain weather changes rapidly.

Medium

Know your limits. Choose activities appropriate for your fitness and experience level.

Medium

Acclimatize properly before high-altitude activities. Altitude sickness is serious.

Preparation & gear

Get ready for your adventure.

Essential gear

  • Quality hiking boots (broken in)
  • Layered clothing system
  • Rain gear and sun protection
  • First aid kit
  • Headlamp and batteries
  • Water purification

Physical preparation

  • Start training 6-8 weeks before
  • Build cardio endurance
  • Include strength training
  • Practice with loaded backpack
  • Get medical clearance if needed

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