Çarşamba-Tekkeköy-Terme Eastern Coastal Route

About the Route

Heading east from Samsun, this route links three neighboring districts, Tekkeköy, Çarşamba and Terme, into a single day trip that combines nature and culture. It starts in Tekkeköy simply because that is the first district you reach leaving the city center, making it the natural place to begin while the morning is still fresh. After a short walk through Bayraktepe Nature Park, the route continues to the nearby Tekkeköy Caves Archaeology Valley; since the two stops are close together, this first stage is easily finished before noon.

In the afternoon the route turns south into Çarşamba district. Kabaceviz Waterfalls sit slightly inland from the coastal line, so reaching them means a short detour, one that is well worth it, especially in summer, for the cool air around the falls. From there the route swings back toward the coast to Göğceli Mosque, a good spot for a short break in the second half of the day.

The final stretch belongs to Terme. Continuing east from Göğceli Mosque brings you to Lake Simenit; arriving here late in the day, close to sunset, the play of light on the water makes this one of the route's most memorable moments. The trip wraps up at Pazar Mosque, close to Terme's town center.

Getting There and Timing

The route is designed for a private car; covering six stops in a single day by public transport is not practical. The total driving distance between stops is roughly 95-100 kilometers, which takes about 2.5-3 hours behind the wheel alone. Add in time at each stop and the route becomes a full-day trip, comfortably done with an early start and a finish in Terme by early evening.

Best Time to Go and a Local Tip

Late spring through early autumn, May-June and September-October, is the best window, combining enough water flow at the waterfalls with comfortable walking temperatures. Local tip: visiting Kabaceviz Waterfalls before midday means fewer crowds and much livelier morning light on the falls, which also sets a more relaxed pace for the rest of the day. The last two coastal stops near Terme catch a cool breeze from the district's humid climate, especially on summer evenings, a welcome way to unwind after a full day on the road.