Seaside Solitude: My Solo Escape to Ünye

#mytraveldiary I just discovered one of the Black Sea’s best-kept secrets: Ünye. With its long pebble beaches, Ottoman-era old town, and laid-back fishing vibe, it was the perfect solo getaway for anyone craving coastal calm, fresh seafood, and authentic Turkish culture—without the crowds. What Makes Ünye Special? · Black Sea Beauty: A stunning coastline with clean, quiet beaches and green mountain backdrops. · Historical Charm: A picturesque old town (Orta Mahalle) with cobbled streets, Greek-Ottoman houses, and a historic castle. · Local Vibe: A working fishing town where daily life revolves around the sea—authentic and unhurried. · Famous Walnuts: Ünye is known across Turkey for its high-quality walnuts and walnut-based products. Why Ünye for Solo Travelers? · Safe & Welcoming: Locals are friendly, and the town is easy to navigate on foot. · Inexpensive: Far more affordable than Mediterranean tourist hubs. · Slow-Paced: Ideal for reading, writing, or just watching the waves. · Great Base: Use it to explore smaller coastal villages or take day trips along the Black Sea. --- My Solo Itinerary Day 1: Seaside & Old Town Wander · Morning: Arrived by bus from Samsun or Ordu (both about 1 hour away). Walked along Ünye Beach, drank Turkish tea at a shoreline çay bahçesi (tea garden), and people-watched. · Afternoon: Explored Orta Mahalle (old quarter)—admired colorful Ottoman houses, visited the 10th-century Ünye Castle for panoramic views, and browsed small local shops. · Evening: Ate dinner at a waterfront fish restaurant—tried hamsi (anchovies) or lahana çorbası (cabbage soup), both Black Sea specialties. Day 2: Nature & Culture · Morning: Visited Çamlık Promenade—a peaceful pine forest perfect for a solo walk or run. · Afternoon: Took a dolmuş (shared taxi) to Yalıköy Cave or a nearby village like Gölevi for more coastal scenery. · Evening: Enjoyed a sunset along the harbor, then tried cevizli sucuk (walnut dessert) from a local market. --- Solo Traveler Tips 1. Try the Walnuts: Sample walnut jam, walnut soap, or fresh walnuts from market stalls. 2. Learn a Few Phrases: “Merhaba” (hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (thank you) will be appreciated. 3. Pack for the Weather: The Black Sea coast can be rainy—bring a light jacket even in summer. 4. Stay Near the Sea: Guesthouses and small hotels along the waterfront offer great value and views. --- Final Thoughts Ünye was a breath of fresh sea air—a town where I could wander without a plan, eat incredibly fresh food, and truly relax. For solo travelers looking to experience Turkey beyond the classics, Ünye is a hidden treasure. #solotravel #Ünye #blacksea #turkeytravel #coastalescape --- Interested in extending your trip to nearby Giresun or Trabzon? Let me know! 🌊🐚 #ünye