Bafra Kolay Tourism Center, located on the shores of the Derbent Dam lake in Samsun's Bafra district, combines nature and history with its scenic reservoir vistas and the ancient Asarkale Rock Tombs.
The dam lake created by the construction of the Derbent Dam has transformed the surroundings of Bafra's Kolay village into a completely new landscape. Where the Kızılırmak River flows through the valley, rocky cliffs and lush green slopes reflecting off the water create a backdrop rarely seen in the inner parts of the Black Sea region. Positioned right at the heart of this scenery, Kolay Tourism Center serves as both a daily picnic spot and the starting point for a historical exploration.
Located right near the center, the Asarkale Rock Tombs highlight the deep historical roots of the region. These tombs carved into the cliffs can be visited alongside the Potern, a hidden tunnel structure allowing access to the upper grounds. Strolling along the lake and then exploring ancient rock tombs elevates Kolay far beyond a simple picnic spot. Rated 4.8 stars on Google reviews, the center has become a popular getaway for visitors from Samsun and surrounding provinces.
Guide's Note
Bafra Kolay Tourism Center is widely praised by visitors for its crisp fresh air and peaceful green scenery along the lake. Many travelers highlight the relaxing effect of nature and express great enjoyment from spending time here.
An important notice for nature lovers: Pine Processionary caterpillars have been reported in the area. Since the hairs of these caterpillars can trigger allergic reactions and toxicity, visitors are advised to avoid close contact and keep pets at a safe distance.
Reviews indicate that local villagers work hard to keep the area tidy; however, litter left behind by some picnickers and anglers remains a concern. Additionally, at least one visitor mentioned that the travel distance to the center can feel a bit long.
- Litter concerns: Some visitors leave trash behind after picnicking or fishing, which harms the natural setting and creates visual pollution.
- Travel distance: The drive to the center is somewhat long, so planning your route in advance is recommended.
- Processionary caterpillars: Avoid touching these caterpillars found in the area and keep pets away from them.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal period to visit is between April–June and September–October. High water levels in the dam lake during these months make the landscape much more dramatic, while the walking trails leading up to the rock tombs remain free of heavy mud. Expect crowds on weekends during July and August due to local visitors. In winter, rain and fog can make hiking challenging.
How to Get There
The road distance from Samsun city center to Bafra is approximately 55 km. If traveling by private car, follow the Samsun–Bafra highway and then follow the signs towards Kolay village from Bafra town center. For public transport, take a bus or minibus from Samsun to Bafra first; local minibuses run regularly from Bafra to Kolay village. For current departure times, calling Bafra Municipality (444 55 69) is the most reliable option.
Suggested Visiting Route
Upon arrival, start with a pleasant stroll along the dam lake shore and take time for photos where the Kızılırmak Valley transforms into a lake. Next, take the hiking path leading up to Asarkale to explore the ancient rock tombs. Finally, pass through the historic hidden tunnel known as the Potern to enjoy panoramic lake views from above. The entire route takes about 2–3 hours. As there may be no stores nearby, carrying water and light snacks is advised.
Best Photography Spots
Kolay Tourism Center holds a 4.8-star rating on Google and is a favorite stop for photographers. Spotting locations where the dam lake reflects the rocky cliffs creates a magnificent mirror effect, especially around 08:00 on windless mornings. Wide-angle shots taken from the top of Asarkale allow you to capture both the lake and the valley in a single frame. It is also an excellent spot for smartphone photography using ultra-wide mode.
Food & Drink
Restaurant and cafe options are very limited around Kolay village and the tourism center. However, in Bafra town center, trying authentic Bafra pide is a must. Distinguished by its enclosed, long, crispy shape and rich filling, this local delicacy has become the symbol of the district. Having a meal in central Bafra before heading out and packing snacks and water is the most practical choice.
Things to Keep in Mind
The trail leading up to Asarkale can become slippery after rain, so sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Clear details regarding swimming or boating on the reservoir are unavailable, so checking beforehand is advised. While operating hours are listed as 08:00–17:00, verifying current details with Bafra Municipality (444 55 69) prior to your visit is recommended. Since mobile phone coverage can be weak in parts of the valley, downloading offline maps will be very useful.
How Much Time to Spend?
Kolay Tourism Center can easily be visited as part of a half-day or day trip from Bafra. Exploring the lakeside walk, rock tombs, and the Potern tunnel together requires about 2–3 hours. If you combine it with other historical and natural attractions in central Bafra, you can easily plan a full-day itinerary. Travelers coming from Samsun can head out in the morning and return comfortably by late afternoon.
This content originates from neresigezilir.com and may not be copied without permission.
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