Gideros Cove, located approximately 11 kilometers from the center of Kastamonu’s Cide district, is a protected coastal formation distinguished by its natural and historical features. Known by the name “Kytoros” from the Genoese period, the cove holds the status of both a first-degree natural and a second-degree historical protected area. Surrounded by boxwood, chestnut, beech, and oak forests, this coastal inlet, together with its remains from antiquity, archaeological caves, and other remnants, is a significant destination for both nature and cultural tourism.

^{Gideros Cove (Cide Municipality)}

History

The history of Gideros Cove extends back approximately 3,500 years, to the Middle Chalcolithic Period, making it one of the few areas among the coastal settlements of the West with an uninterrupted past. Archaeological surface surveys in the region have uncovered Chalcolithic Period pottery shards in the Çadır İni and Ballıcı İni caves; and in the cave designated Gideros Cave 1, ceramics and remains of religious structures from the same period have been found. Furthermore, remains of walls from the Roman-Byzantine periods, castle structures, and various other traces have survived to the present day.

Known as "Kytoros" in ancient sources, the cove is mentioned in Homer's Iliad as part of the Paphlagonia region; the famous geographer Strabo wrote that the first settlers of the region were the Amazons. The origin of the cove's name most likely stems from this ancient settlement. Ancient commentators such as Eustathius used the expression “Carry boxwood to Gideros” (selling boxwood to a boxwood merchant), referring to the abundance of boxwood trees in the region; this phrase indicates that Gideros was a center for high-quality boxwood products used in woodworking.

The Genoese period marked a special place in Gideros' maritime history. During this time, the cove served as a refuge and supply point for ships sailing between Sinope and Amasra; the region also became a haven for pirates as well as merchant ships. The cove’s naturally narrow strait opening to the sea and its sheltered nature enhanced its function as both a shelter and a hiding place.

The cove's strategic importance increased throughout the Byzantine period, and it was used for military purposes thanks to the walled Gideros Castle. Remains of Byzantine structures and defensive architecture are found around the castle. In 1284, Yavlak Arslan, the bey of the Uç Beyliği, affiliated with the Seljuks, captured the castle after a 16-day siege. This consolidated Seljuk presence in the region.

Gideros retained its importance during the Ottoman period, being used for coastal security and supply; a sea bathhouse structure believed to be from this period is still visible today. It is documented that it was used as an arsenal, especially during the years of 1870 -1890; the cove's concealed yet strategically accessible nature enabled it to assume such functions. Today, Gideros Cove is protected as an archaeological site, while simultaneously remaining one of the focal points of regional tourism due to its natural beauty and historical heritage.

Archaeological Finds

Numerous archaeological finds were made in the region during the Cide Archaeological Project, carried out between 2009 and 2011:

• Ceramic fragments from the Middle Chalcolithic period in the Çadır İni and Ballıcı İni caves.
• Pottery and religious structures from the Byzantine period in Gideros Cave 1.
• Remnants of walls in Gideros Castle.
• Gideros Bathhouse (Ottoman period) and structures in the sea.
• Early Bronze Age finds in Filyos Cave.

Natural Structure and Ecosystem

Gideros Cove, with its narrow strait opening to the sea and its widening interior, constitutes a sheltered harbor. The mouth of the cove opening to the sea is approximately 130 meters wide, while its inner diameter is 514 meters. This morphological structure has served as both a natural shelter and a strategic haven throughout history.

The cove’s surroundings are covered with rich vegetation. Boxwood, chestnut, beech, oak, and pine trees are among the region’s dominant and native species. The varying shades of green foliage of these trees create a reflection on the cove’s calm waters, providing a striking visual atmosphere. Gideros possesses a humid, temperate, and high-rainfall microclimate, consistent with the general characteristics of the Black Sea. This climatic structure ensures the vitality of the dense forest areas surrounding the cove throughout the year.

The cove is also rich in wildlife. Various bird species and coastal creatures, primarily wild ducks, have become part of this natural structure. This area, where marine and forest ecosystems intertwine, is also of significant value for ecotourism. Especially during the spring and autumn months, it becomes a haven for migratory bird species, making the region attractive to bird watchers.

^{Gideros Cove (Cide Municipality)}

Tourism

Gideros Cove is located approximately 11 kilometers from the district center and is accessible by both land and sea routes. Its narrow-mouthed, sheltered structure, which has served as a natural harbor throughout history, now makes an attractive feature for nature tourism, historical tourism, and maritime tourism.

In addition to natural cove areas suitable for swimming in Gideros Cove, there are also local restaurants and small accommodation facilities. These businesses allow tourists visiting the region to enjoy day trips as well as overnight stays. During the summer months and especially on weekends, the region is visited by domestic tourists as well as tourists from countries such as Germany, and Ukraine.

The cove is protected as both a first-degree natural protected area and a second-degree archaeological protected area. These statuses have largely kept the area free from development, allowing Gideros to maintain its natural beauty to this day and becoming a route suitable for “calm” tourism. Its green forest cover, clear sea, historical remains, caves, and beach offer visitors a multifaceted travel experience.

^{Gideros Cove (Cide Municipality)}