Discover Turkey's lush Black Sea region: misty mountains, the cliffside Sumela Monastery, alpine plateaus (yaylalar), and the famous tea gardens of Rize.
While most travelers head to Turkey's sunny coasts, those who venture to Trabzon and the Black Sea find a completely different country: a land of misty green mountains, alpine plateaus, ancient monasteries clinging to cliffs, and tea gardens stretching to the sea. If you crave nature, culture, and zero crowds, this is your Turkey.
Why Visit the Black Sea Region?
Turkey's northeastern Karadeniz region feels almost Swiss — emerald valleys, waterfalls, foggy peaks, and traditional wooden villages. It's where Turkey's tea is grown, hazelnuts are harvested, and a hearty Laz and Hemshin culture thrives. The food is rich, the air is cool even in summer, and the landscapes are unforgettable.
Top Things to Do in Trabzon
Visit Sumela Monastery ($15), a 4th-century Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a cliff 1,200 meters above a forested gorge. After a long restoration, it's once again open to visitors — easily the region's icon. Stroll Trabzon's Ataturk Square (Meydan Park) and try local fresh hazelnut snacks. Visit Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a 13th-century Byzantine church with stunning frescoes. Take the cable car up to Boztepe Hill for sunset views over the city and the Black Sea.
Uzungol — the Postcard Lake
Ninety-five kilometers southeast of Trabzon, Uzungol ("Long Lake") is the most photographed spot in northern Turkey. A serene alpine lake surrounded by green mountains and a small mosque reflected in the water — it's Instagram heaven. Stay overnight in a wooden chalet ($60 to $150) to enjoy it once tour buses leave.
The Yaylalar (High Mountain Pastures)
The "yayla" culture is unique here — locals migrate to alpine plateaus in summer to graze livestock. Highlights include Ayder Yaylasi (famous for hot springs and waterfalls), Pokut and Sal Yaylas (wooden village photos straight out of a fairy tale), and the dramatic Kackar Mountains for hiking. July-August are best — earlier and the road is closed by snow.
Rize and the Tea Gardens
Drive an hour east to Rize, Turkey's tea capital. Visit the Cay Bahcesi (Tea Garden) for a panoramic cup of cay overlooking the rolling tea fields. The Ziraat Botanical Tea Garden offers tours of tea processing. Even more dramatic: Ayder Valley with its hot springs and Firtina Valley with stone bridges and rafting.
Best Time to Visit
May to early October. Summer (June to August) is lush, foggy, and mild — perfect for hiking. Spring is rainy but emerald. Autumn brings golden colors. Winter shuts most yayla roads but Trabzon city is accessible — just expect cold rain. Pack waterproof layers no matter when you go; the Black Sea coast is one of Turkey's wettest regions.
Where to Stay
Trabzon city: business hotels and boutique options from $50 (Zorlu Grand Hotel is iconic). Uzungol: lakeside chalets from $60. Ayder: wooden boutique hotels from $80 with thermal baths. For a true experience, stay at a yayla pension in Pokut or Sal — basic but unforgettable.
Food You Must Try
The Black Sea has its own food universe. Try muhlama (kuymak) — cornmeal cooked with butter and stretchy local cheese, eaten with bread by the spoonful. Hamsi (Black Sea anchovy) shows up in everything: fried, in pilaf, even in cornbread. Akcaabat kofte, Trabzon's signature meatball, is grilled and exceptional. Don't skip pide-style breads, fresh hazelnuts, and laz boregi (a custard-filled pastry). Wash it all down with cay — locals drink up to 15 cups a day.
Getting There & Around
Fly into Trabzon Airport (TZX) — Turkish Airlines and Pegasus offer cheap flights from Istanbul (around $50). Renting a car is essential to reach Uzungol, Ayder, and the yaylas — public transport is limited. Mountain roads are winding; allow extra travel time. A 5-day road trip is the sweet spot.
Practical Tips
The region is more conservative than Turkish coasts; dress modestly outside major cities. Bring rain gear and hiking shoes. Cash is helpful in mountain villages. Speak a few Turkish phrases — English is less common here. Drone use requires permits in some areas, especially around Sumela.
Conclusion
The Black Sea is the Turkey few foreigners see — wild, green, foggy, and deeply welcoming. Tea, monasteries in the clouds, and chalets above misty valleys await. Tesekkurler for reading; book your Black Sea adventure with MatchOnWay and trade the beach for the mountains.
Sources & Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I visit Sumela Monastery?
Sumela is about 50 km from central Trabzon. Public minibuses leave from the city center; many travelers take a half-day organized tour for convenience. The monastery sits at 1,200m so dress in layers.
What's the weather like in Trabzon?
Trabzon is much cooler and rainier than the rest of Turkey, even in summer. Pack a light rain jacket year-round and warmer layers between October and May.
Is Trabzon worth the long trip?
If you want a side of Turkey most foreign visitors miss — green mountains, alpine villages, and a distinct Black Sea cuisine — yes. It's especially rewarding when paired with the Ayder plateau or Uzungol.
What food is Trabzon famous for?
Trabzon is known for its anchovy (hamsi) dishes, Akcaabat kofte (a meatball variant), kuymak (cheese fondue with cornmeal), and exceptional local cheeses, butter, and honey.
How do I get to Trabzon?
Domestic flights from Istanbul or Ankara to Trabzon Airport (TZX) take about 1.5 hours. Long-distance buses are budget-friendly but take 18+ hours.
