VISIT Eastern Black Sea Coast of Turkey, PLACES TO SEE AND T

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The Eastern Black Sea Coast is one of Turkey’s most breathtaking and culturally rich regions. Here, the Kackar Mountains rise dramatically above the Black Sea, cloaked in mist and alpine forest. Mountain plateaus, rushing rivers, and tiny wooden hamlets shape the landscape, while the air carries the scent of tea fields, woodsmoke, and wildflowers. This is a land of story and survival—home to Laz and Hemşin communities, highland festivals, and some of the most spectacular nature in the country.

From ancient monasteries to cloud-scraping yaylas (pastures), the region offers a rewarding blend of rugged adventure, deep tradition, and raw beauty.

Trabzon

A bustling port city and the former capital of the Empire of Trebizond, Trabzon is the cultural heart of the Eastern Black Sea. The city's most iconic site, the Sumela Monastery, clings dramatically to a cliff face in the Altındere Valley National Park—a surreal 4th-century religious complex set against a lush pine backdrop.

In town, visit the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a 13th-century church with Byzantine frescoes, now partially a mosque and museum. The Ortahisar neighborhood has Ottoman houses, winding lanes, and a local bazaar where you can taste Trabzon cheese, buy silver jewelry, and sip tea with the locals.

Food in Trabzon is hearty and regional—Akçaabat köftesi (grilled meatballs) is the signature dish, often served with buttery rice and pickled vegetables. Don't miss the sütlaç (oven-baked rice pudding), a local dessert favorite.

Rize

East of Trabzon lies Rize, the greenest province in Turkey and the heart of the country’s tea industry. The hills are covered in terraced tea plantations, and a visit to a çay bahçesi (tea garden)—especially with sea views—is a must. The Çaykur Tea Museum offers a quick look into the history and culture behind Turkey’s national drink.

Beyond the city, the lush Fırtına Valley unfolds into a landscape of rivers, hanging bridges, and waterfalls. Villages like Çamlıhemşin and Şenyuva are known for their wooden houses, alpine charm, and access to stunning highland trails.

Try the legendary muhlama (kuymak), a gooey mix of cornmeal, cheese, and butter served sizzling in a copper pan. Pair it with cornbread, honey, and trout baked in clay.

Çamlıhemşin & Highland Plateaus

From Çamlıhemşin, the road winds steeply up to the yaylalar (mountain pastures), where traditional life still continues through summer months. Villages like Pokut, Sal, Gito, and Elevit offer some of the most scenic views in Turkey—cloud oceans, wildflower meadows, and untouched silence.

Staying in a yayla pansiyon is a unique experience: think wooden chalets, tea by the fire, and sunrises above the clouds. It’s also a gateway for hiking and trekking in the Kaçkar Mountains, with trails ranging from scenic walks to serious multi-day climbs.

During summer, highland festivals bring together locals for horon dancing, kemençe music, and communal feasts.

Artvin & Borçka: Nature’s Wild Edge

Further east, Artvin and its districts like Borçka, Şavşat, and Arhavi represent Turkey’s wildest corner. Here, steep valleys plunge into river gorges and wooden bridges link isolated villages in a fairytale landscape.

Visit Karagöl, a mirror-like mountain lake surrounded by forest, or venture into the Macahel Valley, a UNESCO-designated biosphere reserve known for its biodiversity and centuries-old wooden mosques. This region is a paradise for trekkers, nature photographers, and those looking to experience remote, village life.

Meals are made from what the mountains give—mountain butter, wild greens, fermented pickles, and slow-cooked stews shared with guests around a wood stove.

Trekking in the Kackar Mountains

The Kaçkar Mountains form the dramatic backbone of the Eastern Black Sea, rising up to nearly 4,000 meters with jagged peaks, alpine lakes, and dense forests. For trekking enthusiasts, this is one of Turkey’s premier destinations, offering routes that combine challenging mountain climbs, wildflower-filled valleys, and traditional highland hospitality.

Popular trekking routes start from Çamlıhemşin or Ayder Yaylası, and lead trekkers through glacial lakes like Uzungöl and Sahara Yaylası, up to panoramic summits such as Kaçkar Dağı itself—the highest peak in the range. Multi-day treks often include stays in rustic mountain lodges or yayla guesthouses, where shepherds and families offer warm meals of local cheese, cornmeal dishes, and tea brewed over open fires.

The trails vary in difficulty but reward hikers with spectacular views over the Black Sea to the north and the rugged Anatolian hinterland to the south. Flora includes rare orchids, alpine roses, and mountain herbs, while wildlife enthusiasts may spot wild goats, eagles, and bears.

Trekking here is not just about nature—it’s about encountering a living mountain culture, where ancient traditions, folk music, and local cuisine shape every step.