
Places • 11 June, 2025
You are in the Heart of Trabzon
Trabzon welcomes travelers with its special charm—a blend of mountain landscapes, Black Sea breezes, and ancient history. Beyond the city, you’ll find rock-carved monasteries, the “Turkish Switzerland” scenery, and tea plantations, while inside Trabzon itself, cozy streets, bustling markets, and endless opportunities for strolls and discoveries await. Ready to explore this unique corner of Turkey?
What to Do?
Top 10 Things to Do Outside of Trabzon
1. See “Turkish Switzerland” at Uzungöl Lake.
2. Marvel at the rock-carved Orthodox monastery Panagia Sumela in Altındere Vadisi Milli Parkı National Park.
3. Take a tour of the mountain tea plantations in Rize.
4. Enjoy nature in one of the greenest places in Turkey — the town of Çamlıhemşin.
5. Relax in the thermal springs and take in the panoramic views of Ayder Plateau, often compared to the Alps.
6. Hike around the Ayder, Huser, or Pokut plateaus for lake and waterfall landscapes.
7. Visit Hıdırnebi Plateau: mountain air, lush greenery, and breathtaking views.
8. Explore the Çal Cave, often called the “hidden paradise” and “mystical world”.
9. Walk through Surmene Camburnu National Park, where pine forests meet the sea.
10. Ride a water bike and dine at a fish restaurant on Sera Lake.
A Few More Must-Do’s in Trabzon
1. Stroll through Zagnos Valley Park, complete with an aqueduct, waterfall, and amphitheater.
2. Admire the Black Sea from the panoramic viewpoint at the Botanical Garden.
3. Climb Boztepe Hill, sip tea in the teahouses, and find the best view of the city and sea.
4. Watch the sunset in the pine forest at the villa of the first president, Mustafa Atatürk.
5. Admire ancient frescoes at the local Hagia Sophia.
6. Shop at Forum Mall, Trabzon Cevahir, or the markets.
7. Walk along Uzun Sokak, reminiscent of Istiklal Street in Istanbul.
8. Relax in a café at the city’s main square, Meydan Park.
9. Dive into the underwater world at Trabzon Akvaryum’s tunnel aquarium.
10. Climb up to the city fortress.
What to Try?
- Seafood, especially fried Black Sea anchovies;
- Turkish tea brewed in a traditional samovar;
- Trabzon-style pide;
- Cornmeal porridge with muhlama cheese;
- Hamsiköy rice pudding.
What to Bring Back?
- Turkish sweets;
- Local tea;
- Local hazelnuts;
- Leather goods;
- Copper items from local artisans.