Steep slopes, foggy plateaus and anchovies of the Black Sea
Ranked by interestingness score, based on real experience
The hill in the south of the city is the best viewing point overlooking Trabzon. The cable car has been put into service in recent years and it reaches the top in a few minutes. There are tea gardens and small restaurants above; The sunset should not be missed.
Wooden mansion dating from 1903 in Soğuksu neighborhood. Ataturk stayed here three times. The furnishings inside are preserved as they are, and the garden is cool and overlooks Trabzon. It can be visited easily with children.
Located in Düzköy, it is one of the longest known caves in the world (about 8 km in total, 1 km open to visitors). It's around 4°C inside, a jacket is a must. Underground streams and stalactites and stalagmites are especially interesting to children. 50 km from the city, about 1 hour.
13th-century Byzantine church, near the beach. Its frescoes are partially covered (it is also used as a mosque), but the courtyard and exterior architecture are among the oldest structures in the Black Sea region. You can visit the inside in 10-15 minutes, and the outside garden is pleasant for a tea break.
Hamsiköy, located on the slopes of Zigana Pass, is known for its traditional rice pudding, which is caramelized after baking and served with plenty of hazelnuts. It is a frequent stop for those who want to take a sweet break in the mountain air on their way back from Sumela Monastery.
Administratively, it is in Rize, but it is approximately 2 hours away from Trabzon, and the majority of tours departing from Trabzon include Ayder in their schedule. At an altitude of 1300 meters, wooden houses and classic plateau breakfast (kuymak, honey, mihlama) are here. Summer season tourist density is high.
Dating from the 4th century, the monastery clings to a steep rock face in Maçka. It was reopened to visitors after the restoration, and its frescoes and rock-carved cells are still impressive. There is an elevator plus approximately 200 meters of hill walking from the car park.
The historical center of the city; It starts from Ataturk Area and goes downwards. Kemençe makers, shops selling hazelnut-honey-corn flour and old inns are all together. The right address for street food and tea break.
A mountain village and lake in Çaykara, at an altitude of 1100 meters. The reflections that appear as the fog recedes on summer mornings are a shot that photographers cannot miss. Although the village has grown and become touristic in recent years, the two-kilometer wooden walkway around the lake still provides peace.
11 km from the city center, on the Akçaabat road. It was formed as a result of a landslide in 1950; It is surrounded by walking paths and picnic areas. Local people are busy on Sundays and quiet on weekdays. A tour of approximately 30 minutes around the lake is possible.
What will you do from hour to hour, from morning to evening?
Hagia Sophia, bazaar, Atatürk Mansion, Boztepe
Classic Black Sea breakfast, kuymak + honey + mihlama.
13th century Byzantine church, tea in the garden.
1903 wooden mansion, Soğuksu district. Garden with a view.
It is 15 km from the city center, but original Akçaabat meatballs are a must.
Bazaar tour, honey-hazelnut shopping, kemenche maker.
Sunset in the tea garden above, Cafe Boztepe terrace.
Monastery day, Hamsiköy break
Own vehicle or tour (350-450 TL per person, with breakfast). 45 km.
Elevator + hill walking, 1.5 hour sightseeing inside.
Kuymak + Trabzon bread + rice pudding finale.
Short break on the way back, walk around the lake.
Sunset on the beach, Trabzonspor stadium visible.
Black Sea fish classic or modern fish restaurant.
Plateau, lake, break
95 km, 2 hours. Of-Çaykara road, many bends.
Boardwalk (2 km), then breakfast in the village.
The plateau above Uzungöl, the view under the fog.
Grilled trout + rice by the lake.
After Of, coastal road, arrival in Trabzon.
Farewell evening, plain tea + backgammon + conversation.
One week holiday plan with sightseeing tours
Heart of Trabzon
Classic opening in Pelitli.
The two main historical stops of the city.
Komaroğlu meatball classic.
Bazaar, tea garden, cable car, sunset.
Monastery + rice pudding classic
Going to Maçka, elevator + hill, sightseeing inside.
Rice pudding and kuymak.
Small villages, tea gardens.
Modern fish restaurant.
Lake + plateau
95 km, 2 hours journey.
Wooden road + village restaurant.
ATV or jeep safari.
Wooden pension in Uzungöl village.
Towards Rize
130 km, 2.5 hours. You are entering Rize.
Thermal water + plateau trip.
Classic plateau breakfast late at night.
Plateau tour on Ayder (by 4x4).
Hostel in the village.
Return, seaside villages
Coastal road, 150 km.
Fish or meatballs.
19th century neighborhood texture.
Meat break in the city.
Underground + mountain village
50 km, 1 hour.
Cave tour, 4°C inside.
Pita + tea break.
A scenic plateau above Düzköy.
Boat pita finale.
Gift, beach, last moments
Honey, hazelnuts, cornmeal — gift classics.
City center final.
Trabzonspor stadium + beach.
Last time cable car + tea garden.
6 km from the city center, taxi 200 TL.
From local classics to hype places
Local Classic One of the oldest rice pudding shops in the city centre, it has been open for many years. Hamsiköy rice pudding, cream and sahlep classics come together; Kuymak and Trabzon bread are on the menu for breakfast. The bill is approximately 300-450 ₺ for two people (early 2026).
Current Hype Located in the Soğuksu neighborhood, one of the meat classics of the city. Chops, lamb skewers and cag kebab are on the menu. Meat quality is unquestionable; The account is at medium-high level. Suitable for business lunches or family gatherings. Approximately 1,200-1,800 ₺ for two people (early 2026).
Local Classic The address that has been operating in Akçaabat bazaar for decades; It is one of the most well-known places for original Akçaabat meatballs. Meatballs are cooked over a wood fire, accompanied by blarney, roasted peppers and ayran. Approximately ₺500-700 for two people (early 2026).
Local Classic Near Karadeniz Technical University, traditional flour halva and tahini molasses. Tahini is from Tonya, molasses is from Akçaabat. The pastry and halva duo accompany the crowd of children after school. Breakfast plate costs approximately 200-300 ₺ (early 2026).
Premium On the Akyazı side, it is one of the fishermen with the highest claim to fine dining in the city. Modern presentation; Trout, salmon and sea bass are on the menu depending on the season. The wine list is extensive. Dinner for two people is approximately 1,800-2,800 ₺ (early 2026).
Current Hype A breakfast place with a garden in Pelitli, in the atmosphere of a wooden village house. Kuymak (string cheese, corn flour and butter) is done right here; The pan is made of copper, the fire is made of wood. There may be a queue on the weekends. Breakfast costs approximately 600-900 ₺ for two people (early 2026).
Local Classic On the beach, near Trabzonspor stadium. Fried anchovies, steamed and pilaf classic during anchovy season (November-February). Although they serve frozen anchovies in the summer months, it is the real winter restaurant. The bill is approximately 400-700 ₺ for two people (early 2026).
Local Classic A small shop behind Ataturk Square is the local place for breakfast. Mıhlama (the juicier cousin of kuymak with an egg inside) is eaten with a spoon here. Portion is approximately 150-250 ₺ (early 2026).
Local Classic A well-known address for Black Sea pita in Yomra. Options with minced meat, cubed meat, cheese and sausage are on the menu; boat pita about 50 cm. Approximately 350-500 ₺ for two people, a pita and ayran (early 2026). Weekend lunch is busy.
Entertainment from evening to morning
Local Classic The heart of the city, tea gardens open until the morning. When we talk about nightlife in Trabzon, this is largely it - tea, chat, backgammon. It's full even at 23:00 in the evening. Tea is around 10-15 ₺, toast is 40-60 ₺ (early 2026).
Local Classic When you go up by cable car, the city lights at night are under your feet. Tea gardens are open until late at night; It is one of the most romantic addresses of the Trabzon night with its tea, bagel and conversation trio. There are guests of all ages, young and old.
Local Classic A train wagon themed pub on Kunduracılar Street. 80's and 90's Turkish rock list is being played; beer prices are reasonable (approximately 90-120 ₺, early 2026). The population is predominantly over the age of 30, and the university density is low. There is a live band on Friday and Saturday.
Local Classic A single-storey place overlooking the sea, on the Akyazı coast. Live music (Black Sea pop and Turkish rock), beer and cocktails at affordable prices. The young crowd and university students are dense. Open until 02:00 at night.
Current Hype Places where the young crowd gathers at night in the summer months — the cinema and the rooftop bar upstairs. It has no view, but it is air-conditioned and cool. Cinema ticket is around 200 ₺, drink is 100 ₺ (early 2026).
Gift, local, premium
In Tonya district, about 50 km away. The right address for classic tonya oil, tonya cheese and minci. It is also sold in the center of Trabzon, but you can buy it at wholesale prices when you come here.
The main market street of the city. Traditional and modern together — honey, hazelnuts, corn flour, cheese, Trabzon straw. Bargaining is standard; You can get about 20-30% below the initial price. Kemençe makers are on the side streets.
On the Akyazı side, approximately 5 km from the city center. It's bigger and more modern. It has Carrefour, Media Markt, cinema and restaurant floor. You can spend a full day with the family. The parking lot is open space and ample.
A decades-old kemençe workshop on Uzun Street. Handmade from larch wood; price varies depending on quality. Even if you are not playing, you can even buy it to hang on the wall; A gift with high commemorative value.
An address close to Atatürk Square, which has been operating for many years. Anzer honey, Akçaabat honey, tonia oil and corn flour are on the menu. All original and vacuum packed in the case.
A classic 5-storey shopping mall in the city centre. All basic brands such as LCW, Koton, Mavi, Tchibo, Boyner are available. The cafe floor is large and will serve you well on rainy days. Parking is free for the first 3 hours.
When to go, how to get there, city transportation, accommodation, budget and practical tips.
The biggest gate of the Black Sea: A province with a population of 824 thousand, 5 kilometers from the coast, where the mountains exceed 1,500 meters and the plateaus begin immediately after. The city center is walkable because it's tucked into the waterfront; From Atatürk Square to Kunduracılar Street, you can reach Hagia Sophia in half an hour.
History is layered here. There is a line extending from ancient Trapezus to the Komnenos dynasty, from the Pontic Greek kingdom to the Ottoman Empire and the Republic. When Constantinople fell in 1204, the Komnenos brothers took refuge in Trebizond and established an empire south of the Black Sea that lasted 250 years. Sumela Monastery, Trabzon Hagia Sophia, city walls—all remain from this period. After Mehmet the Conqueror captured the city in 1461, Trabzon became the Black Sea port of the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the city has two faces: on the one hand, the Black Sea port and the historical bazaar, and on the other hand, the mountain villages and plateaus. If you wander around the center for two days and the surrounding area for three days, you will understand Trabzon. In the last 10 years, the influx of Gulf and Arab tourists has reached a considerable level; In the summer months, Arabic signs, halal restaurants and family pensions line Uzungöl and Ayder. Locals are sincere and direct; Price gouging is not common. Tea is drunk at all hours, refusing a cup is frowned upon — just say "with little sugar."
Trabzon receives rainfall more than 200 days a year. It's not about "choosing the season", it's about "choosing the intensity of the rain". Summer heat rarely exceeds 25°, but the humidity is sticky; The plateaus remain cool.
| Period | Temperature | Rain / Fog | Crowded | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March-April | 10-16° | Heavy rain | Low | Sümela is just opening, green is intense |
| May | 15-20° | Moderate rain | Medium | The plateaus are opening, the freshest greenery |
| June | 18-23° | Little rain, fog | High | The most suitable period for the plateau |
| July-August | 22-26° | Sudden shower | Very high | Arab tourists are at the top, humidity on the beach |
| September | 19-24° | Little rain | High | Harvest (hazelnuts, tea), tourists become rare |
| October-November | 12-18° | Rainy, foggy | Low | Autumn colors, anchovy season begins |
| December-February | 4-10° | Fog + ice + snow | Low | Anchovy is at its peak, plateau roads are closed, Uzungöl is in the snow |
Sis is Trabzon's friend in all seasons. Even in summer, the plateaus are covered in fog in the mornings and clear up towards noon. Fog on the beach during winter months affects driving safety; caution is essential as there are many bends. If you are coming to the plateau, the safest window is between June and September; Spring and autumn are enough for the monastery + beach + bazaar.
Trabzon Airport (TZX) is only 6 kilometers away from the city center, right next to the coastal road. One of Türkiye's busiest regional airports; The number of daily flights is high, and if you book early, the plane rivals the bus.
| From where | Flight | Bus | Highway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Istanbul | 1 hour 45 min, 1.500-3.500 ₺ (THY, Pegasus, AnadoluJet — 15-20 flights per day) | 16-18 hours, 1.500-2.200 ₺ | 1,080 km, 13-14 hours (D100 coast) |
| Ankara | 1 hour 15 min, 1.200-2.500 ₺ (THY, AnadoluJet — 4-6 flights per day) | 11-12 hours, 1.200-1.700 ₺ | 740 km, 9 hours |
| Izmir | 2 hours, 2.200-4.000 ₺ (non-transfer less) | 20-22 hours, 1.800-2.500 ₺ | 1,380 km, 17 hours |
From airport to city:
If you are coming by bus the terminal is in the west of the city, in the Değirmendere area. Approximately 25-30 ₺ by minibus to Meydan (early 2026, 20 minutes). Although the Black Sea coastal road is scenic, it becomes tiring after Samsun; Aircraft remains economical over long distances.
Trabzon center is walkable. You can get from Atatürk Square to Kunduracılar and from there to Hagia Sophia in half an hour. A car is required for out of town.
A rental car is highly recommended. The real beauty of Trabzon is not in the city, but in the surrounding plateaus and monastery route. Sümela (45 km), Uzungöl (95 km), Çal Cave (50 km), Ayder (140 km) — when you go to these points with your own vehicle, you can stretch the route and get up early in the morning and avoid the crowds. There are basic companies at the airport, daily rental is around 1,800-3,500 ₺ (early 2026). Since the Black Sea roads are winding and rainy, choose a 4x4 or chain-capable vehicle in winter.
Daily per capita forecasts for early 2026. Due to the inflation environment in Türkiye, prices may change by 15-25% within 3-6 months; Up-to-date confirmation before booking is recommended.
| Category | ₺ (Economic) | ₺₺ (Medium) | ₺₺₺ (Premium) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (night) | approximately 1,500-2,500 ₺ (hostel, boutique) | approximately 3,000-5,500 ₺ (3-4 star hotel) | approximately 7,000-14,000 ₺ (sea view, Uzungöl wooden suite) |
| Breakfast | approximately 200-400 ₺ (mihlama, kuymak) | approximately 450-800 ₺ (plateau breakfast plate) | approximately 900-1,400 ₺ (hotel open buffet) |
| Noon | approximately 300-500 ₺ (pita, meatballs) | approximately 600-1,100 ₺ (Akçaabat meatballs, trout) | approximately 1.400-2.400 ₺ (Trilye, Kireçhane) |
| Evening — anchovy season (Nov-Feb) | approximately 400-700 ₺ (beach fisherman, anchovy pan + rice) | approximately 900-1,600 ₺ (meat / fish) | approximately 2,000-3,800 ₺ (tasting menu) |
| Urban transportation | approximately 80-150 ₺ (dolmus) | approximately 250-500 ₺ (taxi) | approximately 1,800-3,500 ₺ (daily car rental) |
| Activity (entrance, tour) | approximately 100-500₺ | approximately 600-1.200 ₺ (Sümela + Uzungöl daily tour) | approximately 2,500-5,000 ₺ (private guide, helicopter view) |
| Daily total | approximately 2.600-4.700 ₺ | approximately 5.800-10.700 ₺ | approximately 15,600-30,500 ₺ |
Fixed items — verification early 2026:
Since small restaurants that do not accept cards are common in the plateau regions, having cash makes it easier for you.
Thanks to its nature and plateaus, Trabzon is a city where children can easily relieve their energy. Since sea, mountain and lake are together, it is easy to create a program that appeals to all age groups. However, let us remind you that the plateau roads are winding and long, and you should be careful about distance planning with young children.
How many days to visit Trabzon? 1.5 days is enough just for the city center. When you add Sumela and Uzungöl, 3 days pass comfortably. 7 days are required for Ayder, Çamlıhemşin, Pokut and border route. 5 days is ideal for those who want a balanced choice.
How much is a ticket to Sumela Monastery and how to get there? Full ticket for 2026 is 450 ₺ (Müzekart is valid). It is 45 kilometers from the city center to Maçka, your own vehicle is the most practical solution. There is no public transportation; daily tour is 350-500 ₺ per person, taxi bargain is 1,500-2,000 ₺ for four people. There is an elevator + 200-meter hill walk from the parking lot to the monastery.
How far is it from Uzungöl? Is it a day trip or with accommodation? 95 kilometers from the city center, about two hours (the Of-Çaykara road is winding). It's possible as a day trip, but it takes seven hours on the road. We recommend staying at least one night; At six in the morning, the fog on the lake offers a different view. Wooden hostel 1,500-3,000 ₺/night.
Which season is best to come? The safest window for plateau tourism is between June and September. May and October are ideal for the city center, monastery and coast — rainfall is moderate, crowds are low. Anchovy season is between November and February; This period is valuable for fish lovers, but plateau roads may be closed.
Is it possible to tour the plateau with children? Yes, but adjust your expectations. Uzungöl and Ayder can be easily reached by car, there is a flat walking path around the lake. For the upper plateaus such as Pokut, Sal and Şerah, a 4x4 or ATV is required, which can be tiring for young children (under 5 years old). Çal Cave is children's favorite spot — underground adventure, 4°C inside, closed shoes are a must.
Are anchovies really only eaten in November-February? Practically yes. Anchovies that are presented as "fresh" out of season are generally frozen, which reduces their flavor. During this period, trout (from plateau streams), whiting or sea bass are the more logical choices. Anchovy Festival is held on the Trabzon Coast in mid-December; There is free anchovy pan and live music.
Is it possible to go to Batumi as a day trip? 175 kilometers from Trabzon to Sarp border gate, approximately 3 hours; Batumi 15 minutes from Sarp. A day trip is technically possible, but tiring — a total of 12 hours of travel. For comfort, it is reasonable to stay one night in Hopa or Batumi. Passport is required; There may be a 1-2 hour queue at the border in the summer months.
Is it necessary to rent a car? If you're just going to stay in the city center, no — minibuses and taxis are enough. If you are planning a plateau route such as Sümela, Uzungöl, Ayder, Pokut, yes, it is highly recommended. It is also possible to go with tour companies (350-600 ₺ per person), but you do not have the freedom of time and stop. In winter, choose a 4x4 or chain-capable vehicle.
What should be the rain plan? Trabzon can start with rain every day and clear in the afternoon. Instead of making a fixed "rain day" plan, keep a flexible calendar: indoor places such as museums, markets, caves in the morning; plateau, beach, monastery in the afternoon. Forum AVM and Varlıbaş AVM are saviors in heavy rain.
Festivals, concerts and public holidays — 2026 calendar
July-August 2026 (exact date will be announced by Çaykara Municipality)
Uzungöl / Çaykara / Trabzon
Traditional plateau festival held in Uzungöl and surrounding plateaus during the summer months; Horon, kemençe, local dishes and folk dances come to the fore. During the festival week, occupancy in Uzungöl hostels reaches its peak, and traffic on the Çaykara road increases.
Official source →August 2026 (exact date will be announced by Trabzon Metropolitan Municipality)
Trabzon Coastal Road / Akyazı surroundings
Beach festival held at the end of summer on the Trabzon coastline; Evening programs include concerts, folk dances and street food. On festival nights, coastal road traffic intensifies and there is a short-term increase in demand in central hotels.
Official source →August 2026 – May 2027 (every 2 weeks in Akyazı, depending on the fixture)
Trabzonspor Şenol Güneş Sports Complex (Akyazı)
Trabzonspor's home weeks in the Super League fixtures, especially Galatasaray-Fenerbahçe-Beşiktaş matches, bring hotel occupancy to the highest level in the city. On match days, traffic increases around the coastal road and Akyazı.
Official source →July-August 2026 (exact dates announced via Biletix / Passo)
Trabzon Akyazı / Atatürk Area open air stage
Black Sea folk and Turkish pop concerts traditionally held in Trabzon during the summer months; Local artists such as Volkan Konak, Davut Güloğlu and Resul Dindar take the stage. On concert nights, prices in central hotels jump up and demand for taxis increases.
Official source →Jun 6, 2026 – Jun 14, 2026
Trabzon (citywide)
The early summer festival in the Culture Road official calendar; It creates crowds on coastal and central routes and accelerates hotel demand on the weekend.
Official source →Sep 4, 2026 – Sep 7, 2026
Akçaabat / Trabzon
Akçaabat's classic autumn festival; Folk dances, local dishes (especially stuffed turnip leaves) and live music fill the seaside square. Minibus movement from the city center to Akçaabat increases.
Official source →Nov 21, 2026 – Nov 23, 2026
Trabzon Coast / Atatürk Area surroundings
The traditional festival held at the opening of the anchovy season; Free anchovy pan treats, live kemenche and horon teams are located along the beach. There is a short-term increase in demand in urban hotels.
Official source →Mar 9, 2027 – Mar 11, 2027
Returns from out of town and family visits increase in the early spring period; Accommodation demand in the center moves partially upwards.
Official source →Instant Ticket Prices
Domestic flight prices departing from Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir
If you liked Trabzon, check these out too