Which Places Should You Visit in the Black Sea Region?

The Black Sea covers a large area, with different landscapes and experiences from west to east. For international travelers visiting the Eastern Black Sea, Trabzon and Rize are two of the most practical bases.

Trabzon

Trabzon is one of the most important cities on Türkiye’s eastern Black Sea coast and a natural starting point for exploring the region.

The city combines Black Sea culture, history and mountain scenery. Visitors can explore Ortahisar, the historic city centre, Trabzon Hagia Sophia, Atatürk Mansion and the local markets while also enjoying traditional Black Sea cuisine.

Trabzon is also the gateway to some of the region’s most famous attractions, including Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl.

Sümela Monastery

Sümela Monastery is one of the most impressive historical sites in the Black Sea region. Located in Altındere Valley near Maçka, the monastery is dramatically positioned on a steep mountainside surrounded by forest.

The monastery is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and has a history extending back many centuries. Its cliffside setting, religious heritage and surrounding natural landscape make it one of the most memorable places to visit near Trabzon. Sümela is also included on Türkiye’s UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.

A visit to Sümela can easily be combined with Maçka and other nearby attractions as part of a private day tour from Trabzon.

Uzungöl

Uzungöl is one of the most recognizable landscapes in the Eastern Black Sea.

Located in Trabzon Province, the lake is surrounded by steep green mountains and forests, creating a very different atmosphere from Türkiye’s coastal resort destinations.

Visitors can enjoy walks around the lake, mountain views, local restaurants and the surrounding countryside. Uzungöl is particularly attractive during spring and summer when the surrounding landscape is especially green.

For travelers staying in Trabzon, Uzungöl can be visited as a private day trip or included in a longer Black Sea itinerary.

Rize & the Tea Region

Rize is one of the most distinctive destinations in the Eastern Black Sea.

The region is famous for its tea plantations, green mountains, valleys and waterfalls. Tea culture is an important part of everyday life in the area, and visitors can experience the landscape by traveling through the plantations and mountain roads.

Rize is a natural continuation of a Trabzon itinerary and can be combined with Ayder Plateau, Fırtına Valley and other nearby attractions.

Ayder Plateau

Ayder is one of the best-known mountain destinations in Rize and a popular stop on Eastern Black Sea itineraries.

Located in the Kaçkar Mountains area, Ayder is surrounded by forests, streams and mountain scenery. The plateau is also known for its traditional atmosphere, local food and natural surroundings.

Nearby Gelintülü Waterfall and the surrounding mountain landscapes make Ayder particularly attractive for travelers interested in nature and photography.

Ayder can be visited from Trabzon as part of a longer private Black Sea journey or combined with Rize and the Fırtına Valley.

Fırtına Valley

Fırtına Valley is one of the most scenic areas of the Eastern Black Sea.

The valley follows the Fırtına River through a landscape of steep green mountains, forests, bridges and traditional villages. Outdoor activities, scenic drives and nature experiences are among the main reasons travelers visit the area.

The Fırtına River is also suitable for rafting with professional operators, making the valley an attractive option for travelers looking for an active experience.

Zil Castle

Zil Castle is another interesting stop in the Rize region. Built dramatically above the Fırtına Valley, the castle provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

It can be combined with Ayder, Fırtına Valley and other Rize attractions during a private day trip.

Beyond Trabzon & Rize

The wider Black Sea region extends far beyond Trabzon and Rize.

Travelers with more time can continue west toward destinations such as Ordu, Giresun, Amasra and other coastal towns. Further inland, the region offers mountain landscapes, national parks, lakes and traditional villages.

For travelers interested in a longer road journey, the Black Sea coastline can be explored as a multi-day route rather than a single destination.

However, if you are visiting the Eastern Black Sea for the first time, focusing on Trabzon, Uzungöl, Sümela, Rize and Ayder usually provides a good introduction to the region.

Black Sea Food & Local Culture

Food is an important part of experiencing the Black Sea.

The region is known for dishes and products such as kuymak or muhlama, anchovies, local breads, corn-based dishes, hazelnuts and Black Sea tea.

Trabzon and Rize offer opportunities to experience local cuisine in traditional restaurants and during countryside excursions.

Tea is particularly important in the Eastern Black Sea. Rize is one of Türkiye’s main tea-growing areas, and tea plantations are an important part of the region’s landscape and culture.