Black Sea Turkey
Black Sea Turkey coast is a world apart from the rest of the country, with the clusters of villages that speckle its narrow coastline hemmed in by the sea on one side and rolling mountains on the other. Although this region is not usually top on the itineraries of many foreign tourists, it’s a beautiful slice of Turkey, with plenty of attractions and things to do.
The winding road that threads its way along the coast is one of the most scenic in the country, making this region perfect road trip material. The star sightseeing attraction is Sumela Monastery, far out to the east.
The region is known for its tea, hazelnuts, cherry orchards, and anchovies, as well as a chilly sea to the north and lush Green Mountain slopes to the south. This is a favorite area for avid cyclists and adventure seekers. Lined with seaside towns and mostly undeveloped beaches, the region is perfect for those who want to enjoy stunning backdrops in small sleepy fishing villages.
Turkey’s Black Sea coast is a true paradise for nature lovers with its mountains, alpine pastures, and serene lakes surrounded by dense forests, not to mention its hidden historical sites. Here is a list of attractions not be missed when visiting the Turkish Black Sea (Karadeniz) coast.
Kaçkar Mountains
Rising above the Black Sea coastline, the Kaçkar Mountains are a dramatic and inspiring sight as well as one of the best destinations for some serious hiking and camping. Make sure to check out our Kaçkar hiking guide before making your travel plans.
Sumela Monastery
Certainly one of the Black Sea coast’s most famous historic sights, the Sumela Monastery is completely built into the Pontic Mountains and offers a dramatic sight. Founded in AD 386. The monastery has an impressive rock church and several chapels, all of which can be visited.
Uzungöl
A village that was established on the banks of a lake in the middle of a mountainous landscape. Uzungöl is a popular spot for reveling in nature’s beauty. If getting active is on your agenda, there are plenty of great hiking routes across the mountains.
Ayder Plateau
One of the Black Sea’s most popular alpine pastures, Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası) is famous for its wooden alpine huts that look out over the deep green valley. It’s definitely a great place to stay if you’re looking to explore the area by foot.
Fırtına River
Quite the active river that rushes through the valley, Fırtına River is also famous for the 20 Ottoman-era bridges that can be found along its aqueous path. The river is also very popular for canoeing and rafting year-round.
Karagöl
Located in Artvin. This beautiful lake is surrounded by thick pine forests. Which makes it perfect for long hikes in the midst of untouched nature. Not yet populated by hotels or other tourist facilities. Karagöl is a great place to visit and be alone with the elements.
Rize Castle
This part of Black Sea Turkey ruined medieval castle looks out over the city of Rize.
Zilkale (Zil Castle)
A very dramatic medieval castle in the middle of the valley surrounded by the peaks of mountains all around. Zilkale is something out of a fable. Built in the 14th or 15th century. The castle is one of the Çamlıhemşin district’s most important historical sites.
Karaca Cave
The Karaca Cave (Karaca Mağarası). Which is actually a network of caves. Stunning by virtue of its underground formations. Inside, visitors can admire the breathtaking stalactites, stalagmites, and travertines as well as the large dripstone pools.
Another beautiful alpine pasture (aka plateau). Anzer Yaylası is not as popular as Ayder. Which means visitors can really experience village life at high altitudes. Anzer is also famous for its honey.
Kızkalesi
The ruins of this castle are cut off from the mainland and sit on their own little rock island overlooking the Black Sea. Believed to date back to the 13th century. Visitors can sit at one of the many waterside cafés and watch the sunset. Let’s have a look our Black Sea Turkey tours.
