Trabzon
About Trabzon
Trabzon is the jewel of Turkey's Black Sea coast — a city where lush green mountains plunge into the sea, where ancient monasteries cling to cliff faces, and where the cuisine is unlike anywhere else in the country. Once the capital of the medieval Trebizond Empire, the city retains a unique cultural identity blending Greek, Georgian, and Turkish influences.
The surrounding highlands (yaylalar) offer some of Turkey's most spectacular mountain scenery, with alpine meadows, rushing streams, and villages where traditional wooden houses dot impossibly steep hillsides. Trabzon is the gateway to the Kaçkar Mountains and the stunning Sumela Monastery.
Useful links:
Quick Tips
- Currency: Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards accepted in the city but carry cash for highland villages and small eateries.
- Transport: Dolmuş minibuses connect the city to nearby sights. Rent a car for the highlands — roads are winding but scenic. Trabzon Airport has frequent flights to Istanbul.
- Tipping: 10% at restaurants. Round up for taxis and small services.
- Rain gear: The Black Sea coast is the wettest region in Turkey. Pack a waterproof jacket regardless of season. Rain can come suddenly, even in summer.
- Try Akçaabat köfte: The town of Akçaabat, 15 km west, is famous for its uniquely seasoned köfte (meatballs) — a mandatory stop for food lovers. Considered Turkey's best köfte.
Interesting Places to Visit
Sumela Monastery (Sümela Manastırı)
A breathtaking 4th-century Greek Orthodox monastery carved into a sheer cliff face at 1,200 meters altitude in the Altındere Valley. The frescoed Rock Church and the dramatic setting make it one of Turkey's most awe-inspiring sights. 46 km from Trabzon.
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
A beautiful 13th-century Byzantine church-turned-mosque with well- preserved frescoes and a commanding hilltop position overlooking the Black Sea. Smaller than Istanbul's but with remarkable medieval artwork and a peaceful setting.
Uzungöl (Long Lake)
A picture-perfect alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and misty mountains, 100 km from Trabzon. The lakeside village has wooden chalets and trout restaurants. Can get crowded in summer — visit on weekdays for tranquility.
Ayder Plateau
A highland plateau at 1,350 meters in the Kaçkar Mountains (Rize Province, 160 km east). Famous for its hot springs, wooden architecture, and spectacular mountain scenery. The starting point for treks into the Kaçkar range.
Trabzon Old Town & Bazaar
The historic center has Ottoman mosques, Byzantine walls, and a lively bazaar selling local specialties like Trabzon butter, hazelnuts, and Black Sea tea. The Kunduracılar Caddesi (Cobbler's Street) is especially atmospheric.
Boztepe Hill
The city's panoramic viewpoint — a hilltop park with sweeping views over Trabzon and the Black Sea. Popular with locals for tea at sunset. Several tea gardens serve fresh-brewed çay. Free and easily accessible by taxi.
Altındere Valley National Park
The lush valley surrounding Sumela Monastery, with hiking trails through dense forest, waterfalls, and mountain streams. The drive through the valley is spectacular. Perfect for a full-day nature outing combined with the monastery visit.
When to Visit
Trabzon has a humid oceanic climate — mild and wet year-round, with the highlands adding alpine variation:
🌸 Spring (April – May)
Mild (10–18°C), lush green scenery, rhododendrons bloom in the highlands. Waterfalls are at their most powerful from snowmelt. Some highland roads may still be closed in early April.
- Rhododendron blooms in the mountains
- Powerful waterfalls from snowmelt
- Lush, intensely green landscape
☀️ Summer (June – August)
Best season to visit. Warm (22–28°C) with occasional rain. All highland roads open. The plateaus are at their most beautiful with wildflower meadows. Sumela Monastery is fully accessible.
- Highland plateaus are stunning
- All roads and sites accessible
- Highland festivals and gatherings
🍂 Autumn (September – November)
Cooling (12–20°C), fall colors in the valleys, and hazelnut harvest season. Rain increases from October. The tea plantations around Rize have their last harvest.
- Spectacular fall colors in the valleys
- Hazelnut and tea harvest
- Fewer tourists at key sites
❄️ Winter (December – February)
Cool in the city (5–10°C), snowy in the mountains. Highland roads are closed. The city itself is atmospheric but rainy. Sumela Monastery may have limited access.
- Snowy mountain scenery
- Cozy tea houses and warm food
- Cheapest time to visit
Where to Eat (Affordable & Good)
Black Sea cuisine is Turkey's most distinctive regional food — rich in butter, corn, anchovies, and hazelnuts:
Cemilusta$ – $$
Trabzon's most beloved traditional restaurant serving Black Sea specialties. The kuymak (melted cheese fondue with cornmeal) and Trabzon pide are must-orders. Excellent hamsi (anchovy) dishes in season. Mains 180–350 TRY (~€5–10).
Akçaabat Köftecisi Ömer Usta$
The definitive Akçaabat köfte experience. Perfectly seasoned meatballs grilled over charcoal, served with fresh bread and peppers. Worth the trip to Akçaabat. A full meal under 150 TRY (~€5).
Kalender Karadeniz Mutfağı$
Home-style Black Sea cooking at its best. Try the karalahana çorbası (kale soup), hamsi tava (fried anchovies), and muhlama (cheese fondue). Generous portions and rock-bottom prices. Mains under 150 TRY (~€5).
Nihat Usta$ – $$
Popular Trabzon pide restaurant — the local style features a closed, boat-shaped bread with various fillings. The peynirli (cheese) and kuşbaşılı (meat) pide are superb. Pides from 120–250 TRY (~€4–8).
Bordo Mavi Restaurant$ – $$
Waterfront restaurant with Black Sea views serving fish and regional dishes. The grilled hamsi and karides güveç (shrimp casserole) are excellent. Nice sunset views. Mains 200–400 TRY (~€6–12).
Fevzi Hoca$
Simple lokanta near the bazaar beloved by locals for its daily changing menu of homestyle dishes. The Black Sea bean stew and corn bread are standouts. Lunch under 120 TRY (~€4).
Uzungöl Alabalık Tesisleri$ – $$
Lakeside trout restaurant at Uzungöl. Fresh rainbow trout pulled from the lake, grilled or pan-fried to perfection. The setting with mountain and lake views is unforgettable. Trout meals 150–300 TRY (~€5–9).