Trabzon Travel Guide: Uzungöl, Green Highlands and the Black Sea

Trabzon and the eastern Black Sea region are loved for green mountains, lakes, waterfalls and cool summer weather — a favourite for families escaping the heat.

Best time to visit

June to September is the best period. Expect rain at any time of year — that is what keeps everything so green.

Top things to do

• Uzungöl: the famous lake village surrounded by forests.
• Sümela Monastery: built into a cliff in Altındere Valley.
• Ayder Plateau (Rize) with hot springs and waterfalls.
• Boztepe hill: panoramic views of the city and sea, especially at sunset.
• Tea gardens of Rize and highland villages such as Haldizen and Sultan Murat.

Where to stay

• Trabzon city centre (Meydan, Atatürk Alanı): restaurants, shopping and a good base for day trips.
• Uzungöl: wooden chalets and lake-view hotels — book early in summer.
• Ayder: mountain lodges for nature lovers.

Practical tips

• Renting a car or booking a private tour is the easiest way to visit the highlands.
• Bring a light jacket — evenings in the mountains are cool even in summer.
• Try hamsi (anchovies), kuymak (cheese and corn dish) and local honey.

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