BLACK SEA COAST
This is Turkey’s green heart, a land of mist-shrouded mountains, lush tea plantations, and a unique coastal culture. This guide is your key to discovering ancient empires, dramatic cliffs, and a cuisine defined by the sea.
Why Visit The Black Sea Coast?
Unique Scenery: Discover the stunning contrast of the deep-blue sea against the green, misty forests and high mountain “yayla” (alpine pastures).
Rich History: Explore a legacy of ancient Greek and Byzantine empires, from cliffside monasteries to historic port cities like Trabzon.
Unspoiled Culture: Experience a unique Turkish identity, renowned for its lively traditional music (Kemençe) and a famous anchovy-based cuisine.
Smart Travel
Peak Season (June–August): This is the ideal time for trekking in the Kaçkar Mountains and escaping the heat of Southern Turkey. Expect warm temperatures but also frequent rain, mist, and the highest prices.
Shoulder Season (April–May, September–October): A great time to visit for sightseeing in the cities and coastal towns. The weather is milder with less rain, and the autumn colors in the mountains are beautiful.
Deep Off-Season (November–March): Expect cold, damp weather and significant snow in the mountain regions. Many smaller hotels and attractions may be closed, but you’ll find the best rates.
Main Areas & Places to Explore
Trabzon & Sümela Monastery
The historic capital of the Pontic Empire and a bustling port city. Trabzon is the gateway to the Black Sea’s most spectacular site, the Sümela Monastery, a stunning Byzantine structure clinging to a sheer cliff face.
Your Smart Tip: To beat the crowds at Sümela Monastery, arrive as close to opening time as possible, especially during the busy summer months.
Rize & The Tea Region
Known as the tea capital of Turkey, this area is a sea of rolling, verdant hills covered in tea and hazelnut plantations. It’s a great base for exploring the inland valleys, hot springs, and medieval castles.
Your Smart Tip: Take a cable car up a hill in Rize to a local tea garden for a spectacular panoramic view and a taste of the freshest local tea.
Kaçkar Mountains National Park
The highest part of the Pontic Alps, offering challenging and rewarding multi-day treks, glacial lakes, and the traditional alpine villages (yaylas) of the Hemsin people. It’s a haven for nature lovers and serious hikers.
Your Smart Tip: If you’re a keen hiker, hire a local guide in the park—they can navigate the best routes and introduce you to the unique local yayla culture.
Amasra & Safranbolu
Amasra is considered one of the coast’s most beautiful harbor towns, set on a small peninsula with Byzantine fortifications. A short trip inland is Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its perfectly preserved Ottoman houses.
Your Smart Tip: Stay in one of the beautifully restored Ottoman mansions in Safranbolu to fully immerse yourself in the historic atmosphere.
Handy Tips
Weather & Climate
The Black Sea coast has an oceanic climate, characterized by a high amount of rainfall throughout the year, even in summer. Summers are warm and humid, but rarely overly hot. Winters are cool and wet, with heavy snow in the mountains.
Local Customs And Etiquette
Language: Turkish is the official language. Along the eastern coast, you may encounter local dialects and minority languages like Laz and Hemsin. English is not widely spoken outside major city hotels.
Hospitality: The people of the Black Sea are known for their warm and generous hospitality, particularly in rural areas. Accepting an offer of çay (tea) is a polite gesture.
Dress: While beachwear is acceptable on the coast, it’s wise to dress more conservatively in cities and towns, especially when visiting mosques or historical sites.
Budgeting For Your Trip
Accommodation: Hostels ($15–$30), mid-range hotels ($40–$80), luxury ($90+). Boutique Ottoman hotels in Safranbolu or bungalows in the mountains can be slightly higher.
Food: Street food/quick lunch ($5–$10), dinner at a mid-range restaurant ($15–$30 per person), fine dining ($40+).
Transport: Intercity bus ticket (long distance) ($10–$25), local Dolmuş (minibus) ($1–$3).
Activities: Sümela Monastery entrance ($10), Rafting/Nature tours ($30–$70).
Daily Budget:
- Budget: $40–$70 (hostels, small plate food, public transport).
- Mid-range: $80–$140 (hotels, restaurants, attractions).
- Luxury: $150+ (boutique hotels, gourmet meals, private tours).
Getting Around
By Bus: The bus network is the most common and efficient way to travel between major coastal cities (Trabzon, Rize, Samsun).
By Car: Renting a car gives you the greatest freedom to explore the mountain valleys and remote villages, but prepare for winding, narrow roads.
By Dolmuş: Local minibuses connect cities to smaller towns and villages. They’re inexpensive and run frequently.
Must-Try Food
Hamsi Tava: Fried fresh Black Sea anchovies, often coated in cornmeal, a culinary symbol of the region.
Karadeniz Pidesi: A boat-shaped Turkish “pizza” often topped with ground meat (kıymalı), cheese, and egg, baked in a stone oven.
Kuymak/Muhlama: A rich, cheese “fondue” made with local butter, cornmeal, and regional cheese. It’s a stretchy, indulgent breakfast staple.
Mısır Ekmeği: A dense, traditional cornbread that’s often eaten to scoop up Kuymak or with stews.
Akçaabat Köftesi: Flavorful grilled meatballs from the Trabzon region, often served with a side of rice.
Karalahana Çorbası: A hearty and unique black cabbage soup often made with cornmeal, kidney beans, and meat.
Hamsili Pilav: Rice pilaf baked with a layer of fresh anchovies.
Fasulye Turşusu Kavurması: A simple but beloved dish of stir-fried pickled green beans.
Laz Böreği: A sweet dessert pastry similar to baklava, but layered with a creamy, milky custard instead of nuts.
Hamsiköy Sütlaç: A rich, traditional baked rice pudding from the village of Hamsiköy, often topped with hazelnuts.
Must-Try Drinks
Turkish Black Tea (Çay): Grown extensively in the Rize region, it’s the most consumed drink, served constantly in small tulip-shaped glasses.
Raki: The national alcoholic drink, an anise-flavored spirit usually mixed with cold water to turn it a milky white.
Ayran: A refreshing, slightly salty yogurt drink that’s perfect on a warm day.
Hazelnut Coffee: Coffee prepared with a local hazelnut flavoring (the Black Sea region is a huge hazelnut producer).