RIZE & TEA REGION
Rize is the emerald heart of Turkey’s Black Sea, where endless tea fields carpet misty mountains and historic Ottoman bridges span fierce rivers in a land of perennial green.
This lush province is the nation’s tea capital, offering a unique blend of vibrant Laz culture, ancient hilltop castles, and exhilarating outdoor adventure in its dramatic high plateaus.
Most Popular Attractions
Highlands and Plateaus (Yaylas)
Ayder Plateau: The most famous highland, renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, traditional wooden houses, and vibrant meadows.
Pokut Plateau: Known for its stunning, often misty views where clouds frequently settle below the traditional wooden highland homes.
Anzer Plateau: A globally recognized highland famous for its unique and highly prized Anzer Honey, made from endemic flowers.
Huser Plateau: Offers breathtaking panoramic vistas, particularly popular for viewing the sunrise over a sea of clouds.
Yukarı Kavrun Plateau: A high-altitude, untouched highland at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains, ideal for serious trekking.
Gito Plateau: A secluded and peaceful highland retreat offering serene views and local authenticity.
Sal Plateau: Located near Pokut, providing equally beautiful mountain scenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
Elevit Plateau: A picturesque village and plateau nestled along the Fırtına Valley, serving as a gateway to mountain trails.
Nature, Rivers, and Waterfalls
Kaçkar Mountains National Park: A vast, protected wilderness area perfect for hiking, mountaineering, and exploring glacial lakes and diverse ecosystems.
Fırtına River Valley: A deep, lush valley famous for Rafting, Zipline, and Swing activities on the fast-flowing Fırtına Creek.
Gelin Tülü Waterfall (Bride’s Veil): A spectacular waterfall near Ayder Plateau whose flow resembles a delicate bridal veil.
Palovit Waterfall: One of Turkey’s most powerful waterfalls by water volume, plunging dramatically within a dense forest environment.
Boxwood Forests: Ancient, protected woodlands in the region, admired for their unique ecological value and tranquil hiking trails.
Kara Deniz (The Black Sea Coast): The coastline of the city of Rize, offering promenades and a view of the famous wave-breaking airport built on reclaimed land.
Çat Village: A beautiful hamlet situated at the convergence of two valleys, featuring traditional Black Sea architecture.
Historical Castles & Cultural Sites
Zil Castle (Zilkale): A majestic, 700-year-old medieval stone fortress perched dramatically on a sheer cliff overlooking the Fırtına Valley.
Rize Castle: A historic fortress in the city center dating back to the Byzantine era, offering a great vantage point over the Black Sea.
Şenyuva Bridge (Çinçiva): The oldest and most famous Ottoman-era stone arch bridge in the region, spanning the Fırtına Creek.
Rize Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored Ottoman mansion, showcasing the region’s cultural and ethnographic history.
Atatürk House & Ethnography Museum: A cultural site in the city center dedicated to the history of the Republic and local Black Sea life.
Pileki Cave: A natural cave formation offering an accessible underground geological experience.
Tea & City Experiences
Ziraat Tea Garden (Botanik): A popular hill-top garden offering the best views of the city of Rize and its tiered tea plantations.
Çeçeva Sefa Hill Tea Gardens: The iconic, Instagram-famous terraced tea fields that showcase the endless green beauty of the region’s main crop.
Traditional Tea Houses: Numerous local spots throughout the city and villages to experience the ritual of brewing and drinking authentic Turkish Rize tea.
Activities & Experiences
Visit a Tea Factory and Plantation: Rize is the “Tea Capital” of Turkey. Take a tour of a local tea factory, learn about the process from leaf to cup, and enjoy a tasting of the world-famous Turkish Black Sea tea.
Hike in the Kaçkar Mountains National Park: Explore the diverse flora and fauna, trek to glacial lakes, and challenge yourself with multi-day hikes in this magnificent mountain range.
Explore the Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası): Visit this iconic highland village known for its lush green meadows, traditional wooden houses, and natural hot springs. You can also visit the Gelin Tülü Waterfall here.
Go Rafting or Ziplining in Fırtına Valley: Experience an adrenaline rush on the Fırtına Deresi (Storm River), one of Turkey’s top spots for white-water rafting, or try the exhilarating ziplines across the river.
Discover Zilkale (Zil Castle): Visit this impressive, 700-year-old medieval castle perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Fırtına Valley, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
Walk on a Historic Stone Arch Bridge: Stop and take photos at the beautiful Ottoman-era stone bridges like the Şenyuva Bridge or Kale-i Hala Bridge that arch gracefully over the Fırtına River.
Chase Waterfalls: Marvel at the high-flow Palovit Waterfall, one of the tallest in the region, tucked deep within the Fırtına Valley’s forests.
Experience a Black Sea Highland Festival: If visiting in the summer, try to attend a local festival (yaylası şenlikleri) on a plateau like Ayder or Pokut, which often includes local music, dancing, and traditional games.
Sample Local Black Sea Cuisine: Feast on hearty regional dishes like muhlama (a cheesy cornmeal fondue), hamsi (anchovy) dishes, and traditional corn bread at a local lokanta (eatery).
Visit the Rize Castle (Rize Kalesi): Explore the remnants of this historic castle located right in the city center, offering great views of Rize city and the Black Sea coastline.
Witness the Sunrise at Pokut or Sal Plateau: Journey up to one of the more remote, misty plateaus like Pokut (known as the ‘Windy Valley’) for an unforgettable view of the clouds beneath your feet and the stunning sunrise.
Relax in the Ayder Thermal Springs: Enjoy the healing properties of the hot mineral baths available in the Ayder Plateau area, perfect for a break after a day of hiking.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Highly Recommended: To fully explore the stunning highlands (yaylas), valleys, and scattered villages of the Rize province, renting a car is the best option. Be prepared for narrow, winding, and sometimes challenging mountain roads, which often require a high-clearance vehicle for the higher, more remote plateaus like Pokut.
From the Airport: The Rize-Artvin Airport (RZV) is built on reclaimed land in the Black Sea. HAVAŞ buses are the most common and affordable way to get to the Rize city center, Çayeli, or neighboring towns. Taxis and private transfers are also readily available.
Public Transport: Minibuses (Dolmuş): For travel between towns and to some of the more popular areas like Ayder, the local minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of public transport. You’ll generally pay cash to the driver. They are a great way to travel the coast and reach major district centers.
Within the Highlands: For accessing some of the more remote and higher plateaus like Pokut or Gito, organized tours or local shuttles/taxis are a safer and more convenient option than driving your own car, especially if you are inexperienced on mountain backroads.
Embrace the Tea Culture: Tea is a way of life here. You will be offered tea (çay) constantly—it’s a symbol of Turkish hospitality. Always accept a cup if offered, especially in homes or small shops, as a sign of respect.
The Climate is Humid and Rainy: Rize is one of the most humid regions in Turkey, with high rainfall year-round. Even in summer, expect sudden downpours and mist in the highlands. Pack layers, and a good waterproof jacket is essential, even during the peak season of May to September.
Black Sea Hospitality: People in the Eastern Black Sea are known for their strong local traditions and warm, genuine hospitality. Outside of the city centers, English proficiency may be low, so learning a few basic Turkish phrases (Merhaba – Hello, Teşekkürler – Thank you) will be greatly appreciated.
Highland Etiquette: When visiting a plateau (yaylası), remember these are active summer grazing areas for local villagers, not just tourist spots. Be respectful of private property and grazing animals. It is customary to greet locals with a friendly nod or Merhaba.
Hidden Culinary Gems: Look for local ingredients like hazelnuts, corn, and fresh trout. Muhlama is a must-try; it’s a hot, gooey, melted cheese dish (similar to fondue) typically eaten for breakfast or lunch, made with cornmeal and local butter.
The Horon Dance: The Black Sea region has its own distinctive, energetic folk dance called the Horon. It’s usually performed in a circle or line, accompanied by the traditional Black Sea fiddle, the Kemençe. If you see a local gathering, watch or even join in!
Traditional Architecture: Keep an eye out for the unique, dark wood Black Sea Houses scattered across the hillsides, often built on steep slopes and blending into the natural environment.
Top Restaurants
Lale Lokantası (Çayeli) [$10-$20] – Famous throughout Turkey for its spectacular and authentic Kuru Fasulye (dried white beans stew, often cooked with meat and butter). A mandatory stop for Black Sea cuisine.
Hüsrev Lokantası [$10-$20] – Another highly-regarded local spot known for its delicious Kuru Fasulye, typically served with rice and pickles. It’s a classic and no-frills lokanta experience.
Evvel Zaman Yöresel Yemek [$10-$20] – Specializes in regional dishes, particularly famous for its authentic Hamsili Pilav (rice pilaf baked with Black Sea anchovies, pine nuts, and spices).
Nefis Pide & Kebap Salonu [$8-$15] – A local favorite in Rize for traditional Turkish pide (flatbread) and kebaps, offering a satisfying and budget-friendly meal.
Rize Sofrası [$10-$20] – Known for a wide array of authentic Rize and Black Sea dishes, including various soups like Karalahana Çorbası (black cabbage soup) and meat stews.
Meşhur Rize Köftecisi [$10-$18] – A great local spot for authentic Köfte (meatballs), often prepared in the Black Sea style or as Akçaabat Köftesi (a specific type of meatball from the region).
Osmanlı Alabalık Tesisleri (by the stream) [$15-$25] – Specializes in fresh, farmed Alabalık (brown trout), a regional delicacy, often grilled or pan-fried, in a beautiful waterside setting.
Dere Kenarı Restaurant (by the stream) [$15-$25] – Offers traditional local dishes and excellent fresh Alabalık with a view of the stream, providing a relaxing and authentic dining atmosphere.
Şelale Restaurant (Çamlıhemşin) [$15-$25] – Located in the scenic Çamlıhemşin region, serving both local Black Sea specialties and traditional meat dishes in a natural environment.
Doğa Restaurant (Çamlıhemşin) [$15-$25] – Focuses on local dishes from the highlands, known for the use of natural, seasonal ingredients, and a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Gülcemal Pide Salonu [$8-$15] – A traditional local eatery where you can try various types of Pide, including the local Rize or Terme styles, often with cheese, ground meat, or pastırma.
Temel’in Yeri [$10-$20] – A modest, authentic place popular with locals for home-style cooking and fresh daily dishes from the Black Sea repertoire.
Gülbahar Hatun Lokantası [$10-$20] – A simple and authentic esnaf lokantası (tradesmen’s restaurant) offering daily-changing menus of home-style Black Sea and Turkish stews, soups, and vegetable dishes.
Yöresel Yemekler Salonu [$10-$18] – Focuses on traditional Black Sea comfort foods like Karalahana Sarması (stuffed kale leaves) and various dishes made with cornmeal and local greens.
Tarihi Çayeli Kuru Fasulye Salonu [$10-$20] – Located in Çayeli, another old, famous spot solely dedicated to its renowned dried bean dish, an institution for this regional staple.
Rize Simit Fırını [$5-$10] – Not a full restaurant, but a fantastic local bakery to try Rize Simidi, a unique bagel-like bread dipped in molasses before baking.
Baston Ekmek Fırını [$5-$10] – A traditional bakery specializing in Baston Ekmek (stick bread), a local variety of bread famous in Rize.
Çarşı Pide Salonu [$8-$15] – A simple, local-style pide place, perfect for tasting the region’s savory flatbreads.
Karadeniz Balık Evi [$15-$30] – A dedicated seafood restaurant offering various preparations of Hamsi (anchovy) such as Hamsi Tava (fried) and Hamsi Buğulama (steamed), as well as other fresh Black Sea fish.
Deniz Restaurant [$15-$30] – Offers a range of Black Sea cuisine with a strong focus on fresh seafood and local fish dishes, popular among Rize residents for quality and freshness.
Derya Balık Restaurant [$15-$30] – Known for its excellent fish and proximity to the sea, where you can try seasonal fish alongside staples like Hamsi Kuşu (fried anchovy patties).
Rize Çay Bahçesi (Tea Garden) [$5-$15] – Not a restaurant, but a classic Rize experience. Many tea gardens offer simple snacks alongside their world-famous, fresh Rize Tea, with great views of the plantations.
Çaykur Çay Fabrikası Tesisleri (Tea Factory Facility) [$5-$15] – The facilities at the major tea factories often have cafes or small restaurants that offer tea and light regional snacks with panoramic views of the tea fields.
Gezginler Konağı [$15-$25] – A guesthouse or small hotel restaurant in the high plateaus that often blends traditional Black Sea cuisine with a modern presentation, focusing on local, natural ingredients.
Ayder Düğün Salonu & Restaurant (Ayder Plateau) [$15-$25] – While a düğün salonu (wedding hall), their restaurant section often offers high-quality local dishes and feasts, especially good for authentic large-format cooking (if open to the public).
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Own kafe bar: A popular spot in the Rize city center, known for its vibrant atmosphere, live music performances, and a good selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, raki, and wine. It serves as the main social hub for locals and visitors looking for a pub environment.
NOKARAVEN Pub Palace: Located in Rize city, this pub is noted for combining local charm with a lively atmosphere, offering a place to gather and enjoy drinks, often with music.
POLL PUB: Another central pub in Rize city, offering a relaxed environment to enjoy a drink and socialize, catering to a clientele seeking a casual evening out.
Ayder SenNaa’Beer Cafe & Bistro: Situated in the picturesque Ayder Plateau, this venue provides a cozy atmosphere, serving as a popular bistro/cafe where visitors can enjoy local food and drinks, sometimes including beer.
Yolluk Bistro – Tekel: Found in Çamlıhemşin, this cozy bar is known for offering local flavors and traditional Rize products, alongside a selection of beverages in a charming valley setting.
Malena Cocktail & Coffee Bar: Located in the coastal district of Fındıklı, this establishment offers a more modern mix of cocktails and coffee, appealing to those looking for a slightly trendier spot by the Black Sea.
Laff: A vibrant bar in Fındıklı, offering a lively atmosphere with refreshing drinks and a taste of the coastal local culture.
KOPA’LUM CAFE: Found in Ardeşen (on the way to the highlands), this cafe/bar offers breathtaking views and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed drink after a day of exploring the tea fields.
Passage Bistro (Wine Viçe): Situated in Fındıklı, this spot is known as a wine bar, offering a selection of wines in a charming bistro setting, a less common offering in the region.
FUşKİ YAYLA PUB: Located in a quieter highland area near Rize, this pub is a simpler, traditional spot where locals and nature-lovers can enjoy a drink in a unique mountain setting.
Xlarge Cafe & Bar: Although technically in neighboring Artvin province (close to the Rize border and Kaçkar area), it serves the same region with a cozy ambiance and a friendly atmosphere for relaxation and socializing.
Akasya Restaurant & Rafting: While primarily known for its Turkish cuisine and proximity to rafting in the Fırtına Valley (Çamlıhemşin), it features a bar area where travelers often gather for a drink after their river adventures.
Noyçayz Cafe & Resturant & Dağ Evleri: Located near the Kaçkar Mountains, this venue is a mountain cabin retreat that offers a rustic setting where guests can relax with food and drinks amidst stunning natural landscapes.
kavrun dağevleri (Kavrun Mountain Houses): Found deep in the Kaçkar Mountains, this spot offers a serene, traditional Rize setting where local cuisine is paired with simple drinks, often enjoyed around a fire.