About Trabzon, Turkey
The Pearl of the Black Sea
Located on the northeastern coast of Turkey, Trabzon is one of the most fascinating cities on the Black Sea. Known for its dramatic mountains, rich forests, ancient history, and cool climate, Trabzon offers a unique combination of nature, culture, and hospitality.
It is a destination loved by Arab travelers, families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for fresh air and peaceful landscapes away from the busy crowds of large cities.
🐟 A Historic Port City
Trabzon has been an important trade route for thousands of years. As a port city on the Silk Road, it was influenced by Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
This long history created a unique culture with historic churches, castles, mosques, and stone-built villages across the mountains.
The Trabzon Castle, Atatürk Mansion, and ancient city walls are reminders of its rich past, while the modern city offers cafes, markets, and seaside promenades.
⛰️ Land of Green Mountains and Cool Weather
Trabzon is famous for its incredible nature. The region is covered with dense forests, rivers, high plateaus, and waterfalls.
Even in summer, temperatures remain pleasant, making Trabzon a popular escape from the heat.
Nearby, travelers can enjoy hiking, picnics, photography, and fresh mountain breezes.
🕌 The Iconic Sumela Monastery
One of Trabzon’s most famous landmarks is the Sumela Monastery, a breathtaking structure built into a steep cliff inside Altındere National Park.
Surrounded by waterfalls and deep green valleys, it represents more than 1,600 years of history. The view from the monastery is unforgettable, and the mountain road leading to it is a scenic experience on its own.
🌳 Uzungöl — A Natural Paradise
Just 90 minutes from Trabzon, Uzungöl is the region’s most visited natural attraction.
This beautiful lake is surrounded by tall mountains, wooden hotels, and walking trails. Many visitors enjoy relaxing by the water, cycling around the lake, or staying in chalet-style resorts.
Uzungöl is also known for its charming restaurants serving fresh local food.
🐄 The Highland Culture
Trabzon is famous for its plateaus, known in Turkish as “yayla”.
The most popular are Hıdırnebi, Çal, and Ayder (in nearby Rize). These highlands offer stunning views, traditional wooden houses, and cultural festivals.
Local people bring their animals to graze in summer, so travelers often see cows, sheep, and horses freely roaming through green fields.
🎣 Black Sea Cuisine
Trabzon’s cuisine reflects its geography. The star of the region is hamsi (Black Sea anchovy), cooked in many delicious ways.
Other local favorites include:
Kuymak (cheese, butter, and cornmeal — similar to fondue)
Pide (Black Sea-style Turkish pizza)
Fresh seafood
Honey from high mountain flowers
Restaurants along the coast offer beautiful sea views with fresh daily catches.
🛍️ Shopping and Local Products
Travellers love buying Trabzon silver jewelry, wooden crafts, handmade carpets, and natural honey.
The Trabzon Forum mall and city bazaars offer modern and traditional shopping options.
✈️ Easy Access
Trabzon has its own international airport, making it easy to reach from Istanbul or foreign destinations.
Once in the city, visitors can rent cars or join guided tours to explore nearby attractions like Uzungöl, Sumela, or the tea fields of Rize.
🏁 Conclusion
With its lush green mountains, cool weather, historic treasures, and friendly culture, Trabzon is one of Turkey’s most beautiful destinations.
Whether you are relaxing on the coast, exploring ancient monasteries, tasting Black Sea food, or hiking through mountain villages, the city offers a peaceful and unforgettable travel experience.
For families and nature lovers, Trabzon is a true gem of the Black Sea.
Things to Do in Trabzon
Top Attractions in the Pearl of the Black Sea
🌍 Introduction
Trabzon, on the northeastern coast of Turkey, is one of the most beautiful and peaceful destinations by the Black Sea. With its green mountains, cool weather, fresh seafood, and unique culture, the city offers a long list of unforgettable experiences. Whether you love nature, history, photography, or food, here are the best things to do in Trabzon.
1️⃣ Visit the Famous Sumela Monastery
One of the most iconic places in Turkey, the Sumela Monastery sits dramatically on a cliff inside Altındere National Park.
Built more than 1,600 years ago, it offers breathtaking views over forests and waterfalls. Visitors can tour the church, ancient frescoes, and walking paths around the mountain.
✅ Best For: history lovers, families, photographers
✅ Tip: go early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the mountain mist
2️⃣ Explore Uzungöl — The Heart of Nature
Only 90 minutes from Trabzon, Uzungöl is a natural paradise surrounded by forests and high mountains.
The peaceful lake, wooden chalets, and stunning views make it a must-see destination.
✅ Things to do:
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Walk or cycle around the lake
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Enjoy a meal at a lakeside restaurant
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Stay overnight in a mountain resort
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Try trout fish, a local specialty
Uzungöl is especially beautiful at sunset when the mountains reflect on the water.
3️⃣ Enjoy Fresh Air in the Highlands (Yayla Tourism)
Trabzon is known for its highland culture. Villagers spend summers in the green mountains, where temperatures stay cool even in July and August.
Popular highlands include:
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Hıdırnebi Yaylası — great for picnics, horse riding, and family trips
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Çal Yaylası — peaceful traditional village life
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Ayder (in nearby Rize) — thermal springs and lush scenery
These plateaus are perfect for relaxing, breathing fresh air, and escaping city noise.
4️⃣ Walk Through Atatürk Mansion
Located on a hill surrounded by gardens, the Atatürk Mansion is a beautiful historic house where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk once stayed.
Its elegant architecture, white exterior, and antique furniture make it a popular stop for culture and history lovers.
✅ Tip: The garden area offers great panoramic photos of the city.
5️⃣ Taste Local Black Sea Cuisine
Food is one of Trabzon’s biggest attractions. Here are some dishes every visitor should try:
🍽️ Kuymak (Mıhlama) — melted cheese with butter and cornmeal
🍽️ Hamsi — anchovies cooked in many styles
🍽️ Trabzon Pide — famous Turkish-style pizza with meat, cheese, or eggs
🍽️ Laz böreği — sweet dessert pastry
Many restaurants are located by the seaside, offering fresh fish with a relaxing view.
6️⃣ Visit the Boztepe Viewpoint
For a beautiful panoramic look over the Black Sea and the whole city, head to Boztepe Hill.
You can reach it by car or cable car and enjoy tea or coffee with an amazing view — especially at sunset or nighttime when city lights sparkle below.
7️⃣ Shopping for Local Products
Trabzon is known for:
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Silver jewelry (famous Telkari designs)
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Honey and tea from mountain villages
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Handmade wooden crafts
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Hazelnuts, one of the region’s top products
Visit local markets or the city center for traditional souvenirs and natural goods.
8️⃣ A Day Trip to Sera Lake
Just 20 minutes from the center, Sera Lake is another peaceful natural spot surrounded by hills and garden cafés.
Visitors can take boat tours, enjoy snacks by the water, or walk along the lakeside paths.
9️⃣ Discover the Hagia Sophia Mosque
Not to be confused with Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, Trabzon Hagia Sophia is a 13th-century architectural wonder with frescoes, stone carvings, and a quiet garden overlooking the sea.
It is smaller than the famous one, but full of history and beauty.
✅ Conclusion
Trabzon is a destination full of natural beauty, history, culture, and delicious food.
Whether you’re relaxing on a lake, climbing mountain roads, tasting local dishes, or visiting ancient landmarks, the city offers unforgettable experiences for travelers of all ages.
Cool weather, friendly people, and breathtaking landscapes make Trabzon one of the most charming cities in Turkey.