Hamsiköy

Summer months are when the village is most vibrant. The plateau air becomes distinct in this season, and temperatures remain lower compared to the city center. In spring, a festival is held in the village, and towards the end of May, the number of visitors from Trabzon city center significantly increases. In winter, there can be snow and ice on the Zigana pass. If you plan to go during this period, check road conditions in advance.

From Trabzon city center, you go towards Zigana via Maçka by car. This route, which does not involve heavy traffic, takes between 30-35 minutes and 55 minutes at an average speed, with the distance being around 50 km according to sources. From Maçka district center, the distance is between 19-30 km. If you don't have your own car, you can use minibuses going from Trabzon towards Maçka and then reach the village with a short connection. If you plan to visit Sümela Monastery, it's logical to combine both stops in one trip as they are on the same road.

The only thing on everyone's mind when they come here is rice pudding. It is said that the village's water and air affect the taste, and some believe that the rice pudding made with the same recipe in Trabzon city center tastes different from the one made here. Old ovens in the village, like Niyazi Usta, stand out in this regard. Whether it's worth deviating from the main road and entering the village just for rice pudding is a debatable topic. It's possible to find versions with the same name in the city center. But for those who want to see the village itself, it becomes an extra reason.

Since Hamsiköy is on the way to Sümela Monastery, most visitors explore both points on the same day. It's possible to leave Trabzon, visit Sümela Monastery first, and then take a rice pudding break in Hamsiköy, or follow the reverse order. The Maçka-Zigana line naturally connects these two points, so there's no need to allocate separate days.

Its location within the valley, along with the surrounding mountains, fits into the frame. During the spring festival, areas with blooming flowers and greening slopes are particularly preferred. The waterfall has also become a popular spot for visitors in recent years; it is reached by going a little further in from the village's main road.

The village is at an altitude of 1300 meters, so the weather is cooler than in the city center. Even in summer, you might feel a slight chill in the evenings, so bring a light jacket. Road conditions on the Zigana pass can change, especially in winter, so check the road status in advance if you plan to drive during this period. On event days like the spring festival, village traffic can be heavy, so leaving early is advantageous.