Trabzon — Travel Guide

The ideal period to visit Trabzon is between May and September. During these months, both the city center and the surrounding plateaus are at their liveliest; natural spots like Uzungöl and Ayder open their doors wide to visitors. In summer, temperatures hover around 20-25 degrees Celsius, and there is no oppressive heat on the coast.

Autumn, especially October and November, turns into a paradise for photography enthusiasts with its colorful forested areas. When the valleys around Sümela Monastery are adorned in yellow and red, the scenery becomes incredible. In winter, the plateaus are covered with snow; while the city center remains mild, transportation on surrounding roads can become difficult. For those who want to avoid crowds, early May and late September offer a golden middle ground.

By Plane: Trabzon Airport is only a few kilometers from the city center. Regular flights are available from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major cities. From the airport, the city center can be easily reached by taxi or airport bus.

By Bus: Trabzon is connected by bus services from many cities, especially Istanbul. Although it is a long journey, choosing overnight services minimizes time loss. From the bus terminal, which is approximately 2 km from the city center, you can take a taxi or dolmuş to reach the center.

By Car: Located on the Black Sea Coastal Road, Trabzon is on an excellent route for those wishing to traverse the Eastern Black Sea. Its location on the route for those coming from Rize, Artvin, or Erzurum makes Trabzon a regional hub. By Sea: Trabzon Port is approximately 1 km from the city center; domestic and international ferry services may be organized during certain periods.

In Trabzon city center, dolmuş and minibus lines are quite common. Atatürk Square is the city's transportation hub; from here, vehicles going to districts and surrounding areas can be easily accessed. Taxis are also readily available, but for long distances, it is advisable to agree on the price beforehand.

To reach destinations outside the city such as Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, and Sera Lake, renting a car is the most practical option. This allows you to move according to your own schedule and explore plateaus and forest roads at your own pace. Many historical sites within the city can also be reached on foot; especially Trabzon Castle, Bedesten Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia are located close to each other.

Sümela Monastery: This Orthodox monastery, which has become a symbol of Trabzon, appears to cling to the steep cliffs in the Altındere Valley. Believed to have been built in the 4th century AD, the monastery captivates visitors with its frescoes and magnificent valley views. It is approximately 46 km from Trabzon city center.

Uzungöl: Located 99 km from Trabzon, at an altitude of 1090 meters above sea level, this lake and its surroundings offer one of the most iconic natural landscapes of the Black Sea. It is recommended to be there early in the morning to photograph the morning mist dancing over the lake.

Trabzon Hagia Sophia: Built as a church in the 13th century and later converted into a mosque, this structure still preserves its original frescoes from the Byzantine period. The sections open as a museum are also worth exploring.

Atatürk Mansion: Built at the beginning of the 20th century, this mansion made history as Atatürk's residence during his visits to Trabzon. It is located in a peaceful setting above the city, with its vineyard and garden.

Boztepe: From this observation hill just above the city, one can enjoy panoramic views of Trabzon and the Black Sea. It is an ideal spot to watch the sunset in the evening.

Trabzon Castle: Forming the historical core of the city, the castle stands in the middle of the city with its Byzantine-era walls. The narrow streets and old neighborhood fabric around it are also worth discovering.

Sera Lake: Approximately 19 km from the city, it is a natural lake formed by a landslide. Together with the lush green forest around it, it is a beautiful option for a peaceful nature walk.

Accommodation options in Trabzon span a wide range. The city center, especially Atatürk Square and its surroundings, is the most practical accommodation area in terms of ease of transportation. Here, boutique hotels, mid-sized chain hotels, and affordable guesthouses are found together.

For visitors seeking sea views, hotels along the coastline offer an attractive option. Those looking for a quieter, nature-immersed stay can choose small boutique hotels or plateau houses in Uzungöl. Staying in Uzungöl and catching the lake view early in the morning is one of the most beautiful aspects of this destination. During peak seasons, especially in summer, making reservations in advance is very important.

Trabzon cuisine is a simple yet satisfying cuisine based on the unique products of the Black Sea. Anchovies (Hamsi) are the undisputed star of this cuisine; they can appear as pan-fried, steamed, in pilaf, and even as a dessert. It is worth coming to the city during anchovy season in autumn and winter to eat fresh anchovies.

Kuymak is a traditional breakfast dish prepared with corn flour and cheese; when served hot in the mornings, it is almost addictive. Black cabbage soup is another local delicacy that will warm you up on the city's cold and rainy days. A breakfast table prepared with corn bread, Trabzon butter, and village cheese is also a ritual to be experienced.

All these delicacies can be found in local restaurants and village breakfast halls in the city center. For dessert, Laz böreği and Trabzon hurması (a local variety of persimmon known as Trabzon hurması) must be tried.

For shopping in Trabzon, your first stop should be the Bedesten Bazaar. In this covered bazaar dating back to the Ottoman period, you will find handicrafts, copperware, local textiles, and souvenirs. This bazaar, located in the heart of the city, is enjoyable to explore even just for its historical atmosphere.

Among the products unique to Trabzon, Trabzon cheese, hazelnuts and hazelnut products, corn flour, and local teas stand out. Obtaining these products from local markets or herbalists in the city center is both more economical and more authentic. Small shops and handicraft workshops also await discovery in the streets around the covered bazaar.