Trabzon

Trabzon, Turkey - Complete Travel Guide

Trabzon, perched dramatically on Turkey's Black Sea coast, is a captivating city where Byzantine history meets lush green landscapes and busy local culture. Once a crucial stop on the ancient Silk Road, this northeastern Turkish gem has impressive Ottoman architecture, including the iconic Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, while serving as the gateway to some of the region's most impressive natural wonders. The city's unique position between mountains and sea creates a mystical atmosphere, enhanced by frequent mists rolling in from the Black Sea. Beyond its historical significance, Trabzon offers visitors an authentic Turkish experience away from the crowded tourist circuits. The city is famous for being the jumping-off point to the ethereal Sumela Monastery, carved dramatically into a cliff face, and serves as a base for exploring the impressive Uzungöl lake and the highland plateaus of the Pontic Mountains. With its distinctive Black Sea cuisine, warm hospitality, and dramatic landscapes that shift from coastal plains to alpine meadows, Trabzon provides an unforgettable journey through one of Turkey's most culturally rich and naturally beautiful regions.

Top Trabzon

Sumela Monastery

Explore this impressive 4th-century Orthodox monastery built into a sheer cliff face in the Altındere National Park. The monastery features impressive Byzantine frescoes and offers spectacular views over the Altındere Valley. The site requires a moderate hike through beautiful forest paths to reach the monastery complex.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around 30 TL, and it's best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Book guided tours in advance during peak season (June-September), and wear comfortable hiking shoes as the path can be steep and slippery.

Uzungöl Lake

Discover this pristine alpine lake surrounded by dense forests and traditional wooden houses in the Pontic Mountains. The area offers excellent hiking trails, traditional tea houses, and opportunities to experience authentic highland culture. The lake's serene beauty and misty atmosphere make it one of Turkey's most photographed natural landmarks.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost 100-200 TL per person including transport and lunch. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, and book tours that include multiple stops in the highlands. Spring and summer offer the best weather, but autumn provides impressive foliage.

Tour Trabzon's Historical Sites

Visit the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a 13th-century Byzantine church turned mosque with remarkable frescoes, and explore the city's Ottoman-era mosques and traditional bazaars. The Trabzon Castle ruins offer panoramic views over the Black Sea, while the Atatürk Mansion showcases early 20th-century architecture and history.

Booking Tip: Most sites charge 15-25 TL entry fees. Hire a local guide for 150-250 TL per day to gain deeper insights into the city's complex history. Visit during morning hours when lighting is best for photography and sites are less crowded.

Ayder Plateau

Journey to this impressive highland Dakar known for its hot springs, traditional wooden architecture, and dramatic mountain scenery. The area offers excellent hiking opportunities, traditional Georgian-influenced culture, and therapeutic thermal baths. The Dakar serves as a base for exploring the Kaçkar Mountains and experiencing authentic highland hospitality.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost 150-300 TL including transport and meals. Book accommodations well in advance for overnight stays during summer months. Choose tours that include hot spring access and traditional meals, and bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop significantly.

Local Markets and Cuisine

Explore Trabzon's busy bazaars and sample the region's distinctive Black Sea cuisine, including fresh anchovies, cornbread, and the famous Trabzon honey. Visit local tea gardens overlooking the sea and experience the city's café culture. The markets offer excellent opportunities to purchase local handicrafts, spices, and traditional textiles.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 80-150 TL per person and typically last 3-4 hours. Book morning tours when markets are most active and food is freshest. Look for tours that include visits to traditional tea houses and local family restaurants for real feels.

Getting There

Trabzon Airport serves domestic flights from Istanbul, Ankara, and other major Turkish cities, with the journey from Istanbul taking about 1.5 hours. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus offer regular services with advance booking prices starting around 200-400 TL. Alternatively, overnight buses from Istanbul take 12-14 hours and cost 150-250 TL, offering a scenic route through Anatolia. For a more leisurely approach, consider the coastal drive from Samsun or Sinop, which provides impressive Black Sea views but requires 6-8 hours of driving time.

Getting Around

Trabzon's city center is compact and walkable, with most historical sites within easy walking distance of each other. Local minibuses (dolmuş) connect the city center to suburbs and nearby attractions for 5-10 TL per ride. Taxis are readily available and affordable for short distances, typically costing 20-50 TL within the city. For exploring surrounding attractions like Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl, organized tours or rental cars are recommended, as public transport to these locations is limited and infrequent.

Where to Stay

City Center

Ortahisar

Boztepe

Akcaabat

Uzungöl

Ayder Dakar

Food & Dining

Trabzon's culinary scene centers around fresh Black Sea fish, particularly anchovies (hamsi) prepared in dozens of different ways, from fried to baked in rice. The city's restaurants serve distinctive regional dishes like Akçaabat köfte (spiced meatballs), mıhlama (cheese fondue), and kuymak (cornmeal with cheese), best enjoyed in traditional lokanta-style restaurants in the old city. Don't miss the famous Trabzon tea culture - visit hillside tea gardens with sea views, and try local desserts like laz böreği and baklava varieties unique to the region. For the most real feel, seek out family-run restaurants in neighborhoods like Ortahisar and along the coastal road.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Trabzon is between May and September when temperatures are mild (20-25°C) and rainfall is at its lowest, making it perfect for exploring outdoor attractions like Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl. Summer months offer the warmest weather for highland excursions, though they also bring the highest tourist numbers and prices. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) provide excellent weather with fewer crowds and busy natural scenery, while winter months can be quite rainy and many mountain attractions may be inaccessible due to snow.

Insider Tips

Learn a few words of the local Laz language - locals appreciate visitors who show interest in their unique cultural heritage

Always carry cash as many local restaurants, markets, and small tour operators don't accept credit cards

Pack layers and waterproof clothing even in summer, as Black Sea weather can change quickly and mountain areas are significantly cooler than the coast