Trabzon
Sumela's cliffside monastery and the lush green valleys of the Black Sea.
About Trabzon
Trabzon is the jewel of Türkiye's Black Sea coast, a city with a personality of its own that feels completely different from the rest of the country. Surrounded by forest-covered mountains, terraced tea plantations and rivers flowing down to a dark, mysterious sea, Trabzon has been the gateway between Anatolia and the Caucasus for centuries.
Founded as a Greek colony named Trapezous in 756 BC, it was the capital of the Empire of Trebizond, the last Byzantine stronghold, which fell to the Ottomans in 1461, eight years after Constantinople. The Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, with its Byzantine frescoes, and the spectacular Sumela Monastery, clinging to a cliff 300 metres up in a wooded valley, bear witness to that imperial past.
Lake Uzungöl, surrounded by volcanic mountains and fir forests, and the alpine valleys of Ayder, with their hot springs and wooden houses in the mist, reveal a side of Türkiye that looks more like Switzerland or Georgia than the Mediterranean. The tea gardens (çay bahçesi), where 95% of Turkish tea is grown, add an intense green to the landscape.
What to See in Trabzon
Sumela Monastery
The icon of Türkiye's Black Sea coast: a 4th-century Orthodox monastery clinging to a cliff 300 metres up in the middle of a wooded valley. The 18th-century frescoes in the main church show beautiful biblical scenes. The path up (1 hour) winds through spectacular forest.
Read more about Sumela MonasteryLake Uzungöl
A lake surrounded by fir-covered mountains and wooden houses that look like something out of a Swiss fairy tale. The morning mist rolling down from the mountains creates an unreal atmosphere. It's the most photographed place on the Turkish Black Sea coast. Ideal for walks and photos.
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
A 13th-century Byzantine church with a Greek-cross plan and extraordinary frescoes of biblical scenes. It was built at the height of the Empire of Trebizond. Unlike Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, here you can take in the frescoes in detail and at your own pace.
Read more about Hagia Sophia of TrabzonTea Plantations
The Rize–Trabzon region produces 95% of Turkish tea. Hillsides covered in tea bushes in perfect rows create an intensely green landscape. You can visit the Çaykur factory in Rize and learn about the production process. Turkish tea (çay) is served in tulip-shaped glasses with sugar cubes.
Ayder Valley
A spa village at 1,350 metres, surrounded by alpine meadows, waterfalls and fir forests. Its traditional wooden houses (yayla evleri) and natural hot springs make it a perfect mountain retreat. Honey from the Ayder area is famous and highly sought after.
Must-See Places
Food in Trabzon
Black Sea cooking is unique in Türkiye, shaped by an abundance of maize, anchovies, butter, hazelnuts and cabbage leaves. The star dish is kuymak (a regional cheese fondue made with cornmeal and butter), served bubbling in a copper pan.
Anchovies (hamsi) are the signature ingredient: they're cooked in 40 different ways, including hamsi tava (fried), hamsi pilavı (rice with anchovies in a clay pot) and even anchovy desserts. Trabzon pide (with meat or cheese) has its own shape, different from pide elsewhere in Türkiye.
Don't miss muhlama (the local version of kuymak), stuffed cabbage leaves (lahana sarma) and Anzer honey, one of the most expensive and sought-after honeys in the world, prized for its medicinal properties.
Practical Tips
- The Black Sea region is rainy: bring a waterproof and water-resistant shoes, especially in spring and autumn.
- Reaching Sumela Monastery involves a walk of about 40 minutes (or a shuttle vehicle). Wear comfortable shoes.
- Uzungöl and Ayder are lovely outside the peak season (July–August), when they fill up with visitors from the Gulf.
- Try kuymak for breakfast: it's the most authentic food experience of the Black Sea.
- Hire a car to explore the valleys: the mountain roads are spectacular but winding.
Getting There
Trabzon Airport (TZX) has daily flights from Istanbul (1 h 45 min). The airport is 6 km from the centre. Trabzon is also linked by bus to Ankara (10 hours) and eastern cities such as Erzurum (4 hours).
From Trabzon, the main sights require a car: Sumela (46 km), Uzungöl (99 km) and Ayder (160 km). There are dolmuş minibuses to Sumela and Uzungöl, but with limited timetables. A private car or organised tour is the most practical option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trabzon
How many days do I need to visit Trabzon?
I recommend spending at least 2 days in Trabzon so you can see the main sights at a relaxed pace. If you have more time, you can combine it with nearby destinations to make the most of your trip.
When is the best time to visit Trabzon?
The best time to visit Trabzon is May to September. That said, every season has its charm, and Türkiye is a destination you can enjoy all year round.
Can I visit Trabzon with an English-speaking guide?
Yes. As a licensed, English-speaking tour guide in Türkiye, I organise private tours and day tours in Trabzon. Every itinerary can be tailored to your interests.
How do I get to Trabzon from Istanbul?
Depending on the destination, you can get there by domestic flight (1–1.5 h), by coach or by private car. On the tours I organise, transport is included and planned to make the most of your sightseeing time.
Can I include Trabzon in a longer tour of Türkiye?
Of course. Trabzon combines easily with other destinations in Türkiye. I design tailor-made itineraries of 7, 10, 12 or 15 days that include this and other fascinating places.
Want to visit Trabzon with a licensed, English-speaking guide? Book your private guide in Türkiye and we'll plan the itinerary together.
Read More about Trabzon
Guides, tips and stories to help you plan your visit.
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Trabzon and Sümela: The Black Sea and the Cliffside Monastery
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