Turkish Black Sea Highlands
Türkiye
A lush northern Turkey route from Samsun to the tea slopes of Rize and the valleys beyond Trabzon. It trades the familiar Mediterranean coast for misty mountains, wooden highland villages, monasteries on cliffs, and winding roads above the Black Sea.
Explore on the interactive map →Stops along the route
- Samsun
Start on the Black Sea coast in a practical port city with strong republican history and easy road connections east.
- Ordu Boztepe
Ride or drive up to the hill above Ordu for wide coast views. It is a gentle introduction before the mountains grow steeper.
- Giresun
A compact coastal town with a hilltop castle, hazelnut country around it, and sea views from the old fortress.
- Trabzon
The historic Black Sea hub brings markets, monasteries, and a different rhythm from western Turkey. It is the natural base for side trips.
- Sümela Monastery
A cliff-hung monastery set above a forested valley. The approach road and mountain setting are as memorable as the frescoes.
- Uzungöl
A lake village backed by steep green slopes and high ridges. It is popular, but the surrounding valley still feels grand.
- Rize Tea Slopes
Tea gardens cover the wet hills above Rize in vivid green terraces. Stop for views, tea houses, and short walks.
- Zilkale
A stone castle rises above the Fırtına Valley, with bridges, rivers, and forested slopes all around it.
- Ayder Yaylası
A highland village of hot springs, mountain air, and access to the Kaçkar foothills. Weather can change fast here.
- Artvin
Finish in steep, green Artvin, where valleys fold into the Caucasus edge and the road feels wilder than the coast behind you.
Where to Eat
- Akçaabat köfte restaurantBlack Sea grill
Stop near Trabzon for the region's signature köfte with bread, salad, and ayran.
- CemilustaTurkish, Black Sea
A well-known Trabzon choice for regional plates and a dependable road-trip meal.
- Rize tea gardentea house
Pause in the tea country for brewed local tea and simple snacks above the slopes.
- Ayder Yaylası restaurantsBlack Sea highland
Look for muhlama, trout, cornbread, and warming mountain dishes in Ayder.
Things to Do
- Visit Sümela Monasterymonastery
Walk to the cliffside complex and viewpoints above Altındere Valley.
- Photograph Uzungöllake
Circle the lake and continue up the valley for quieter mountain views.
- Explore Fırtına Valleyscenic drive
Follow the river past bridges, villages, and forested slopes toward Çamlıhemşin.
- Climb to Zilkalecastle
Stop at the fortress for a dramatic look over the valley and old trade routes.
- Soak in Ayder hot springshot springs
Use the thermal baths after the highland drive, especially on cooler evenings.
Travel advisory
The coastal highway is fast, but roads into the yaylas climb steeply through fog, rain, and tight village bends. A high-clearance SUV is useful for plateau side trips, and landslides or snow can affect mountain roads outside the warmer months.