RoadAtlas
Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye — Mountain
Europe

Turkish Black Sea Highlands

Türkiye

In short: Turkish Black Sea Highlands is a 780 km mountain road trip in Türkiye, typically driven over 6-9 days, best in May-Oct. Highlights: Samsun, Ordu Boztepe, Giresun.

Distance
780 km
Duration
6-9 days
Best Season
May-Oct
IconicModerateSUV onlyMountain

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.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
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.
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Plan this trip

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Stops along the route

Samsun — Departure — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Departure
Samsun
Start on the Black Sea coast in a practical port city with strong republican history and easy road connections east.
Hotels
Giresun — City — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
City
Giresun
A compact coastal town with a hilltop castle, hazelnut country around it, and sea views from the old fortress.
Hotels
Trabzon — City — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
City
Trabzon
The historic Black Sea hub brings markets, monasteries, and a different rhythm from western Turkey. It is the natural base for side trips.
Hotels
Artvin — Arrival — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Arrival
Artvin
Finish in steep, green Artvin, where valleys fold into the Caucasus edge and the road feels wilder than the coast behind you.
Hotels

Things to Do

Ordu Boztepe — Nature — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Nature
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.
Sümela Monastery — Landmark — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Landmark
Sümela Monastery
A cliff-hung monastery set above a forested valley. The approach road and mountain setting are as memorable as the frescoes.
Uzungöl — Nature — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Nature
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 — Nature — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Nature
Rize Tea Slopes
Tea gardens cover the wet hills above Rize in vivid green terraces. Stop for views, tea houses, and short walks.
Zilkale — Landmark — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Landmark
Zilkale
A stone castle rises above the Fırtına Valley, with bridges, rivers, and forested slopes all around it.
Ayder Yaylası — Nature — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Nature
Ayder Yaylası
A highland village of hot springs, mountain air, and access to the Kaçkar foothills. Weather can change fast here.
Visit Sümela Monastery — monastery — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
monastery
Visit Sümela Monastery
Walk to the cliffside complex and viewpoints above Altındere Valley.
Photograph Uzungöl — lake — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
lake
Photograph Uzungöl
Circle the lake and continue up the valley for quieter mountain views.
Explore Fırtına Valley — scenic drive — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
scenic drive
Explore Fırtına Valley
Follow the river past bridges, villages, and forested slopes toward Çamlıhemşin.
Climb to Zilkale — castle — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
castle
Climb to Zilkale
Stop at the fortress for a dramatic look over the valley and old trade routes.
Soak in Ayder hot springs — hot springs — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
hot springs
Soak in Ayder hot springs
Use the thermal baths after the highland drive, especially on cooler evenings.

Where to Eat

Akçaabat köfte restaurant — Black Sea grill — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Black Sea grill
Akçaabat köfte restaurant
Stop near Trabzon for the region's signature köfte with bread, salad, and ayran.
Cemilusta — Turkish, Black Sea — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Turkish, Black Sea
Cemilusta
A well-known Trabzon choice for regional plates and a dependable road-trip meal.
Rize tea garden — tea house — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
tea house
Rize tea garden
Pause in the tea country for brewed local tea and simple snacks above the slopes.
Ayder Yaylası restaurants — Black Sea highland — Turkish Black Sea Highlands — Türkiye
Black Sea highland
Ayder Yaylası restaurants
Look for muhlama, trout, cornbread, and warming mountain dishes in Ayder.

Explore related routes

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Frequently asked questions

How long is the Turkish Black Sea Highlands drive?

The Turkish Black Sea Highlands covers 780 km from start to finish.

How long does the Turkish Black Sea Highlands take to drive?

Most travellers spend 6-9 days on the Turkish Black Sea Highlands, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Turkish Black Sea Highlands?

The recommended season for the Turkish Black Sea Highlands is May-Oct.

Where does the Turkish Black Sea Highlands start and end?

The Turkish Black Sea Highlands runs from Samsun to Artvin.

What are the main stops on the Turkish Black Sea Highlands?

The Turkish Black Sea Highlands passes through Samsun, Ordu Boztepe, Giresun.

How difficult is the Turkish Black Sea Highlands to drive?

The Turkish Black Sea Highlands is rated moderate and is best handled with suv only.

Do I need a 4WD for the Turkish Black Sea Highlands?

Yes — the Turkish Black Sea Highlands includes off-road or rough sections that require suv only.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Turkish Black Sea Highlands?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Turkish Black Sea Highlands, based on its 780 km length.

Is the Turkish Black Sea Highlands safe to drive?

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.

What scenic tier is the Turkish Black Sea Highlands?

The Turkish Black Sea Highlands is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.