Top 5 Turkish Black Sea Coast Day Trips: Reviews & Recommendations

The Turkish Black Sea Coast, it’s almost like a hidden jewel, that really does offer an absolutely different Turkish experience compared to, for instance, the Mediterranean or Aegean coasts. So it boasts this remarkable combination of dramatically rugged mountains that plunge into the deep blue sea, charming villages clinging to steep hillsides, and of course, the misty weather conditions that add a real aura of mystery. We thought we’d explore a few day trips from some major hubs, revealing just a little of the character and pure natural attractions along this less traveled coastline. Pack your bags, maybe grab a light jacket (just in case!), and get ready for our top five picks. Read our full review: turkish black sea coast day trips Full Review and Details

1. Sumela Monastery: A Cliffside Marvel in Trabzon

Sumela Monastery, also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary, it truly does cling dramatically to a cliff face in the Macka district of Trabzon. In a way, this historic monastery offers an eye-opening glimpse into both Greek Orthodox religious life and Turkish heritage. Imagine, nearly, witnessing a structure from, nearly, the 4th century seemingly suspended in mid-air, this makes for that super unique photo op.

Getting there can be an adventure itself! Most folks usually start from Trabzon city center. Anyway, local buses, perhaps even shared taxis (dolmuş in Turkish) regularly service Macka, so from there, a slightly shorter, somewhat winding road takes you closer to the monastery entrance. It is often said that the last bit might just require a walk uphill. While this bit may challenge some, the incredible views definitely serve as one super rewarding distraction.

What to see: Inside the monastery, well you’ll discover the incredible rock church, which contains breathtaking frescoes, very much like, showcasing, nearly, Biblical scenes. Take a few moments to explore the various chapels, monks’ cells, and the library. The views out across the valley are really pretty staggering – just don’t forget your camera!

Tips for visitors: Wear very comfy shoes suited to a bit of walking and potential climbing. It’s, seemingly, always a bit cooler up there compared to sea level, so pack a jacket. You, too, should allow at the very least half a day to truly appreciate Sumela Monastery. The site does, often, get rather busy, mainly during peak tourist seasons, so arriving a bit earlier in the morning may very well let you avoid larger crowds. Read our full review: sumela monastery Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Sumela Monastery Tickets)

2. Rize and the Ayder Plateau: Highland Beauty

Rize is arguably, the “tea capital” of Turkey, where verdant hills carpeted in tea plantations gently roll down towards the coast. From here, you, literally, can head to the Ayder Plateau, so a highland paradise known for its lush meadows, forests, and thermal springs. Prepare to swap out your coastal view for sweeping highland panoramas!

The simplest route usually starts in Rize city center. Quite a few buses and dolmuşes operate between Rize and Ayder. As you travel further inland, watch closely as the landscape shifts fairly dramatically. As an example, the coastal scenes morph to these green, lush tea fields and gradually turn, quite literally, into alpine scenery as you go closer to Ayder Plateau.

Things to experience: Ayder Plateau is basically the perfect place for total outdoorsy types. So you, very much, can hike amongst its marked trails, visit the Gelin Tülü Waterfall (which roughly means “Bridal Veil Waterfall”, because of its unique appearance), and definitely soak in the natural hot springs. And of course, so don’t forget to sample all that lovely local tea!

Helpful pointers: Ayder Plateau is extremely popular, especially at the peak of summer. Booking accommodation really well in advance really does tend to be the smartest thing to do if you plan to extend your day into an overnight visit. The climate there can vary widely, so pack for both very warm and significantly cooler conditions. Read our full review: ayder plateau Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Ayder Plateau Tours)

3. Uzungöl (Long Lake): Serenity Defined

Uzungöl, is that long lake, that provides postcard-perfect scenery, it’s pretty tucked into, kind of, a steep valley, with an old village scattered on its banks. Uzungöl it might be that spot if you fancy a really restful day spent embracing amazing scenery and soothing waters.

The road to Uzungöl mainly starts from Trabzon. So quite a few shuttle services run to Uzungöl directly. Similar to Ayder, watch intently, you may find, the transition as coastal views yield, quite swiftly, to those stunning mountainous backdrops.

Enjoy nature: A tranquil boat ride out on Uzungöl may appeal. Maybe, just hike one of the many trails circling it to find that seriously amazing viewing spot. Or simply kick back at, for example, one of the lakefront cafes, sip on Turkish coffee, and also soak up that truly peaceful atmosphere. It is said, the wooden mosques are well worth viewing, too.

Extra suggestions: Uzungöl can get very crowded mainly throughout the summer months plus during school holidays. So check for this, before heading off. And it has altered so much, with lots of random buildings popping up all around, which actually detract from it’s appealing attributes. The hotels also appear rather average, yet, pretty pricey! Read our full review: uzungol lake turkey Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Uzungöl Lake Tours)

4. Amasra: A Historic Coastal Town

Amasra, which it’s almost, just this pretty little town positioned on a promontory along the Black Sea shore, offers that appealing blend of history, lovely beaches, plus seafood. You almost swap mountains for coastal culture as you visit here.

Travelers commonly take buses directly heading to Amasra, that too, from main cities around, which includes Ankara plus Istanbul. In contrast to mountain routes, a person traveling to Amasra would tend to see gentle hills, lush woodlands, and inviting coastal panoramas as the journey advances.

Discover & explore: Be sure to check out Amasra Castle – this old structure reflects a whole lot of different influences from the Byzantines, Genoese, then Ottomans. Have you seen the Amasra Museum? Very interesting. And a scrumptious meal at one of those local seafood restaurants will often remain long in one’s memory.

Valuable insights: Amasra it does usually prove to be rather busy especially during the summer, weekends plus on public holidays. Booking in advance might easily prove best so as to snag desirable accommodation and a choice dining spot. In a way Amasra, it may lack mountains. The place can still provide fantastic coastal hiking trails that possess a certain charm. Read our full review: amasra turkey Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Amasra Tours)

5. Safranbolu: Ottoman Heritage

Safranbolu it really is a UNESCO World Heritage site famous due to the very well preserved Ottoman era houses, it provides one amazing glimpse directly into Turkey’s historical design. That town lets you walk back throughout the periods in one spectacular way.

Visiting Safranbolu most often consists of you getting a bus originating usually in bigger cities around like Ankara and even Istanbul. Compared to other coastline journeys, that specific option veers inland offering a glimpse linked to rural Turkey showing classic villages and a few very appealing farmlands.

Check those places: Wandering, almost casually, along those cobblestone roads really should rank so very highly, which gives you enough time to experience traditional Ottoman architecture. Also visit, to mention but a few, the Kaymakamlar House which may be a fantastically restored Ottoman mansion-museum, in addition, the City Museum to uncover some local culture as well as the historical backdrop. Then, be sure to grab local saffron flavored delights; Safranbolu is pretty famed thanks to saffron cultivation, actually.

Handy pieces of advice: Safranbolu’s old section turns out usually pedestrian-friendly, basically meaning ideal regarding walking! This area involves gently sloping, even occasionally very steep cobblestone pavements so definitely just bring well suited, easy-going footwear to fully take pleasure in it! Also consider to buy some real saffron. Some traders often are found selling pretend products towards unknowing visitors though!. Read our full review: safranbolu turkey Full Review and Details See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Safranbolu Tours)