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Trebizonda · Rize · Turkey
From Trebizonda's Byzantine architecture to the wet valleys of Uzungöl and Ayder.
In the photo: Sümela Monastery, Trebizonda
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Trebizonda combines Byzantine heritage and coast; Uzungöl and Ayder take the trip into the Black Sea valleys and highlands.
The city of Trebizonda, signed as Trabzon, functions as an air gateway. The old Hagia Sophia shows Byzantine architecture and paintings. The Sumela Monastery occupies a slope in the Altındere valley inland, and requires an outing with transport and a walk.
Uzungöl lies in another valley, with a lake surrounded by wooded slopes. Ayder belongs to Rize province and connects to the landscape of the Kaçkar mountains. Although they appear on the same regional route, these bases lie in different directions and access routes: changing accommodation can reduce repeated journeys.
Green is linked to humidity: rain and fog are part of the experience. Mountain views depend on the weather, and high-altitude roads require seasonal planning.
This destination brings together 3 cities: Trebizonda, Uzungöl, Ayder.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Limites: Natural Earth (domínio público). Ilhas do Mármara e dos Príncipes: geoBoundaries / © colaboradores do OpenStreetMap (CC BY-SA). Adaptação do Cidade Turismo.
✈ Trabzon Havalimanı (TZX), in Trebizonda · 6 km to Trebizonda
Trabzon airport (TZX) is a gateway for the route. Rize-Artvin (RZV) can serve the Ayder section. From the airports continue by road and arrange transfers to the valleys; do not plan the itinerary solely by straight-line distance.
Suggested arrival point: Trebizonda
Trebizonda (Trabzon) is a gateway to the eastern Black Sea, with an airport and urban services. the former Hagia Sophia (Santa Sofia) displays the city’s Byzantine heritage. Sumela lies outside the coastal core, on a slope of the Altındere valley.
Uzungöl spreads along a lake in a mountain valley in the province of Trabzon. The landscape combines water, wooded slopes and tourist development. Walks along the shore and viewpoints let you experience the valley at different paces.
Ayder is a mountain base in Rize province, linked to the valleys and highlands of the Kaçkar. The landscape combines forests, slopes and pastures. Stay flexible for rain, fog and changes in access conditions to the surroundings.
The local experience
Highland core among Kaçkar forests and slopes, with outings conditioned by weather and season.
Former Byzantine church, used as a mosque, with architecture, reliefs and painted areas along the coast.
Mountain lake with paths along the shore, a settlement and wooded slopes in the Çaykara area.
Orthodox monastery built against a mountain wall, above the forest of the Altındere valley.
Medieval fortification above the Fırtına valley, on a branch different from the access to the Ayder plateau.
Historic house and garden in the Soğuksu area, linked to the memory of Atatürk’s visits to Trebizonda.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to September conditions for the highlands are usually better, but rain and fog can occur. May and October require flexibility. From November to April, cold and snow can limit high-altitude access; on the coast the climate is more humid than inland Turkey.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Five to seven days allow spreading Trebizonda, Sumela, Uzungöl and Ayder with changes of base. More time helps adjust outings to rain and visibility.
In Trebizonda the centre provides urban services. In Uzungöl compare the distance from your lodging to the lake and the ascents. Ayder offers mountain accommodation and serves excursions to the surroundings; check access for the travel season.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
No. The northeast coast and slopes are more humid, with rain and fog possible in different months.
Trebizonda serves urban outings and Sumela. One night in Uzungöl lets you stay in the valley without repeating the round trip.
Ayder belongs to Rize province. The regional route can combine the two areas, but you need to allow time for road transfers.
A car with driver, transfers or organized tours help reach the valleys. For trails and high-altitude routes, plan the journey according to the season.
