Discover Trabzon
Black Sea Gem of the East. Explore Sumela Monastery, Uzungol Lake, Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, lush green mountains, and find the best hotels with our complete travel guide.
Emerald Gem of the Black Sea
Trabzon is the undisputed gem of Turkey's eastern Black Sea coast — a lush, mountain-fringed port city where green mountains plunge into a deep blue sea and rain showers are followed by rainbows. Steeped in history as a major trading post on the Silk Road and former capital of the Empire of Trebizond, this is a city with a unique identity and incredible natural beauty.
Trabzon's most famous attraction is Sumela Monastery — a 4th-century Greek Orthodox monastery dramatically built into the side of a cliff face at 1,200 meters elevation in the Altindere Valley. Reachable after a steep hike through forest, the monastery with its stunning frescoes and precarious cliffside setting is one of Turkey's most extraordinary and memorable sights.
For pure natural beauty, Uzungol (Long Lake) is a postcard-perfect alpine lake surrounded by mountains and dense green forest. The tranquil lake, traditional wooden houses, and fresh mountain air make it a favorite escape. The drive from Trabzon to Uzungol passes through stunning mountain scenery with waterfalls, tea plantations, and traditional Black Sea villages.
But Trabzon is more than just nature. The city itself has a fascinating history reflected in its Hagia Sophia — a beautiful 13th-century Byzantine church with remarkably well-preserved frescoes. The Boztepe hill offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea. And let's not forget the food — Trabzon is famous for its hamsi (anchovy) dishes, hearty cornmeal-and-cheese kuymak, and the region's legendary hospitality.
Must-See Places in Trabzon
Discover the unmissable sights and experiences that make Trabzon special.
Sumela Monastery
A breathtaking 4th-century cliffside monastery built into a sheer rock face at 1,200m. Famous for its ancient frescoes and dramatic setting — one of Turkey's most unique attractions.
Uzungol Lake
A stunning alpine lake surrounded by green mountains and forests. One of the most beautiful natural spots on the Black Sea coast, with traditional wooden houses and trout restaurants.
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon
A beautiful 13th-century Byzantine church with stunning well-preserved frescoes. One of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture outside of Istanbul.
Boztepe
A hill on the eastern side of Trabzon offering panoramic views of the entire city, the harbor, and the Black Sea. Visit at sunset for the most spectacular views.
Ataturk Mansion
A beautiful 19th-century waterfront mansion that was a summer residence of Ataturk. Now a museum with period furnishings and lovely gardens overlooking the sea.
Cal Cave
Turkey's longest cave, located near Trabzon. Features stunning stalactites and stalagmites, an underground river, and walking paths through illuminated galleries.
Taste of Trabzon
Indulge in the local flavors and culinary specialties of the region.
Hamsi (Anchovy) Dishes
The Black Sea's signature ingredient — anchovies prepared dozens of ways: fried, grilled, in pilaf (hamsi pilavi), in bread, and even in desserts. An absolute must-try in Trabzon.
Kuymak
A hearty Black Sea specialty — cornmeal cooked with cheese and butter, served hot and stringy. Sometimes called muhlama, it's the ultimate comfort food for a rainy mountain day.
Vakfikebir Bread
A famous local bread from the nearby town of Vakfikebir — large, round, and wonderfully soft inside with a crispy crust. Often served for breakfast with local cheeses.
Sour Cherry Juice
Refreshing sour cherry juice (visne suyu) — a Black Sea favorite. The region grows delicious sour cherries that make a wonderfully tart and refreshing drink.
Dining Tips & Where to Eat
In Trabzon, you must try the hamsi (anchovies) — this is the best place in Turkey to try them. Look for hamsi tava (fried anchovies) and hamsi pilavi (anchovy pilaf). For heartier fare, try kuymak — cornmeal and cheese casserole. Waterfront fish restaurants along the coast serve fresh Black Sea fish. Don't leave without trying Vakfikebir bread for breakfast.
Plan Your Trabzon Visit
Choose your trip length and explore our recommended day-by-day itinerary.
- Morning exploration of Trabzon's main attractions
- Visit the most iconic landmark and surrounding area
- Local lunch at a traditional restaurant
- Afternoon museum visit and cultural exploration
- Sunset at the best viewpoint in Trabzon
- Dinner with local specialties
- Full-day exploration of nearby historical sites
- Visit archaeological ruins and ancient monuments
- Traditional lunch at a local village
- Afternoon nature excursion to nearby natural wonders
- Sunset hike or scenic drive
- Dinner featuring regional cuisine
- Leisurely morning with Turkish breakfast
- Browse local bazaar for souvenirs and handicrafts
- Visit a hidden gem you missed on day one
- Final lunch with all your favorite local dishes
- Relax with a cup of Turkish tea or coffee
- Departure or onward travel to next destination
Top Hotel Recommendations
Handpicked accommodation for every budget — book your perfect stay on Trip.com.
Trabzon Zorlu Grand Hotel
Luxury seafront hotel with panoramic Black Sea views, spa facilities, multiple restaurants, and elegant rooms — the finest in Trabzon.
Uzungol Resort Hotel
Stunning resort hotel on the shores of Uzungol Lake with lake and mountain views, a restaurant, and a perfect location for nature lovers.
Trabzon Old Town Hotel
Comfortable hotel in central Trabzon near the old town and waterfront with clean rooms, a restaurant, and friendly service.
Black Sea Guesthouse
Charming family-run guesthouse with simple but clean rooms, home-cooked Black Sea meals, and warm local hospitality.
Know Before You Go
Essential details to help you plan a smooth Trabzon trip.
Getting There
Trabzon Airport (TZX) has domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara, plus seasonal international flights. The airport is about 8 km from the city center with bus and taxi connections. Night buses connect Trabzon to other Turkish cities.
Local Transport
Local buses and dolmuses serve the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available. Rental cars are recommended for exploring the region's mountain roads and reaching Uzungol and Sumela.
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June to September) has the best weather for outdoor activities. April-May and October are also beautiful with green landscapes and fewer crowds. Trabzon is rainy year-round, so always bring a rain jacket.
Budget Guide
Budget: $25-50/day (guesthouse, local food, buses). Mid-range: $60-120/day (3-4 star hotel, restaurants, tours). Luxury: $180+/day (resort hotels, private tours). Affordable compared to coastal resorts.
Trabzon Travel Questions
Answers to the most common questions about visiting Trabzon.
The best time to visit Trabzon is during summer (June to September) when the weather is warmest and driest, perfect for visiting Sumela Monastery and Uzungol Lake. However, spring and autumn are also beautiful — the mountains are lush green and there are fewer crowds. Bring a rain jacket year-round as the Black Sea coast is known for its rainfall.
Sumela Monastery is about 47 km south of Trabzon in Macka district. The easiest way is by organized tour (departing daily from Trabzon). You can also take a dolmus to Macka and then a taxi or local minibus from there. A rental car gives you the most flexibility. The last part of the road is winding mountain road — allow about 1.5 hours driving time each way.
Absolutely! Trabzon is one of the most beautiful and unique destinations in Turkey. The combination of dramatic mountain scenery, lush green forests, alpine lakes, the cliffside Sumela Monastery, and unique Black Sea culture makes it genuinely special. It's very different from the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts — think more Pacific Northwest vibe than typical Turkey.
Plan for at least 3 full days in Trabzon. Day 1: explore the city — Hagia Sophia, Ataturk Mansion, Boztepe for sunset. Day 2: day trip to Sumela Monastery. Day 3: day trip to Uzungol Lake. With 4-5 days you can add more nature — Cal Cave, Ayder Plateau, and the stunning highlands of the surrounding region.
Trabzon and the Black Sea region have a very distinct cuisine. The star is hamsi (anchovies) — served fried, in pilaf, in bread, and more. Kuymak (cornmeal with cheese) is a hearty specialty. Vakfikebir bread is famous across Turkey. The region also has great dairy products, honey, and sour cherry juice. Seafood lovers will be in heaven.
Yes! Trabzon is a great base for exploring the eastern Black Sea. Popular add-ons include: Rize (famous for tea plantations), Ayder Plateau (stunning alpine meadow), Camlihemsin, and the drive along the coastal highway all the way to Samsun in the west. You could easily spend 1-2 weeks exploring the Black Sea coast from Trabzon to Samsun.