CALL OF THE BLACK SEA 

In Türkiye’s lush northern reaches, mist-covered mountains, emerald tea fields, and ancient monasteries create one of the world’s most soulful destinations.

Türkiye’s Black Sea region is one of the country’s most dramatic landscapes, where winding coastal roads, mist-covered mountains, and emerald valleys come together with breathtaking symmetry. Waterfalls tumble through dense forest, and villages seem to appear within rows of green and cloud. Wild, poetic, and deeply cultural, it remains one of Türkiye’s most captivating yet underexplored regions.

Stretching along the country’s northern edge, between the Black Sea and the North Anatolian Mountains, the area feels worlds away from the bustling bazaars of Istanbul or the sun-soaked Mediterranean coast. This is Türkiye at its greenest and most serene. The air is cool even in summer, scented with pine, rain, and freshly brewed tea.

This journey leads us through the eastern Black Sea provinces of Artvin, Rize, and Trabzon. It is the sort of adventure that appeals equally to nature lovers, photographers, hikers, and culturally curious travelers searching for something more authentic and unexpected.

In Artvin, rivers carve through green valleys and ancient stone bridges arch above rushing streams. Dense forests cover the hillsides, giving way to waterfalls and hidden lakes that feel like movie sets. One such waterfall is the Mençuna Waterfall, which plunges nearly 300 feet into a lush gorge in a dramatic rush of water and mist. Meaning “black lake” in Turkish, Borçka Karagöl Nature Park’s Karagöl Lake was formed by a 19th-century landslide and now reflects the surrounding wilderness like polished glass.

Artvin’s beauty, however, is not only natural. The region’s past reveals itself in medieval churches, mountain monasteries, Ottoman bridges, and villages shaped by centuries of Georgian and Anatolian influence. Travelers winding through the Kaçkar Mountains encounter a land where history and nature coexist effortlessly.

Further west, Rize may be one of Türkiye’s most enchanting surprises. Perched between the mountains and sea, the province is famous for its tea plantations—endless rolling hills of vivid green that cascade toward the coastline like velvet. Tea is more than agriculture here; it is ritual, identity, and hospitality.

The tea fields of Çeçeva, also known as Haremtepe, are among the country’s most photographed landscapes. On narrow pathways between the terraces, visitors pass local women dressed in traditional scarves and aprons who harvest leaves by hand.

Beyond the tea fields lies an entire culture shaped by the mountains. Stone bridges connect remote villages. Wooden mansions cling to steep hillsides. Traditional music played on the tulum, a regional bagpipe, and the kemençe, a small, bowed instrument, drifts through the valleys and is often accompanied by the energetic folk dance known as the horon.

High above the tea plantations, Rize’s famed highlands reveal another dimension of the Black Sea experience. The lush plateaus of Pokut, Sal, and Ayder are dotted with simple wooden “cloud-catching” guesthouses that sit completely above the cloud line.

Viçe’s Konagı Hotel in Rize offers the sort of stay that feels completely connected to the landscape around it. With traditional wood interiors, glorious valley views, and an atmosphere steeped in Black Sea hospitality, it’s both a retreat and a cultural experience—an ideal place to slow down after days spent exploring. Here you’ll wake to grazing sheep, distant waterfalls, and panoramic views stretching toward the Kaçkar Mountains.

Then comes Trabzon, long considered the cultural heart of the eastern Black Sea. For centuries, the city thrived along the Silk Road, welcoming traders, explorers, and travelers from across continents. Even Marco Polo once passed through its streets.

Today, Trabzon remains rich with architectural and spiritual treasures, none more spectacular than the legendary Sümela Monastery. This gravity-defying marvel was built into a cliffside overlooking the Altındere Valley and seems suspended from the rock face. Reaching it requires a scenic climb through forested mountains, but the reward is unforgettable: ancient frescoes, soaring stone walls, and views stretching endlessly across the valley below.

Nearby, the city’s historic Hagia Sophia Mosque reflects the region’s rich heritage, blending Eastern Roman architecture with Ottoman history in one beautifully preserved monument.

Along the waterfront, the DoubleTree by Hilton Trabzon provides a polished contemporary base for exploring. Overlooking the Black Sea, the hotel combines modern comforts with dramatic views, offering an easy balance between discovery and relaxation.

Of course, no journey through the Black Sea would be complete without its cuisine—one of Türkiye’s most distinctive and deeply regional food cultures. In Artvin, specialties such as Hopa Laz böregi—a delicate pastry with custard and black pepper—and rich mountain honey reflect the region’s blend of Black Sea, Anatolian, and Georgian influences. Traditional dishes like silor and comforting nettle soup speak to the simplicity and resourcefulness of the region’s highland cooking traditions.

In Rize, steaming copper teapots accompany nearly every meal. Bubbling muhlama—a comforting blend of melted cheese, butter, and cornmeal—is served alongside warm cornbread spread with local butter, while the region’s famous Anzer honey offers a taste of the wildflower-covered plateaus surrounding the city.

In Trabzon, anchovies reign supreme and appear in dozens of dishes, from fried hamsi and savory breads to rice pilaf and delicate pancakes. Be sure to enjoy Trabzon’s culinary trinity—Akçaabat köftesi (grilled garlic-infused meatballs), Sürmene pidesi (a boat-shaped flatbread loaded with melted butter and cheeses), and the beloved Hamsiköy sütlacı (a creamy rice pudding with a caramelized top).

What makes this journey so compelling is not simply the extraordinary scenery, but the feeling of discovery. Recently recognized by National Geographic as one of the “Best of the World 2026” destinations, the Black Sea region remains wonderfully under-the-radar compared to many of the world’s better-known destinations, offering travelers a rare opportunity to experience a place still deeply connected to its traditions, landscapes, and daily rituals.

For travelers craving something soulful, scenic, and refreshingly authentic, Türkiye’s Black Sea coast may be one of the most rewarding adventures waiting to be taken.

For more information, visit blacksea.goturkiye.com.