Lake Uzungöl
Parks and reserves
A mountain lake at an altitude of 1090 meters, 100 km from the city of Trabzon.
architecture
6/10
entertainments
5/10
nature
9/10
restaurants
5/10
tourist popularity
6/10
TOP things to do in Trabzon
Trabzon is a city with a rich historical past, which goes back to ancient times. It is an ideal destination for those who are looking for adventures, are interested in culture and want to spend time actively surrounded by mountain ranges.
Beach tourism is not developed in Trabzon. It will be almost impossible to find equipped beaches, although the city is located on the Black Sea coast.
To get acquainted with the main sights of Trabzon, 2-3 days will be enough. You can come for a weekend from Georgia or from other cities of Turkey (by bus or by plane).
We recommend renting a car in Trabzon for a few days to visit all the tourist locations at your own pace. They are located outside the city and in different directions.
Sumela Monastery
Sights
An Orthodox monastery in a cliff at an altitude of 1300 meters.
According to legend, the monastery was founded in the 4th century by Athenian monks who accidentally found an icon of the Mother of God in a cave, believed to have been painted by one of the apostles.
The road to the monastery goes through a dense coniferous forest, so the surrounding landscapes are mesmerizing. Near the parking lot, minibuses wait for tourists to take them up to the observation deck. From there, you need to walk another 10-15 minutes uphill to reach the main entrance.
For the construction of the monastery, natural caves and a sheer rock wall were used as a base. Additional rooms were built as a natural continuation of the mountain. Inside, many colored frescoes of biblical scenes have been preserved.
Karaca Cave
Parks and reserves
A popular natural museum consisting of four interconnected caves.
Karaca is known for its incredible variety of cave formations. Stalactites (growths hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growths rising from the floor) take on thousands of forms here, and in some places they connect to form columns.
The cave is very easy to visit: convenient paths and lighting have been installed inside. The route is about 150 meters long.
Kral Pestil Köme
Restaurant
A Turkish sweets shop.
These are balls or rolls of dried fruits, filled with hazelnut paste. The taste is delicious!
Shops with these Turkish sweets can only be found in the north of Turkey. It seems to be something local. We recommend making a stop for tea at the Kral establishment on the way to the mountains. In one wing you can have lunch at the road canteen, and in the other you can buy sweets for tea.
Things to do in Trabzon
Atatürk Square / Meydan Square
Sights
The central square of Trabzon.
All the business and tourist activity of the city is concentrated in this area. Old buildings reflecting the architectural style of Trabzon are located around the square.
Boztepe Hill
Parks and reserves
A hilltop park located about 3-4 km from the center of Trabzon.
Boztepe offers a stunning panoramic view of all of Trabzon and the Black Sea. There are many traditional Turkish tea houses on the slopes. Locals come here with their families and occupy most of the gazebos on the edge of the hill to enjoy the view and the tranquility.
Hagia Sophia
Sights
A 13th-century Orthodox cathedral that was granted the status of an active mosque in 2013.
After the conquest of the territory by the Ottomans, most of the wall frescoes depicting biblical scenes were painted over. In the 20th century, foreign restorers restored part of the halls, returning historical value to the temple.
Trabzon City Mosque
Sights
A new mosque, accessible for visits starting in 2025. It is considered the largest in the Black Sea region.
The mosque is located in the central part of Trabzon, on the Black Sea coast. Thanks to its size, it is very noticeable from different points in the city, especially from the pedestrian part of the embankment.
Zagnos Valley Park
Parks and reserves
The main park in the center of Trabzon, with a modern urban space.
The park is located at the base of the medieval walls and castle of Trabzon. While walking in the park, you can examine the monumental remains of the fortress wall. The fortress is effectively lit up in the evening, as is the park area.
Iskele Meyhanesi
Restaurant
A Turkish cuisine restaurant focused on seafood.
This is a type of restaurant that specializes in cold and hot appetizers (mezes). Here you can order alcohol (which is rare for Turkish cafes and restaurants), so the prices here are above average.
The restaurant offers a view of the Black Sea and Trabzon Airport from its windows. You might be able to watch planes landing.
Ekleristan
Restaurant
A popular Turkish patisserie chain that offers more than 20 flavors of éclairs.
Locals buy these éclairs by the box! Not all cafes serve hot drinks, so it's common here to buy éclairs for takeout.
Ekleristan positions itself as a place that 'adds happiness to life.' And after these chubby, creamy pastries, you really do become a little happier.
Trabzon awaits! We hope our guide will become an essential key to your adventures in the Black Sea region. We also recommend watching our videos, and don't forget to support us by purchasing tickets and accommodations using the links below.
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This view of the mosque and Lake Uzungol, nestled among dense forests and mountain peaks, is a signature sight of the region. For the best panoramic shots, be sure to climb to the observation deck (marked with a point on the map).
It's amazing how walking past the local houses makes you feel like you've stepped into an alpine village. They say it's snowy here in winter and the slopes are covered with snow, making the views even more picturesque.