The Black Sea Region

The Black Sea coast is the greenest and wettest of Turkey’s regions. Lush meadows lie on high mountain plateaux and dramatic forested peaks fall away to the sea. It is at the heart of Turkey’s agriculture, with tea plantations, abundant crops of fruit and nuts and even tobacco growing here. Fishing is also important part of its unique cuisine. This is a vast region with much to explore both on the coast and inland. In addition to its unique history, its unspoilt nature and mountainous terrain have made it popular for trekking and it also attracts those who want to discover a more traditional way of life. 

Amasra is one of the highlights of the western Black Sea coast. It is a sleepy, picturesque town, its charming harbour retaining the remnants of its past glory – the ruins of a harbour retaining the remnants of its past glory – the ruins of a Roman bridge, and the remains of two 4^th century fortresses. A stay here can easily be combined with a visit to Safranbolu, one of the highlights of the area. Continuing along the coast to the east, it is wise to make a stop in Kastamonu to visit its Seljuk and Ottoman monuments before heading out to the spectacular Ilgaz National Park, where you can see bears, foxes and deer. Also in the area is one of the largest caves in Turkey the Ilgarini Cave, where you can descend some 250 metres.

Trabzon, once the medieval Empire of Trebizond, is the best base for a tour of the eastern Black Sea coast. It is a modern cosmopolitan city, the centre of trade with the ex soviet states. One of its highlights is the Church of the Divine Wisdom, Aya Sofya, now a museum, which was built between 1238 and 1263.Its walls display brightly coloured frescoes depicting themes from the Bible. Get away from the hustle and bustle with a visit to Ataturk’s villa, set in beautiful gardens above the town.

Probably the major attraction of the region, situated just 46kms south of Trabzon is the 14^th century Sumela Monastery. It perches dramatically on a sheer rock face, 270 metres above a deep gorge. Its walls are painted with brilliant frescoes.

To the south east of Trabzon is the beautiful alpine lake of Uzungol, ‘Long Lake’, surrounded by lush meadows and stunning mountain scenery, where you can sample the delicious local trout.

Those who want to experience the beautiful nature of this region at its best should head for the Ayder Plateau and the Kackar Mountains to the east. The rushing rivers, the Firtina and the Coruh are ideal for canoeing and rafting, and the mountains themselves are popular with climbers and trekkers.