Region: Black Sea

While this region may take its name from that cold sea in the north, the beaches and coastland of the Black Sea region are mostly spoilt by ugly urban sprawl. The real charm in the Black Sea region lays just back from the coast in magnificent Pontic Alps where snow and rain laden clouds wreath the lush mountains and hide the scattered settlements and ruins. Being a region of near-inaccessible valleys for millennia the languages, music, food, and religion remained a unique blend until modern times which have brought about a greater degree of homogony. Despite these effects of modernisation in the cities, the black sea region remains an oddity in Turkey where the populace fiercely continues their unique traditions.

Pokut Yaylası Highland

/ By Josh

At 2000 meters above sea level, Pokut Yaylası is one of the most picturesque blends of stunning natural beauty and traditional mountain life in Turkey’s Black Sea region.

Zilkale Hemşin Castle

/ By Josh

A medieval castle in the cloud-wreathed forests of Rize’s Storm Valley, the castle of Zilkale is a stunning sight perched high above the valley floor and backdropped by the Kaçkar Mountains.

Palovit Waterfall

/ By Josh

Fed by the rain and snow falling on the nearby Kaçkar Mountains, Rize’s Palovit Waterfall is beautiful waterfall plunging in a canyon of lush green.

Saint George Peristereotas Kuştul Monastery

/ By Josh

The most ruinous of the three great monasteries of the Maçka region, Kuştul Monastery is still a stunning site, capping a sheer-sided rocky outcropping above a lush green valley.

Bolaman Castle / Haznedaroğlu Mansion

/ By Josh

A strange little castle and church with an oversized Ottoman mansion built directly on top overlooking the quiet beaches and picturesque harbour of Bolaman and the Black Sea coast.

The Monastery of St John the Forerunner Vazelon

/ By Josh

The oldest of the three Greek monasteries of the Maçka region, Vazelon Monastery is a stunning complex set high in the Black Sea mountains.

Historic Bridges of the Storm Valley

/ By Josh

One of the iconic sights of the Black Sea, the stone bridges of the Fırtına Stream leap gracefully from bank to bank surrounded by the lushness of Rize.

The City of Amasya

/ By Josh

Named “A Beautiful River Town” nearly 4,000 years ago, Amasya is still a place of beauty with Persian Tombs, Seljuk mausoleums, and Ottoman Mosques, set between towering cliffs and the Yeşilırmak River.

Perşembe Yaylası Summer Pasturelands

/ By Josh

An icon of Turkey’s Black Sea coast, the Perşembe Yaylası is a beautiful highland of stunning green hills, shepherds, flocks, and waterfalls.

The Town of Merzifon

/ By Josh

Once a classical city, today’s Town of Merzifon is best characterized by its Ottoman history, its Turkish Baths, Mosques, and Silk Road Hans and markets.

Çakallı Taşhan Caravanserai

/ By Josh

Home to the famous Çakallı Menemen, Çakallı Taşhan is an 800-year-old caravanserai built by the Seljuks to serve traders travelling between the Black Sea ports and the land routes of the Silk Road.

Seven Lakes National Park

/ By Josh

Set in the heart of Bolu, Seven Lakes Park is one of the most beautiful spots in a region already famous for its lush forests, murmuring streams and idyllic lakes.

The City of Düzce

/ By Sean

Find your way to Düzce and you’ll discover a charming city nestled in rural, historical, and natural beauty boasting a new city centre, gorgeous waterfalls, and delicious ranch and guesthouse restaurants.