Black Sea Coast

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UIG via Getty Images

Overview

While many visitors flock south to the Mediterranean or west to the Aegean, Turks know the Black Sea (Karadeniz) is equally deserving. Surprisingly lush and subtropical, its coastal cities are backed by terraced tea plantations fading into a mountainous hinterland. After Amasra's seaside-holiday vibe and Trabzon's big-city buzz, you can relax in pint-size fishing villages, or head inland to alpine yaylalar (mountain pastures). The spectacular coastline also makes for a scenic route across Turkey to other parts of Anatolia.

01 / Attractions

Must-see attractions

Aya Sofya Camii
Trabzon
Standing in walled gardens amid symphonies of birdsong, 4km west of centre, is this fine 13th-century church-turned-mosque retaining some carved reliefs…
Gideros
Black Sea Coast
If you're driving between Amasra and Inebolu, the greatest highlight is gazing out across the paradise cove of Gideros. It's a timelessly photogenic spot…
Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden
Black Sea Coast
At the summit of a steep urban hill, this unexpected little paradise is primarily a delightful teahouse beneath a big, fragrant magnolia tree, but there…
Zilkale
Black Sea Coast
The region's most spectacular man-made attraction is the neatly restored 13th-century shell of Zil Castle, a fine stone tower surrounded by sturdy walls…
Boztepe Cable Car
Black Sea Coast
Ordu's top attraction, this seven-minute teleferik (cable-car) ride whisks you 2.3km from the seafront promenade to Boztepe, at an altitude of nearly 500m…
Sumela Monastery
Black Sea Coast
The extensive ruins of Sumela Monastery, founded by Greeks in the 4th century, cling improbably to a sheer cliff, high above evergreen forests. This is…
Yason Burnu
Black Sea Coast
This low-lying, grassy cape is a very pleasant place for sea-view strolls, watching cormorants on the off-shore rocks and visiting a well maintained…
Amisos Tepesi
Black Sea Coast
For extensive views down between conifers onto a sweep of coastline, take the five-minute cable-car ride from Batıpark to this hilltop with its twin…