One of the most appealing aspects of travel is getting to know other cultures. Greek colonists established the city in 756 BC. It is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and the Black Sea.
It’s perfect for those looking to explore. There are great mountain hikes, beautiful beaches, delicious Turkish seafood, and historical sites.
Trabzon has a lovely green-blue balance. You can hike up the mountains in the morning, swim in the afternoon, and enjoy a pint at night.
You won’t be able to see everything there is to offer in just a short trip, but don’t worry – they have plenty of tours available. These are the best places to visit and things to do so you know your trip will be well worth it.
Table of Contents
- Trabzon Airport TZX
- Trabzon Famous Food
- Erenkoy Nightlife in Trabzon Turkey
- Trabzon Weather
- Things To Do in Trabzon Turkey
- Historic sites in Trabzon Turkey
- Parks Waterfalls Lakes & Beaches
- Conclusion:
Trabzon Airport TZX
Trabzon Airport TZX is located about 5 kilometers south of the city on the road to Rize. It has direct domestic flights from Istanbul and Ankara and international flights from destinations in Russia, Germany, Georgia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Austria, etc.
Erzurum Airport is only 274 km (170 miles) from Trabzon, and it is well connected to European countries and the Middle East. There are lots of public transport available in Trabzon Turkey, such as bus and train services. You can also take a taxi to go around the city and its surrounding regions.
Trabzon Famous Food
Trabzon’s regional cuisine is traditionally reliant on fish, especially hamsi (fresh European Anchovy. Trabzon’s cuisine is also known for prestigious meals Kuymak that include corn flour, butter, and cheese. Karadeniz pidesi (boat-shaped pitas filled with ground beef, cheese, and eggs).
Trabzon pide (pizza), prepared with cheese and mincemeat and baked in a stone oven, and evenly famous Akçaabat köftesi (lamb meatballs), are among the favourite dishes in locals as well as tourists.
In addition, cream cheese simit, roasted hazelnuts, cherries, and local honey are famous among the locals and tourists in Trabzon.
Erenkoy Nightlife in Trabzon Turkey
If you want to spend your evenings strutting your stuff, the Erenkoy district is where you want to be. The area has some excellent nightclubs, bars, and discos that are just waiting for people to visit them.
The people of Trabzon are known for their love of food and drink, so it’s no surprise that the city is filled with excellent restaurants. It’s also a popular destination for tourists who come to explore what the area has to offer.
Trabzon Weather
The summers are hot and humid, with a July average of 27 degrees Celsius. Conversely, the winters are cool and damp, with a January average of 2 degrees Celsius.
As Trabzon is right on the Black Sea, there are occasional strong winds. As a result, both the summer and winter months are quite rainy. The temperature, in general, tends to stay between 0 – 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year, with an average precipitation of 551mm (21 inches) per annum.
Things To Do in Trabzon Turkey
Ataturk (Kosku) Mansion
The white Ataturk Mansion is one of the historical sites in Trabzon that you should visit. It is located on the hill of Cumhuriyet, and it was the first house that Ataturk visited when he came to Trabzon in 1923. The mansion has a beautiful view of the city and the Black Sea.
The mansion was built in 1912 by a wealthy Armenian merchant named Kevork Nazarian. After the Armenian Genocide, Nazarian left Turkey and settled in France. He sold the mansion to Ataturk in 1923. The mansion was used as Ataturk’s residence during his visits to Trabzon. The mansion is now a museum, and it contains many objects that belonged to Ataturk.
Avrupali Pazari Grand Bazaar (aka Russian Bazaar)
Avrupali Pazari is a historical site built during the Russian occupation of Trabzon between 1916 and 1918, which later turned into a marketplace.
Avrupali Pazari is also known as the “Grand Bazaar” been used as a market place for centuries and been part od silk road, it has more than 380 shops in an area of 3,000 square meters and sells everything from jewelry, handicrafts, clothing to antiques. You can find unique items that you cannot find anywhere else in the area. The prices are reasonable, and indeed the walk is beautiful.
The buildings around the marketplace are typical Ottoman architectural style with large wooden doors and windows on both sides. The carpenters worked hard to make this pazarın (bazaar) stand for decades under extreme weather conditions.
City Tours in Trabzon Turkey
If you’d like to learn more about Trabzon Turkey’s history and how it got to where it is today, you’ll love the available city tours. There are plenty of different companies that can offer you a time around Trabzon and show off some of its most popular attractions as well as all the historical sites.
Old Town Market Square Trabzon
Every Sunday, for more than three centuries, the people of Trabzon have gathered in the market square to sell their fresh produce and wares. This longstanding tradition dating back to 1669 continues today, so it’s well worth visiting if you want to see something that will transport you back in time!
The market is held in the covered section of the space, which means it will be much more comfortable to shop here when it’s raining. There are many different stalls to find fresh fruits and vegetables, handmade items like carpets or clothes, spices, teas, musical instruments, and jewelry. You’ll be able to buy almost anything while you’re here.
The Clock Tower of Trabzon
This landmark which can be seen from many locations throughout the old town is one of the most photographed attractions in Trabzon. It was built in 1863 to serve as a fire watchtower.
Historic sites in Trabzon Turkey
Sumela Monastery
The biggest attraction in Trabzon is the Sumela Monastery, It was closed for a long time for the restoration, but it is finally open in mid-2021. The monastery sits against the cliffs on top of a steep mountain range. Getting up there can be challenging, but those who have described the experience as worth it.
It would be best if you hiked up a steep mountain path through stairs and dense refreshing pine forests to get there. However, once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with spectacular views and a fascinating piece of history. The monastery was abandoned for decades but has recently been restored and reopened to visitors.
While this is a fascinating tourist attraction, you will not find many large hotels or resorts nearby. You’ll need to travel about 20 miles to the city of Giresun if that’s what you’re looking for – most people visit as part of a day trip from Trabzon.
St. Anne’s Church Trabzon
This church is a magnificent Byzantine church with a temple-like plan and a dome. This church has been rebuilt three times, including by Justinian in 527, who added several rich decorations. The church initially had a nave and two sidearms, severely damaged in the 1895 earthquake. It has been repaired.
Aya Sofya Camii (Museum)
This Mosque was built in the 15th century under Ottoman Sultan Mehmet. The Mosque was named “Hagia Sophia” after Hagia Sophia, a former Eastern Orthodox cathedral and later an Ottoman imperial mosque located in Trabzon. Since few developments around the Mosque, it managed to conserve its initial structure for five centuries without significant modifications.
The Ulu Mosque Uzungol
The Ulu Mosque Uzungol is a historic mosque located in Uzungöl, Trabzon Province, Turkey. The Mosque was built in the 15th century by order of Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II. The architect of this imposing monument was an Armenian called Hovsep Aznavurian.
Gulbahar Hatun Mosque
The Gulbahar Hatun Mosque is a mosque located in the city of Trabzon, in the Black Sea Region of Turkey. The Mosque was commissioned by the wife of Sultan Mehmet II, Gulbahar Hatun, and construction began in 1472.
The Mosque was designed by the architect Hovsep Aznavurian, who also designed the Ulu Mosque Uzungol. This beautiful old piece of ottoman architecture features a large dome and six minarets.
Carsi Camii Mosque
The Mosque was built in the 16th century by Mimar Sinan. The Mosque has a rectangular plan and is covered with a single dome. The 9-meter diameter dome covers a congregational area of 120 square meters. The lower section of the wall is decorated with a beautifully executed pattern in colored stones.
Saint Evgenios Church
The church of Saint Evgenios of Trebizond. It is an Eastern Orthodox Church with an exceptionally long history. The church has undergone many renovations over the years, and this has left its exterior in a wonderfully rich mixture of styles.
The clock tower at Saint Evgenio’s Church was added in 1930, incorporating the original Byzantine style of the church with Ottoman influences into the architecture.
There are also two chapels, one dedicated to Saint George and the other to the Virgin Mary. The church is open for visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00.
When the Turks conquered empire of Trebizond in 1461, Fatih Sultan Mehmet II renamed it Yeni Cuma Camii (New Friday Mosque) because it was here that he made his first Friday prayers. According to the Acta Sanctorum, Saint Evgenios was a church until at least 1486.
Trabzon Kalesi (Castle)
The Trabzon Castle is located in the city of Trabzon. It was built on a rocky hill at the eastern side of the harbor entrance. Nowadays, primarily ruins are leftover instead of actual Castel but still worth visiting if you do not have much time, you can look it around while going by the tour bus.
However, I am a history lover; it is always fascinating to stroll around these ancient landmarks and recall how things were in that era.
The Sarıkamış (A Battle Ground)
Sarıkamış Peninsula is located near Trabzon’s historical center. The Battleground of Sarikamish was a Russian and Ottoman conflict during the World War I era.
It is vacant land. It became famous as the location where two of the most important battles between the Ottoman Empire and Russians occurred in both 1853 and 1915, which resulted in enormous losses for the Russians.
Parks Waterfalls Lakes & Beaches
The Atatürk Nature Park
The Atatürk Nature Park is located in the Mack district of Trabzon Province, Turkey. The park was established in 1936 and covered an area of 10,310 hectares. The park offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, camping, kayaking, horse riding, and trekking.
Aktepe Hill
Aktepe Hill is located in the city of Trabzon. The hill is a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the city and the Black Sea. The summit can be reached by car, and there are also hiking trails that lead to the top of the hill.
It is located in the Çaykara district of Trabzon Province, Turkey. The hill is named after the aktepe oak, which is found in the area.
The Aktepe Hill region is noted for its natural beauty and is a popular tourist destination. The hill is home to many rare plant species, including the black pine, kermes oak, and turpentine oak.
The Uzungöl Nature Park
This is a protected area of nature established in 2009. it is about a 100 km drive from Trabzon city. The Uzungöl Nature Park covers 3,680 hectares and is located around the village of Uzungöl in Trabzon Province.
This swiss-like lake and village is a beautiful place to visit. The lake has a variety of activities, and a variety of restaurants are located nearby. It’s an excellent location for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Uzungöl Waterfalls
Uzungöl means “Long lake” in Turkish, and it is the name of a popular tourist spot near the city of Trabzon. It is famous for its impressive waterfalls and beautiful scenery. The highest waterfall has an altitude of 250 meters and is one of the highest waterfalls in the country.
Sera Lake
Sera Lake is a freshwater lake in the province of Trabzon, Turkey. It is located at an altitude of 1,675 meters in the mountains northeast of the city of Trabzon. The Çoruh River feeds the lake.
The lake has a length of 3.5 kilometers and a width of 2 kilometers. It is the sixth-largest lake in Turkey, with an area of 7.5 square kilometers. The maximum depth of the lake is 41 meters. The lake is a popular tourist spot and is used for fishing, swimming, and boating.
Hidirnebi Plateau
The Hidirnebi plateau (2,090 meters above sea level) is located in Trabzon, Turkey. It is also the highest mountain summit in this region. The highest peak, which reaches 2,090 meters above sea level, stands at 1,817 meters high after an earthquake.
The Hidirnebi has a small lake (Çamliko Lake), deep and blue like the sky itself. The sub-transverse valleys are located on two sides of the plateau. On the south side are the villages of Beyazova and Yukariyatak, while on the north side are towns such as Kızılpınar and Günyeli, one of the most beautiful places in the area and a must-see for nature lovers.
Karaca Cave
Karaca Cave is a 15,000-year-old cave located in the city of Trabzon. A small opening leads into the cave, and visitors can see many rock formations on the way to the cave’s interior.
The cave has four small halls that are richly decorated with stalagmites and stalactites. It has many cloured rocks along with small waterfalls. The entrance hall of the Karaca Cave contains columns that are more than 20 meters tall. On one column near the entrance, there is an inscription dated 1239.
Firtina Valley
Firtina Valley, located in the Trabzon-Rize area, is one of Turkey’s peaceful, lush green, calm places. The valley has theatrical scenery and stunning views.
Here you will see cliffs, steep mountainsides, and green forests. It is a beautiful place for people who like hiking or climbing outdoor activities. In addition, you can find great opportunities for fishing in the rivers that flow from the valley.
In this valley, at 18 meters below sea level, a natural freshwater lake called Firtina is designated as a nature reserve because of its scenic beauty and exciting features such as waterfowl nesting sites and rare plants. Several wild animals live in this area which makes it a good place for wildlife watching.
Çamburnu Beach Trabzon
The Çamburnu Beach is one of the most popular family beaches in Trabzon. It is a long and wide beach with crystal-clear water. The sand is white, and cities and mountains surround the beach.
The Çamburnu Beach is an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Yalincak Family Beach
The Yalincak Family Beach is located in the city of Trabzon. It is a public beach with concrete coasts. The water at this beach is crystal clear, which makes it a perfect beach for swimmers. There are also some bars and restaurants along the coast where you can have a drink or a meal while enjoying the scenery.
Kasüstü Beach
Kaşüstü Zulu Beach is a secluded beach in the city of Trabzon. It is a beautiful and unspoiled beach with white sand and crystal-clear water.
The Kaşüstü Zulu Beach is an excellent place for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. There are also several restaurants and cafes along the beach where you can enjoy a meal or a drink.
Trabzon Hotels
There are many hotels in Trabzon, but there are some that are more popular than others. One of the more popular ones is Hotel TS Park. This hotel is near the center of town, which means visitors can easily walk places from here. The hotel building features 18th century Ottomans architecture made from stone and gives it a more rustic feel.
The Sera Lake Resort Hotel is another popular option for visitors to Trabzon for its convenient location close to the sera lake.
Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon is another right in the city center near the Hagia Sophia museum.
Many other hotels in Trabzon also offer guests complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi, or use of onsite fitness, spa, and pools.
FAQ’s
What are the best things to do in Trabzon?
You can visit the Ataturk Mansion, explore the historic Bazaar area, eat at the waterfront area near the Old Mosque, see beautiful views from Aktepe Hill or go hiking in the mountains.
What is the best time to visit Trabzon, Turkey?
The best times to visit Trabzon Turkey are spring or autumn when you can have warm temperatures and lower humidity levels. Also, the tours generally take place between April and October. However, if you plan your trip during November-March, it will be an excellent time for hiking or skiing.
Conclusion:
Now that you have read through the best places to visit in Trabzon, Turkey, we hope it will be helpful and interesting information when planning your next trip there.
If you’re looking for a different destination, feel free to look at our article, where we have listed the best places to visit in Turkey. We hope that this information has been helpful to you and if so, please consider sharing these beautiful places with your friends and family. Thank you for stopping by Turkey Places.
