Rize Tea Gardens,Turkey

• Terraced tea plantations surrounding Rize city and nearby villages
• ÇAYKUR tea processing facilities and the tea museum in Rize
• Panoramic viewpoints overlooking the Black Sea and Kaçkar Mountains
• Local tea houses (çay bahçesi) where you can taste freshly brewed Rize tea
• Tea harvest experience villages (seasonal) and small-scale family gardens

• Steep, green terraced rows of tea bushes carved into hillsides
• Foggy, rain-kissed landscapes creating deep emerald colors
• Traditional tea-processing methods alongside modern factories
• Close proximity of tea gardens to coastal views—unique sea-to-tea scenery
• Photography-friendly scenes: pickers in colorful clothing, baskets and narrow paths

• Guided or self-guided walks through terraced tea gardens
• Participating in tea picking during the harvest season (typically June–August)
• Tasting freshly brewed Rize çay at village tea houses and factories
• Visiting tea processing facilities and the Rize Tea Museum to learn production steps
• Photography, hiking nearby trails, and short drives to coastal lookout points

Late spring to early autumn (May to September). June–August is peak for the tea harvest and offers opportunities to join picking and see active processing.

Humid, temperate maritime climate with frequent rainfall. Summers are mild (around 18–25°C) and winters are cool and wet. Pack a waterproof layer—rain is common year-round.

Most tea gardens are open and free to walk through (they are agricultural land); tea houses charge only for purchases. Tea museums and factory tours may have small entry fees or free visits—typical opening hours for museums/factories are 09:00–17:00 on weekdays. Check specific sites for current fees and times.

Nearest airport: Rize–Artvin Airport (Rize–Artvin Havalimanı) near Pazar (approx. 30–60 minutes by road from Rize depending on destination). Alternative: Trabzon Airport (~100–120 km west). Road access via coastal D010; local minibuses (dolmuş) and buses connect Rize city to surrounding villages. Terrain is steep—many terraces involve walking on narrow, uneven paths; not fully accessible for mobility-impaired visitors.

Half-day to 2 days for tea gardens around Rize city; 2–4 days if combining with Kaçkar Mountains, coastal drives and village visits.

Waterproof jacket or raincoat, non-slip sturdy walking shoes, layered clothing for variable weather, a hat and sunscreen for sunny spells, and a small daypack. If joining picking, lightweight gloves and comfortable trousers are useful.

Try Black Sea specialties such as hamsi (anchovy dishes), muhlama (cheese-cornmeal), and regional pastries. Souvenirs: locally grown Rize tea leaves (loose leaf çay), packaged ÇAYKUR brands, traditional Turkish tea glasses and samovars, and small artisan wood or textile crafts from local villages.