Trabzon,Turkey

• Hagia Sophia of Trabzon (Aya Sofya Museum)
• Sumela Monastery (Sümela)
• Atatürk Mansion (Atatürk Köşkü)
• Uzungöl (Uzungol) and surrounding lake valley
• Boztepe tea gardens and panoramic lookout
• Trabzon Castle and Ortahisar area
• Trabzon Museum
• Akçaabat (famous for köfte) and Sürmene (knives/handicrafts)

• Pontic Mountains vistas and steep coastal cliffs
• Lush temperate rainforests and waterfalls (e.g., Altındere valley)
• Black Sea coastline with fishing culture and harbors
• Ottoman and Byzantine architectural elements (frescoes in Sumela and Hagia Sophia)
• Endemic flora and birdlife; trout-rich mountain streams

• Visit historic sites: Hagia Sophia, Sumela Monastery, Atatürk Köşkü
• Hiking and trekking in the Altındere Valley, plateau (yayla) trails and around Uzungöl
• Taste local cuisine (hamsi/anchovy, muhlama, Akçaabat köfte) at markets and seaside restaurants
• Ride the local cable car or hike up to Boztepe for city panoramas and tea gardens
• Explore bazaars, buy local handicrafts (Sürmene knives, tea, honey)
• Attend a traditional horon dance or local music performance
• Boat tours along the Black Sea coast (seasonal) and photography of coastal scenery

• Summer yayla (plateau) festivals — traditional gatherings with music, dance and local food
• Akçaabat Köfte Festival (local food festival in the Akçaabat district)
• Regional folklore and cultural festivals showcasing horon dance and Black Sea music
• Seasonal agricultural and fishing events celebrating anchovy (hamsi) and tea harvests

Late spring to early autumn (May–October) for milder weather, accessible mountain roads, and yayla festivals; summer is best for highland meadows. Winter offers snow scenery but frequent rain and some road closures.

Humid temperate / oceanic Black Sea climate: frequent rainfall year-round, mild summers (around 20–25°C) and cool, wet winters; mountain areas are cooler and can be snowy.

Nearest airport: Trabzon Airport (TZX), about 6–10 km from the city center with domestic flights and seasonal connections. Good bus and coach links to other Turkish cities; highways connect the region but mountain roads can be narrow and winding. Local transport includes municipal buses, dolmuş (minibuses) and taxis. Hiring a car is recommended for exploring Uzungöl and remote plateaus; some sites require short hikes from parking areas.

2–4 days for the city sights; 4–7 days to include Sumela, Uzungöl and nearby plateaus (yaylas).

Bring a waterproof jacket or umbrella, layered clothing for variable mountain weather, sturdy walking shoes for trails and uneven historic sites, and modest attire for visiting religious sites. In summer, light layers and rain protection are essential.

Try local specialties: hamsi (anchovy) dishes, muhlama/kuymak (cheesy cornmeal), Akçaabat köfte, fresh Black Sea trout, and strong Turkish tea. Souvenirs: Sürmene knives, local honey, tea, woven goods and regional handicrafts.