Day trips from Trabzon: highlands, lakes, monasteries and caves

One of the best things about living in Trabzon is that nature is an hour or less away in every direction. Here is a list of day trips families love, with what you need to know before you set off.

In and around the city

Boztepe hill

Views over the city and the sea, tea gardens and beautiful sunsets. See the guide to the hillside neighbourhoods.

The Atatürk Mansion

A white historic mansion set in a garden on a hill in the city.

Sera Lake

A small lake in a nature reserve near the coast west of the centre, with a walking path and restaurants.

South of Trabzon

Sümela Monastery (Maçka)

A historic monastery clinging to a rock face in a forested valley, one of the region’s most famous landmarks. The road there is beautiful, and on the way you pass Hamsiköy, famous for its rice pudding.

The Maçka and Zigana plateaus

Green highland plateaus, country restaurants and cool air in summer.

West of Trabzon

Hıdırnebi plateau

A plateau above Akçaabat, with views over the clouds and the sea on clear days. See the guide to living in Akçaabat.

East of Trabzon

Uzungöl

The region’s most famous mountain lake, in Çaykara. See the guide to buying in Uzungöl and the highlands.

Çal Cave

A cave with long passages in the Düzköy area, a different kind of outing for children.

Rize and Ayder

Tea plantations on the hills, and beyond them the Ayder plateau with its waterfalls and hot springs. A long day trip or an overnight stay.

A little further

Karaca Cave (Gümüşhane)

A cave with stunning limestone formations south of Trabzon; the Zigana Tunnel has shortened the road there.

Planning tips

1. Season: the plateaus from June to September. Spring is green but rainy.
2. Start early: especially during the summer holidays and Eid.
3. Clothing: warm layers even in summer, as the plateaus are cool and misty.
4. Car: easiest for independent trips; organised tours are also available. See the guide to getting around Trabzon.
5. Weather: check the forecast before heading up. See the guide to Trabzon’s weather.

In short

Living in Trabzon means lakes, monasteries and highland plateaus become part of your weekends. Choose an apartment close to the main roads and leave the rest to nature.

Start with properties in Trabzon, or contact us.