Trabzon, the jewel of Türkiye, is located on the Black Sea. It attracts tourists with its natural beauty, cultural diversity, and ancient architecture. Thanks to the unique things to do in Trabzon, you will enjoy the journey of your dreams.
1. Sumela Monastery
It is an open cultural museum. The monastery was founded in 386 AD and is also called the Church of the Virgin Mary. The monastery has a rich and long history and is a wonderful example of Byzantine architecture, and its unique cliffside location adds to its splendour.
About the activity: Have fun by moving between a complex network of stairs that connect different sections. Explore different places such as the kitchen, library, guest house, holy spring, student rooms and the unique rock church. The inner courtyard gives you a glimpse into the heart of the monastery complex.
Type of Activity: Explore different places & gaining historical knowledge
Preferred Season: Spring, Summer, and Fall (check for reopening updates due to restoration).
Location: Altındere, Altindere Valley National Park, 61750 Maçka/Trabzon, Türkiye
2. Hagia Sophia Mosque
It started as a Greek Orthodox church, then turned into a mosque, Among the things that make it an architectural masterpiece are the frescoes, in addition to the high central dome and the ornate floor made of brightly coloured stones.
About the activity: Explore architecture. Learn about the fascinating history of the building. Admire the restored frescoes. Taking photos Capture the beauty of the museum interior with your camera
Type of Activity: Visit the mosque & See the different architecture.
Timing: Open year-round (check specific timings).
Preferred Season: Any season.
Location: Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
3. Atatürk Pavilion
known as Kuşcu Ataturk, It is a historic house museum in Turkey, and its importance lies in the fact that it is the former home of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
Walk around the pavilion, which is a historic house turned into a museum. The museum’s collection displays items related to the life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The museum may also provide information about the history of the building itself, from its construction in the early twentieth century until it was gifted to Ataturk.
Type of Activity: Learn about the history.
Preferred Season: Any season.
Location: located in the Soğuksu Neighborhood in the centre of Trabzon, Turkey.
4. Altindere National Park
A natural park located in the Maçka region of the Turkish state of Trabzon contains attractive natural plants and various animals.
About the activity: You can walk through dense forests, see delightful waterfalls such as Vala Waterfall, and you can also breathe fresh mountain air.
Type of Activity: Outdoor Adventure
Preferred Season: Spring, Summer, and early Fall for pleasant weather.
Location: Merkez Mahallesi, Atatürk Cd. No:41, 61750 Maçka/Trabzon, Türkiye
5. Uzungol Lake
Uzungol Lake is a freshwater lake formed by a landslide centuries ago. Surrounded by green mountains and pine forests, the lake reflects the sky and the surrounding landscape
About the activity: You can enjoy paddling and enjoy the natural scenery surrounding the lake. You can also go fishing. Enjoy a different experience by watching birds. Walking is also a good option to discover the different paths around the lake.
Type of Activity: Exploring & Fishing & paddling
Preferred Season: Spring, Summer, and early Fall for pleasant weather.
Location: Uzungöl, 61940 Çaykara/Trabzon, Türkiye
6. Ayder Plateau
A charming mountain resort famous for its stunning natural beauty, Jabali Naqi, and its rich cultural heritage. The plateau was once a summer resort for the Ottoman Sultans.
About the activity: Relax in the serenity of nature. Take a hike or bike tour along the plateau's many trails, and you'll breathe in the almost primal mountain air of the landscape. This plateau is famous for its natural hot springs rich in minerals known for their therapeutic properties
Type of Activity: Relaxation, Nature & Culture
Preferred Season: Spring, Summer (for cooler temperatures), and Winter (for skiing).
Location: Çamlıhemşin district, 90 km from Trabzon city centre.
7. Sekiz Direkli Hamam (Eight-Columned Bath):
Built in the 1700s and featuring architectural details that scream the 18th century, This historic bath includes separate changing rooms, a cool-down area, and a hot room.
About the activity: Indulge in the warmth of the hot room (sıcaklık) to loosen up your muscles and melt away stress. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the traditional washing rituals, a refreshing experience that will leave you feeling cleansed and invigorated. To complete your ultimate relaxation, consider treating yourself to a massage, a perfect way to unwind and rejuvenate your mind and body.
Type of activity: Relaxation
Preferred Season: Spring, Summer, and early Fall for pleasant weather.
Location: Pazarkapı, 8 Direkli Hamam Sk. No:1, 61200 Trabzon Merkez/Trabzon, Türkiye
8. Cal Cave (Çalköy Cave):
It is one of the longest caves in Turkey. The cave is located between the mountains near Trabzon and is decorated from the inside with limestone formations. It also contains stalagmites and stalactites that consist of mineral deposits.
About the activity: If you love searching for excitement and discovering caves, then this is your ideal choice to explore Cla Cave with specialised guides.
Type of Activity: Adventure & Nature
Timing: Tours usually operate during daylight hours.
Location: Çalköy, 61390 Düzköy/Trabzon, Türkiye.
4 Different Ways to Transport in Trabzon
Trabzon has various means of transportation, which provides flexibility in moving from one place to another:
1. Taxis: an easy and convenient way to move around in Trabzon, especially for short internal trips within the city. They are available and can be measured with a meter to protect against any theft.
2. Buses: Public buses are available, covering most parts of the city and extending to neighbouring towns. The bus is the most suitable option with the lowest budget, but you may encounter some crowding, especially during peak hours. Schedules and route information are available online and at bus stations
3. Minibuses: Also known as Dolmuşes, they are a shared taxi that runs on fixed and specific routes. They are a more suitable choice than public buses as they are more private and avoid crowding.
4. Car rental: A good option that gives you flexibility in movement and transfers to explore Trabzon and its surrounding areas. You can find many car rental agencies in Trabzon, at the airport or in the city centre. All you need is to have an international driving licence
Things you need to know before planning a trip to Trabzon
1. Range of budgets:
Low budget: $40-60 USD per day can offer you Options for hostels, Tasting local food provides you with a unique experience at a reasonable price, Using public transportation provides you with a wonderful experience in getting to know the country's landmarks and saving money.
Mid-Range: $70-120 USD per day allows you to choose hotels, and some different restaurants, using a local taxi would be a good choice.
Luxury: USD 150+ per day Can get you comfort and pampering through luxury hotels and the most delicious food, you can also Spoil yourself with private tours.
2. Learn about the most suitable seasons to visit Trabzon:
First, it depends on your preferences and what outdoor activities in Trabzon you want to do
In spring (April-May) & Autumn (September-October): It is good weather to enjoy all the things to do in Trabzon during your vacation, those seasons offer fewer crowds and sometimes even better hotel rates in Trabzon. You can find the best hotel offers here.
Summer (June-August): This time is characterised by warm weather for beach days and swimming. this increases prices, so expect larger crowds.
Winter (November-March): If you love the winter atmosphere and enjoy winter sports, this weather offers you a lot of fun things to do in Trabzon, your favourite place to practise skiing and snowboarding.
3. How to reach Trabzon?
Flying: Trabzon Airport (TZX) receives domestic and international flights. Search for flights that suit your budget and travel time.
Bus: Long-distance buses connect Trabzon to other major Turkish cities. This can be a budget-friendly option, but travel times can be long.
A car rental allows maximum flexibility when exploring Trabzon and its surroundings at your own pace. Just remember that an international driving licence is required.
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