Trabzon holidays

How to reach Trabzon

Flight time: Flights to Trabzon from London usually require a stopover in Istanbul, taking about 6 to 8 hours in total.

Transfer time: Trabzon Airport is only 6km from the city centre. The most common transport options are taxis or private shuttles, which take just 10 to 15 minutes to the city centre.

Price: An airport taxi to the city centre costs around TRY200 (£4). The Havaş shuttle bus is a more budget-friendly alternative at around TRY90 (£2).

Best time to visit Trabzon

The city’s climate makes for cooler summers and rainy, mild winters. When to visit largely depends on what you expect from your Trabzon holidays.

April to June brings spring to Trabzon, with comfortable temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Rainfall is moderate, and you can enjoy 8 to 11 hours of daylight. Spring’s fresh greenery and mild climate make this season ideal for walking, hiking and sightseeing.

July to August is peak season in Trabzon, with throngs of tourists, temperatures hovering around 25°C to 28°C and occasional showers. With up to 12 hours of sunshine, summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the Black Sea coastline.

September to November is a lovely shoulder season, with fewer crowds and pleasantly mild autumn weather, but increased rainfall (around 80–100mm a month). The autumn foliage is gorgeous, especially in the forests around Trabzon, so it’s the ideal time for hiking.

December to March sees winter in Trabzon which is usually mild and rainy. Temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C and crowds are much thinner, so this time of year is great for those who enjoy indoor cultural sites.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Turkish is the official language. In hotels and main attractions, you’ll find some English-speaking staff.

• Local habits and customs: Trabzon is known for its friendly locals and relaxed coastal culture. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, to show respect.

• Currency: The Turkish Lira is the local currency. ATMs are readily available and major credit cards are accepted in Trabzon.

• Getting around: Trabzon has a well-developed public bus system, with single fares starting at TRY5 (£0.10). The prepaid TrabzonKart may be convenient if you’re planning to use public transport frequently. Taxis are affordable and plentiful.

• Electricity and plug types: Turkey uses 220V, with two-round-pin plugs so UK travellers need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Trabzon operates on Turkey Time, which is GMT+3.

Best things to do in Trabzon

Brimming with cultural gems, beautiful landscapes and unique experiences, Trabzon is a great city to visit.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Boztepe Hill: Boztepe, the hill that dominates Trabzon, boasts an appealing picnic area near the hill’s summit, a tea garden and a restaurant that share stunning views over Trabzon and the Black Sea. Do have traditional tea from a samovar at the tea garden, while watching the breathtaking panoramas.

• Yeni Cuma Camii: The 13th-century mosque of Yeni Cuma Camii, built of a faded white ashlar stone, has a graceful cupola and a floor of exquisite mosaic tiling. The mosque’s high vantage point offers splendid views over Trabzon’s old town.

The best districts

• Ortahisar: The best place to get a sense of the city’s history – the heart of the old town – is the Ortahisar quarter. It’s dotted with fine examples of Ottoman houses. With its narrow, winding streets, Trabzon Castle and lovely tea gardens, Ortahisar is a delightful district to explore.

• Bazaar area: Trabzon’s crowded bazaar streets are perfect for aimless wandering, with their interesting mix of rickety wooden shops, air-conditioned Western-style shops and the odd restored old building.

Parks and gardens

• Atatürk Köşkü gardens: Situated on a hill overlooking Trabzon, Atatürk’s Mansion is surrounded by lush gardens. Wander the manicured paths, while admiring the views of the Black Sea.

• Zağnos Vadisi Parkı: Located near the heart of the city, Zağnos Vadisi Parkı is an attractive park studded with picnic spots, water features and an amphitheatre. An ideal place to escape the city’s hustle and bustle.

Historical monuments

• Trabzon Hagia Sophia: A beautifully preserved Byzantine church dating back to the 13th century, Hagia Sophia ranks among Turkey’s most romantic clusters of Byzantine remains, and one of Trabzon’s principal sights. Inside, you’ll find captivating frescoes, intricate stone carvings and stunning views of the Black Sea from the garden.

• Sümela Monastery: The incredible Sümela Monastery, dating back to the 4th century, is one of the Black Sea’s biggest attractions. Situated 47km south of Trabzon, it perches dramatically halfway up a sheer palisade that towers above the densely forested Altındere. The monastery is world renowned for its frescoes, the best being from the 14th and 15th centuries.

Day trips in the area

• Uzungöl Lake: The trip to Uzungöl Lake is the second most popular excursion out of Trabzon after Sümela. The incredibly scenic lake is surrounded by lush green mountain scenery – awash with wildflowers in spring and snow-covered in winter – best seen by renting a mountain bike.

• Rize: About an hour’s drive from Trabzon, Rize sits in a grand setting around a bay backed with mountains. It’s famous for its tea plantations, and a visit to a local tea garden offers a great insight into Turkey’s tea culture.

Activities for families in Trabzon

Trabzon is a fantastic destination for families, with plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained.

• Altındere National Park: This national park offers hiking trails, rivers, forested paths and picnic spots, and the chance to explore the natural beauty of Trabzon’s surrounding mountains by entire families.

• Beach activities: Trabzon’s Black Sea beaches, such as Ganita Beach, are perfect for a bit of family seaside relaxation. There are picnic areas and snack stands, so you can spend a peaceful afternoon by the sea without venturing far from the city.

• Forum Trabzon: Trabzon is home to the largest shopping mall on the Black Sea coast, Forum Trabzon. It rains cats and dogs? Fret not and head straight to the mall! It has 160 shops, an eight-screen cinema, an indoor playground and many eateries. Children’s and parents’ heaven!

Free things to do in Trabzon

Trabzon offers a range of free activities that will let you soak up the city without spending much.

• Free events: Trabzon hosts some free open-air concerts, folk dance performances and traditional festivals, especially in summer. If you’re lucky, you might catch one during your stay.

• Free gardens and parks: The gardens around Atatürk’s Mansion are free to explore, offering scenic views, and Trabzon Hagia Sophia’s grounds are also accessible without charge.

• Free guided tours: Local groups occasionally offer free walking tours. These tours are tips-only, providing a great introduction to Trabzon’s cultural heritage.

Nature and outdoor activities in Trabzon

Nature lovers and adventure seekers alike will find something special in the landscapes around Trabzon.

• Hiking: Trabzon’s mountainous terrain offers superb hiking trails for all fitness levels. The trails around Uzungöl Lake and nearby hills are especially popular, providing a mix of challenging and easy routes. The highlands around Trabzon, like Hıdırnebi Plateau, offer great spots for hiking, with trails leading through pine forests and traditional Turkish villages.

• Water activities: Uzungöl and the surrounding rivers offer options for boating and kayaking, allowing visitors to take in the serene scenery from the water. Some rivers near Trabzon are popular for white-water rafting, with the Çoruh River being a favourite spot for thrill-seekers.

• Adventure activities: Trabzon’s rugged landscape is perfect for the adventurous, with options for mountain biking along scenic routes and paragliding above the Black Sea coast. Paragliding sites near Boztepe Hill offer stunning views, making it an unforgettable experience.

Beaches in Trabzon

Trabzon, located on Turkey's Black Sea coast, is not only known for its rich history and scenic landscapes but also for its charming beaches. While Trabzon's coastline is different from the Mediterranean or Aegean beaches in terms of sandy shores, the unique beauty of the Black Sea region offers a tranquil, less crowded beach experience. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the sea or a more adventurous water activity, Trabzon’s beaches are perfect for a peaceful getaway.

Akçaabat Beach

Akçaabat Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Trabzon, known for its wide stretch of sandy shoreline and shallow waters. It’s perfect for families and those who enjoy a quiet day by the sea. With beautiful views of the surrounding hills, Akçaabat Beach offers a relaxing environment with plenty of space for sunbathing and swimming. The beach is also lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood, making it a great place to enjoy a meal while taking in the view.

Çakırgöl Beach

Located just a short drive from Trabzon, Çakırgöl Beach is a hidden gem known for its crystal-clear waters and serene atmosphere. This beach offers a more secluded experience, ideal for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy nature. With lush green surroundings and a calm environment, it’s a great place for swimming, picnicking, or simply relaxing by the water.

Sürmene Beach

Sürmene Beach is another beautiful spot located along Trabzon's coastline, known for its pebbled shores and picturesque setting. While the beach is not as sandy as others, its tranquil environment and the surrounding natural beauty make it a popular choice for those looking for a quiet retreat. The clear waters are ideal for swimming, and the area is often less crowded, making it a great place to unwind.

Yalıncak Beach

Just a short distance from the city centre, Yalıncak Beach is a small but lovely beach offering great views of the Black Sea. It’s perfect for a quick beach escape if you’re staying in Trabzon and want to enjoy a peaceful day by the water. Yalıncak Beach has a relaxed vibe and is a popular spot for locals, making it ideal for a casual beach day.

While Trabzon may not have the typical sandy beaches of southern Turkey, its coastline offers visitors a tranquil and unique beach experience. From the peaceful shores of Akçaabat Beach to the more secluded spots like Çakırgöl and Sürmene, Trabzon’s beaches provide a perfect environment for relaxation and exploration during your Trabzon holidays. With stunning natural beauty and a calm atmosphere, the beaches of Trabzon offer an unforgettable experience for those looking to enjoy the Black Sea region.

Local dishes in Trabzon

One of the great delights of holidays to Trabzon is sampling its unique Black Sea cuisine, which blends fresh seafood, hearty stews and local cheeses.

Some typical dishes

• Kuymak: This melted cheese dish is made with coarsely ground cornmeal and butter or kaymak. Order it in the morning, paired with fresh bread, and you won’t go hungry until early afternoon.

• Karalahana Çorbası: Made with black cabbage, beans and cornmeal, this is one of the traditional Black Sea soups. Go for it if you visit Trabzon in winter, as it’s a warming comfort dish.

• Kuru Fasulye: Made either plain or with a lamb meat bone, kuru fasulye is a haricot bean stew, a staple at any lokanta restaurant. Usually cooked with chopped onions, green peppers and tomatoes, it’s definitely a must-try during your visit to Trabzon.

Meat dishes

• Köfte: These Turkish meatballs are made with minced meat and spices, and served with rice or salad. In Trabzon, you’ll often find these cooked to perfection on charcoal grills. Simple but delicious!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Hamsi Tava: If you visit during the anchovy season in winter, sample Trabzon’s famous anchovy dish, hamsi tava. This mouthwatering delicacy is made with fresh Black Sea anchovies coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy, and is best enjoyed just with a side of lemon.

Street food

• Pide: Pide, the boat-shaped Turkish pizza, is a delicious concoction topped with meats, vegetables, eggs or cheese. It’s ideal for sharing or as a quick meal on the go.

Sweets and desserts

• Sütlaç: One dessert that’s consistently available in ordinary restaurants across the city is sütlaç, a creamy rice pudding made with milk, rice and sugar, and a little salt. Yummy!

• Laz Böreği: This sweet and creamy Turkish pastry, with layers of filo dough filled with custard and drizzled with a touch of syrup, is a delicious treat for anyone with a sweet tooth. Have it with afternoon tea at one of Trabzon’s cafés.

Local drinks

• Turkish Tea: As in much of Turkey, Trabzon cafés and tea gardens serve steaming glasses of Turkish tea. The tea is black, served in small tulip-shaped glasses, with sugar on the side.

• Rakı: The Turkish national aperitif is rakı, not unlike Greek ouzo but stronger (45–48 percent alcohol), usually drunk over ice and topped up with bottled water.