Trabzon

Trabzon is the main city of the eastern Black Sea coast, with a long Byzantine and Ottoman past, a busy harbor and steep green mountains behind it. It is the base for Sümela Monastery, which clings to a cliff face, and for the highland lakes and plateaus above the coast. It is wetter and cooler than the Aegean and Mediterranean, and it is a different kind of trip: forested valleys, tea terraces, anchovies and alpine pastures.

Trabzon at a glance

What to see

Sümela Monastery

Sümela sits on a cliff face in Altındere Valley National Park, and it ranks among the most photographed sights in the country. The monastery stopped operating in 1923 and is now a museum. Sources give different founding dates (the fourth century is commonly cited), so treat the early history as legend rather than record. Go in the morning in good weather, since mist and rain are common, and check the current visiting arrangements before you set out.

Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia of Trabzon is a 13th-century Byzantine church. Its status has changed over time, so check whether it is open as a museum or a mosque before you go and dress accordingly.

Atatürk Mansion

The Atatürk Mansion is a summer house now used as a museum, tied to Atatürk’s visits to Trabzon. It sits in a garden above the city.

Uzungöl

Uzungöl, in Çaykara, is the ecotourism center of Trabzon, a lake in a forested valley with guest houses, small resorts and trout restaurants. It is crowded on summer weekends, so aim for weekdays.

The plateaus

The Black Sea highlands have summer pastures (yaylas), hot springs and old stone bridges. They are best with a local guide or driver, since roads are steep and weather changes quickly. National Geographic named Türkiye’s Black Sea coast in its Best of the World 2026 list.

Eating in Trabzon

Hamsi, the anchovy, is the fish of the Black Sea, and it appears fried, baked, in bread and in rice. Akçaabat köfte is the local meatball, and corn dishes such as mıhlama, a stretchy cheese and cornmeal dish, suit the cold. Black tea is grown on the coastal slopes. See our food guide.

Three days in Trabzon (suggested plan)

• Day 1. The city: Hagia Sophia, the Atatürk Mansion, the old bazaar and a seafood dinner.
• Day 2. Sümela Monastery in the morning, then a drive up the valley.
• Day 3. Uzungöl, or a plateau day with a local driver.

When to go

The eastern Black Sea is the rainiest part of Türkiye, with some rain in every month and the heaviest falls in autumn. Summer is warm rather than hot. June to September is the best window, and sunshine hours are low all year.

Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service (MGM), Trabzon station, 1927 to 2025.

Getting there and around

Trabzon has an airport close to the city and long-distance bus links along the coast. Sümela and Uzungöl are reached by car, taxi or tour from the city. See our getting around guide.

Where to stay

Stay in Trabzon city for the sights and food, or in Uzungöl for lake views and quiet. See our where to stay guide.

Plan the wider trip

Trabzon links with the rest of the Black Sea coast and with Safranbolu. See our itineraries guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is Trabzon known for?

Sümela Monastery, Uzungöl, Black Sea highlands, hamsi and Akçaabat köfte.

What is Sümela Monastery?

A cliffside monastery in Altındere Valley National Park that stopped operating in 1923 and is now a museum.

What is Uzungöl?

A lake and village in Çaykara, a base for ecotourism with guest houses and trout restaurants.

Is Trabzon rainy?

Yes. It is among the wettest places in Türkiye, with some rain in every month and the heaviest in autumn.

When is the best time to visit?

June to September.

How do I get to Trabzon?

By air or long-distance bus. Check airlines and bus operators for current options.

Sources: Go Türkiye, MGM. Updated October 2026.