Trabzon feels like a different country from Istanbul. The lush Black Sea coast is draped in tea plantations, with dramatic mountains hiding ancient monasteries and alpine lakes.
What to Do
Sumela Monastery — Byzantine monastery carved into a cliff
Uzungol — Picturesque lake with tea plantations
Trabzon Hagia Sophia — 13th-century Byzantine church
Boztepe Hill — Panoramic city views and tea gardens
Where to Stay
Hotel Nazar — Budget in city center
Novotel Trabzon — Mid-range with views
Radisson Blu Trabzon — Luxury waterfront
Where to Eat
Fevzi Hoca — Famous Black Sea fish restaurant
Kalender — Traditional regional cuisine
Beton Helva — Local sweet shop
Quick-Reference Essentials
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Airport
Trabzon (TZX)
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Currency
TRY (₺)
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Best Season
Jun-Sep
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Language
Turkish
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Before You Go: Travel Insurance
A medevac flight from rural Turkey can cost $10,000+. We use SafetyWing for every trip — it's affordable, covers medical and evacuation, and you can sign up even after you've left home.
"We've thankfully never had to file a claim, but having it is peace of mind every time we board that plane." — Scott