Tourism In Northern Turkey

Northern Turkey transports its visitors to a magical, highly diverse, and astonishing world, stretching along Turkey's northern coast by the Black Sea. 

Here, you will find the marvels of nature with its mountains, coasts, and lakes, as well as the enchanting remnants of human civilizations, along with modern touches in facilities that are gems of tourism in northern Turkey, striving to make the best use of nature's treasures.

This article guides you through the marvels of the cities and villages in this region, offering the most beautiful tourist journeys.

History of Northern Turkey

You will be amazed by the beautiful artifacts in the northern Turkish regions, discovering the many civilizations that have succeeded in this place, making it one of the most important tourist destinations. Here are the main civilizations:

1. Ancient Times: Northern Turkey was home to many ancient civilizations such as the Hittite, Roman, and Byzantine. These civilizations left behind historical sites and landmarks like castles and old churches.
2. Ottoman Period: Under Ottoman rule, northern cities like Trabzon flourished as centers of trade, culture, and tourism. Many magnificent mosques and palaces were built during this period, which are still prominent tourist options today.
3. Turkish Republic: After the founding of the Turkish Republic in 1923, the North witnessed developments in infrastructure, education, and tourism. The region became a significant tourist destination due to its natural beauty and cultural diversity.

Natural and Human Attractions in Northern Turkey

Northern Turkey has the most diverse environment in terms of terrain and natural landmarks across all its cities and villages. Here are the main features that make tourism here a wise decision:

1. North Anatolian Mountains: Stretching along the northern coast. Their majestic scenery is the first thing you encounter from afar, with their high altitudes and dense forests. They feature sandy and rocky beaches and mountain slopes overlooking the Black Sea.
2. Lakes and Rivers: The region hosts many favorite tourist destinations, such as the beautiful mountain lakes like Uzungol Lake, and flowing rivers like the Firtina River in Rize.
3. Moderate Climate: The region enjoys a moderate and humid climate throughout the year due to the influence of the Black Sea. Summers are mild, and winters are cold and rainy, making it an excellent climate for tourism.
4. Cultural Diversity of the Inhabitants: The region has ethnic and cultural diversity, and besides Turkish being the official language, you will find some areas retaining their local dialects and diverse cultural influences. 
   The local culture has been influenced over centuries by Ottoman, Byzantine, and Persian heritage, resulting in deeply rooted traditions in music, dance, and delicious cuisine. 
   The northern inhabitants are generally known for their hospitality and warmth, largely relying on agriculture, especially tea cultivation in Rize and hazelnuts in Ordu. Tourism also forms an important income source, attracting visitors with its beautiful nature and historical landmarks.

Main Cities in Northern Turkey

Northern Turkey’s cities are among the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country due to their stunning nature, rich history, and diverse culture.

Here are some of the main cities in northern Turkey:

1. Trabzon: Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea. It is one of the most beautiful tourist cities combining natural scenery, historical landmarks, and entertainment places suitable for family vacations.
2. Rize: Positioned on the eastern Black Sea coast, east of Trabzon, near the Turkish-Georgian border, it is home to tea plantations and is nicknamed the jewel of northern tourism, attracting visitors year-round.
3. Samsun: Located on the central northern coast of Turkey, it features a significant port on the Black Sea.
4. Ordu: Located on Turkey's northern coast, it includes some of the most beautiful tourist places, earning the city the description of a piece of paradise.
5. Artvin: Located on the border with Georgia in the Carpathian Mountains region, it is also an important tourist city.
6. Kastamonu: It is slightly away from the coast and is a favorite tourist spot for lovers of high mountains overlooking the sea.

Key Tourist Attractions in the Region

Do not miss visiting these wonderful sites in the mentioned cities, blending history, heritage, and stunning natural features, along with comprehensive service entertainment facilities:

1. Sumela Monastery in Trabzon: A historic monastery located on a mountain cliff dating back to the 4th century, it is one of the most prominent tourist attractions.
2. Uzungol Lake in Trabzon: The mountainous lake with a fantastic tourist reputation, surrounded by forests and mountains, is a great place for hiking and camping.
3. Hagia Sophia of Trabzon: A Byzantine church converted to a mosque and then to a museum, displaying stunning murals and artworks.
4. Trabzon Castle: A historical castle offering wonderful views of the city and the Black Sea.
5. Tea Plantations in Rize: Provide a unique experience to taste Turkish tea and learn about its production process.
6. Firtina Valley: A perfect place in Rize for nature and adventure tourism, featuring beautiful scenery and waterfalls.
7. Sinop Castle: A historical castle overlooking the Black Sea, offering great views of the city and the sea, making it one of the important tourist attractions in the north.
8. Ayder: A charming tourist village in Rize attracts visitors with its green nature, wooden huts, and hot springs.
9. Amasya Hill in Samsun: An elevated spot offering fantastic views of the city and the sea, housing rock tombs dating back to the Hellenistic period.
10. Ataturk Museum in Samsun: Exhibits artifacts and belongings of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.
11. Kaz Mountains Park: A protected natural site with swamps and lakes, a haven for birds.
12. Boztepe Cable Car in Ordu: Offers panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
13. Senlik Waterfalls: Beautiful waterfalls located in a quiet natural area within the city of Ordu.
14. Karagol National Park in Artvin: Lush forests surrounding a beautiful mountain lake.
15. Artvin Castle: A historical castle overlooking the city and the river, a favorite tourist destination for history lovers.
16. Old City of Kastamonu: Featuring traditional Ottoman houses and historical buildings.
17. Ilgaz Mountains Park: A popular destination in Kastamonu for skiing in winter and camping in summer.
18. Inceburun Peninsula: A peninsula in Sinop with stunning natural scenery and great sea views.
19. Giresun Island: Located off the coast of Giresun, famous for its beautiful natural scenery.
20. Yesilirmak River: Flowing through the city of Amasya, adding special natural beauty to it.
21. Cagran Kaya Peak: Located in Rize, rising 2000 meters above sea level. It is known for its greenery in summer and spring and colorful flowers spread on its carpet. In winter, it is covered with snow, and tourists can rent wooden huts for camping.
22. Hidirnebi Highlands in Trabzon: Amazing mountains allowing you to visit the natural fish lake at its peaks, featuring stunning views and restaurants offering the best fish dishes.

Tourist Accommodation Options in Northern Turkey

Many cities and villages in northern Turkey offer highly attractive tourist products, from small hotels to large resorts and wooden huts that combine simplicity, warmth, and modern entertainment options.

Generally, Serenity Resort in Trabzon is considered one of the best tourist destinations in the region. Here is a detailed look at this wonderful resort:

1. Location: Serenity Resort is located in a quiet green area away from the city’s hustle, providing an atmosphere of relaxation and comfort. It has stunning views of the Black Sea and the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal place for nature tourism.
2. Facilities and Services: Serenity Resort offers a variety of tourist options, such as luxurious rooms and suites designed with high taste. Rooms include modern amenities like air conditioning, TV, internet, and private balconies.
3. Restaurants: Serenity Resort features several restaurants serving a variety of Turkish and international cuisines. Guests can enjoy fresh foods and local seafood, a pride of Turkish tourism products.
4. Spa: Serenity Resort provides a full-service spa offering massages and beauty treatments, along with a Turkish bath and sauna.
5. Sports Facilities: The resort includes various sports facilities such as a fitness center, tennis courts, and indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Guests can enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports, aside from enjoying the quiet nature and fresh air. The resort also offers cultural tours led by guides to historical sites and local markets, allowing visitors to learn about the cultural heritage of this tourist area.

Wooden Hut Experience

The region includes beautiful wooden hut complexes that provide the best accommodation experience. Besides the simplicity and luxury of these small wooden homes, they overlook riverbanks and mountain slopes in stunning scenery. Discounts and offers for staying in these huts can reach up to 30%. Below are the main wooden hut tourist complexes in northern Turkey:

• Camli Hemsin Area Huts: Located on the Ayder River on the way to the village.
• Wooden Huts: Also in Ayder, offering luxurious tourist options like a second floor or a suite with additional space.
• Liva Huts: Part of Liva Hotel in Ayder, surrounded by stunning scenery and serving delicious food in the five-star hotel.
• Devran Huts: Very popular among northern village huts due to the suite options, balconies, and great views of the valley and river.
• Kia Huts: Featuring the previously mentioned luxuries with a shared dining hall among hut guests.
• Organic Koy Huts: With a garden and terrace, offering Wi-Fi services, a jacuzzi, and a shared dining hall.
• Zirvede Kal Huts: Featuring breathtaking balcony views, they are among the most preferred tourist options for newlyweds due to their calmness and available privacy.
• Rize Huts: With a garden and restaurant, as well as sauna and jacuzzi services.

Nearest Airport to Northern Turkey’s Coast

The nearest airport to Turkey’s northern coast is Trabzon Airport (TZX), located about 6 kilometers east of Trabzon city center. 

It provides all essential services for travelers, including booking, restaurants, shops, car rental services, and Wi-Fi, greatly facilitating tourism. 

The airport offers domestic and international flights with direct connections to many major Turkish cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, as well as some international destinations.

Other prominent airports in northern Turkey:

1. Samsun-Carsamba Airport (SZF): Located in Samsun city, serving the surrounding area.
2. Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU): Situated between the cities of Ordu and Giresun, it is the first airport in Turkey built on an artificial island.