Trabzon is Turkey’s green escape on the Black Sea – cool summers, misty mountains, tea terraces and lakes. It is a favourite summer destination for families from the Gulf, and a great base for Uzungöl, Sumela Monastery and the highland plateaus. This guide covers where to stay, how to get around and the best day trips, with our Trabzon stays listed below.
Where to stay in Trabzon
- Trabzon city: close to the airport, the coast road, shops and restaurants. The most practical base for day trips, with apartments, suites and hotel rooms.
- Sera Lake: a calm, green spot just west of the city, by the lake and close to the coast.
- Sürmene: forest cottages on the coast east of Trabzon, on the road towards Uzungöl – for families who want nature on the doorstep.
Getting there and getting around
Trabzon Airport sits on the edge of the city, a short drive from most stays. From Doha, most travellers connect through Istanbul, a flight of under two hours to Trabzon. A car or a driver is the easiest way to reach the lakes and highlands, and we can help arrange airport transfers on request.
Top day trips from Trabzon
- Uzungöl: the famous mountain lake village, about two hours’ drive from the city.
- Sumela Monastery: a monastery built into a cliff face in the Altındere Valley near Maçka, about an hour from Trabzon.
- Haldizen and the highland plateaus: green meadows above Uzungöl, and further east the Ayder plateau in Rize.
- In the city: the Boztepe viewpoint over the Black Sea, Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia and the Atatürk Pavilion.
When to visit Trabzon
June to September is the main season, when the mountains are green and temperatures are mild compared with the Gulf summer. Expect rain and mist on some days – it is what keeps the region so green – so pack a light jacket. Halal food is the norm across the region.
Book your Trabzon stay
Our Trabzon stays are listed below, priced per night in US dollars for 2 guests. Send your dates and number of guests on WhatsApp for availability and today’s price, or pair your trip with a few nights in the city using our Istanbul guide.
