Travertins and grandiose canyons, alpine landscapes and mountain lakes, rocky monasteries and monuments of the Ottoman era, saffron plantation and sandy beaches – the Black Sea coast of Turkey can surprise even sophisticated travelers. We tell you what to see in the less known part of the country.
Safranbolo – Shafranian capital of Turkey
The ancient Safranbolu owes its heyday to a successful location on the Great Silk Road. Since the Ottoman Empire, entire quarters with traditional buildings and monuments of the departed eras, from the current Hammam and Caravan Saraya with artisans to bazaars and mosques have been preserved in the city. A living open-air museum, guarded by UNESCO, Safranbolu beckons an authentic atmosphere of oriental fairy tales, an abundance of spices, a rakhat-lumber and old streets, which are so pleasant to roam.
Do not miss the monument to Safrana – a bright purple flower stretches from a huge bulb in the old city. Sharfran’s aromatic crop on the surrounding farms is harvested from mid -October to November – if you arrive at this time, you can see the process with your own eyes, admire the rows of flowers, try the freshest saffer tea and buy souvenirs in the field by the field.
Near the city is a Bulak cave. The usual excursion path of almost 400 meters shows a civilized version of the dungeon: the path is paved, and stalagmites and stalactites are decorated with multi -colored lighting. If you do not suffer from claustrophobia and are ready to get dirty, you can visit the “wild” part of the cave with underground lakes, waterfall and bats for an additional fee.
And if you prefer walks in the fresh air and open spaces to the horizon, go to the toktall canyon to admire the massive rocky walls, the leisurely flow of the river, a historical aqueduct and tiny lakes. A viewpoint with a glass floor is arranged on top, it is crowded on it. In an unconjitated canyon, less people shir, but it is extremely problematic to go down to the bottom, but the pristine beauty protrudes in all splendor.
Where to stop:
In the five -star hotel Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu (estimate 8.8) – from 4,600 rubles* for a standard room with views of a city or pool.
In the guest house Turgut Reis Konak (rating 9.2) – from 1,800 rubles* per day for the standard number for two.
Samsun – the homeland of the Amazons
Samsun was founded by the Greeks back in the 7th century BC. The ancient Roman historian Pliny considered these places the birthplace of the Amazons, and today about the events of the Iliad resembles a thematic museum on the seashore. It is difficult to say how reliable the reconstruction in the village of Amazons, but as an entertaining park for the whole family, is quite popular – take at least the sculptures of lions 11 meters high.
The modern history of Turkey is told by the pretty boat of Bandirma, standing at the pier in the city center, and the museum at the hotel in which Kemal Ataturk stopped. The ship is interesting to tourists mainly as a photo object, but the museum exposition is very exciting – here a lot of scenes from local life are presented.
Samsun is a convenient starting point for the study of the Shakhinka canyon, the second in length in Turkey. From the turquoise waters of the Kyzylyrmak river, three hundred meter cliffs rise, then gentle and covered with forest, or almost steeply. To see all the beauties, use an hour -long tour of the boat. Hyking, climbing, mountaineering, slamlain, paralagayding and maontinbike – in this natural park there are opportunities for any activity.
Where to stop:
In the four-star Hampton by Hilton Samsun (estimate 8.6)-from 4,800 rubles* per night in a standard room with the Queen-Sizes.
In the four -star hotel Park Inn Radisson Samsun (rating 8.5) – from 6,000 rubles* for an improved room for two.
Hiresun – Hang -up capital of the region
The unusual name of the port in the south of the Black Sea coast even before our era gave the Greeks in honor of the cherries growing here. Hyremen is already known today as an agricultural region: the best cherries and hazelnuts in Turkey are collected here. Tourists come here to wander around the ancient castle in the old city, reminiscent of the Roman and Byzantine periods of history, to inspect the residential buildings of the Ottoman Empire in the Zeytinlik area and visit the island of the Amazons 15 minutes from the embankment. According to legend, it was here that the harsh warriors inhabited and was looking for a golden rune of Hercules, so that the guests conduct costume reconstruction for mythical plots. The city itself is surprised by the unusual use of religious buildings: in the old Armenian church there is a historical museum, and a children’s library in the Gothic Catholic Church.
The sandy beaches of the city attract enthusiasts of sea vacation, and extremes like diving, underwater hunting and swimming in the caves of the coast. If you prefer the land, go to breathe mountain air on the Kulak plateau or to one of the surrounding natural parks, such as Agakbashi. Pine forests, flowering or snowy meadows and clouds, to which you can touch your hands, will not leave indifferent. Food in local restaurants after a walk seems especially tasty. It is worth looking at the amazing color of the travertina to Gox with mineral water and the waterfalls of the Blue Lake Kuzalan.
Where to stop:
In the Hotel Format “Bed and Breakfast” Serenity Pamuk Hotel (rating 9.5) – from 3,200 rubles* per day for the DELUKS room.
In the four -star hotel La Quinta by Wyndham Giresun (estimate 8.5) – from 5,400 rubles* per night in a standard room with two single beds.
Trabzon – the former capital of the Trapezund Empire
Among the Turks, the city is known for the museum of Kemal Ataturk, and tourists are more attracted to the historical and natural attractions of the former capital of the Trainch Empire. Among them is the Late Inevizant Cathedral of St. Sophia, built in the XIII century. He shared the fate of the Istanbul Ayia-Sofia: he was an Orthodox church, then a mosque, in the second half of the 20th century he became a museum, and ten years ago a crescent again established himself over the dome. The cathedral has preserved part of the Byzantine frescoes and the mosaic – have time to see them while they are available to visitors, albeit not in the best possible way.
Fans of medieval architecture will like the trabzon castle – the remains of defensive walls and towers in the old city. To learn more about the difficult history of these places and the life of the inhabitants, go to the city museum. Of course, there are enough mosques, colorful bazaars and ancient streets in the trabzone, which are so interesting to explore, but do not forget to allocate time to examine the surroundings.
Fifty kilometers from the city, in the Altyndder National Park with waterfalls and green valleys, there was a Panagia impressive rocky monastery. The Orthodox monastery on the almost three hundred meter rock was founded in the 4th century, and during the Byzantine Empire it managed to become a large monastery and the cultural center of the entire region. In addition to history and ancient frescoes, in the current museum of religion, the monastery goes for amazing views. This is a real city in a rock: part of the premises is located in natural caves, and a huge cliff rises above the outer walls. Wear comfortable shoes – you have to walk a lot on the stairs, but the impressions are definitely worth the effort.
Where to stop:
In the four-star Tilya Resort Hotel Hotel on the Black Sea (8.1 rating)-from 3,700 rubles* for the King-Sayz bed class number.
In the Cebeci Grand Hotel hotel in the city center (8.1 rating) – from 4,100 rubles* per standard room.
Rize – the tea capital of Turkey
Riza spreads on a narrow section of the coast between the Kachkar mountains and the Black Sea. The status of the city emphasizes the unusual Tea Mall – a seven -story building in the form of a traditional tea glass, and tea plantations spread out in the vicinity. In the cozy city museum, the center presents ancient amphoras, all kinds of vessels, coins, jewelry and reconstruction of local life: wooden sabo alternate with coins from treasures, weapons and Russian samovars.
From the viewing platforms of the dilapidated Genoese castle in the center, it becomes clear that tourists are going here not only to drink tea and get acquainted with everyday life: the surrounding mountains covered with snow caps in some places, and beckoning to go on an exciting walk. Among the picturesque spurs, alpine plateaus, waterfalls and stormy rivers, turquoise lakes and mountain peaks of national parks are hidden. For long tracking and almost four thousandth peak of Kachkar, the highest point of the Kachkar mountains, it is better to go in the summer-in winter, it can be difficult to even get to the highlands because of snow. But warm evenings in mountain villages after walking in the frosty air will be remembered for a long time.
Where to stop:
In the five -star Babillon Hotel SPA & Restaurant (estimate 8.2) – from 4,900 rubles* per day for the standard room for two.
In the five-star boutique-hotel Ricosta Hotel-from 14,900 rubles* per night in a family room with sea views.
Lake Uzungel – Turkish Alps
Lake of glacial origin Uzunungel in the valley between green hills is only 70 km from Riza – the resting place of tourists fascinated by the Alpine nature. The color of water depending on the time of year and lighting changes from turquoise to saturated green, and winter landscapes resemble photos of the Austrian Gallstat, with the only difference being that instead of the Lutheran church, a mosque with two minarets rises on the shore. The embankment stretches from it with dozens of luxurious hotels, restaurants, caffeen and shops. Lovers of outdoor activities can do hiking, rafting or fly a paraglider above the lake in tandem with an instructor. You can also admire the views from above by rising on foot to the viewing platforms around the village.
It is worth looking into the private museum of Dursun Ali to see the funny author’s sculptures from the roots of trees, traditional household items and archaeological artifacts. It is better to visit small children with small children with sculptures of cartoon heroes: Tom and Jerry, a cheerful family of Smurfs, dashing Simpsons on skate, scrooja MacDak and others.
Where to stop:
In the Uzungöl Poyraz Hotel (estimate 8.8)-from 2,800 rubles* for the Deluxe room with the Queen-Sayz bed.
In the Guest House Inan Kardesler Bungalow Motel (estimate 8.1) – from 6,400 rubles* for a standard number for two with a view of the mountains.
*Prices are relevant at the time of publication.
