The Most Beautiful Stops for a Black Sea Tour and In What Order Should You Visit?
The most important tip when exploring the Black Sea region is choosing the right route. My advice is to plan from east to west or west to east. This way, you can enjoy each stop to the fullest without wasting time. Here's my ideal Black Sea tour order, based on my own experiences:1. Trabzon
In my opinion, Trabzon is the best city to start your Black Sea tour. It's easy to get to, and you'll encounter the Black Sea's stunning natural beauty from day one. Be sure to visit the Sümela Monastery; going early in the morning reduces the crowds and gives you the chance to catch the mist. At Uzungöl, set aside at least half a day for a walk around the lake and a tea break overlooking the lake. And don't forget to try mıhlama for breakfast.
You can reach Trabzon directly by bus from many Turkish cities. Minibuses depart from the city center for Sümela and Uzungöl.
List of places to visit in Trabzon:
- Sumela Monastery – An impressive monastery nestled within the steep cliffs in Maçka.
- Uzungöl – Lake and mountain views, walking paths.
- Atatürk Mansion – A historical and aesthetic building in Trabzon.
- Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum – Byzantine church, Ottoman mosque.
- Boztepe – A hill from which you can see the city from a bird's eye view.
2. Rize
Enjoy the Black Sea views along the way from Trabzon to Rize. Rize is famous for its plateaus. Walking through the mist on Ayder Plateau, taking photos, and breathing in the fresh air is a wonderful experience. For those seeking a dose of adrenaline, I recommend rafting on the Fırtına Creek; the thrill of the sound and speed of the water is unforgettable.
Don't leave without trying the kuymak (a type of tea) here. You can also visit a tea factory to see how fresh tea is processed. You can reach Rize city center by bus and then take minibuses or local tours to the highlands.
List of places to visit in Rize:
- Ayder Plateau – Nature walks, hot springs, every shade of green.
- Zilkale – A historical castle in Fırtına Valley.
- Fırtına Valley – Great for rafting, trekking and photography enthusiasts.
- Rize Castle – Ideal for city views.
- Çamlıhemşin – Cultural villages and mountain houses.
- Rize Botanical Garden – Tea fields and endemic plants.
3. Artvin
On the bus from Rize to Artvin, the views become even more dramatic; lush green mountains and deep valleys accompany the journey. When you think of Artvin , a visit to Borçka Karagöl is a must; the forest reflection in the water while walking by the lake is like a painting. The Macahel region is perfect for those seeking peace and quiet.
If you visit in summer, you can join the highland festivals and meet the locals. Once you arrive in Artvin by bus, you can rent a car for the day or join a tour to reach nature spots from the city.
List of places to visit in Artvin:
- Karagöl-Sahara National Park – A magnificent route for nature lovers.
- Borçka Karagöl – Enjoy a quiet and calm lake.
- Artvin Castle – Historical castle and city view.
- Mençuna Waterfall – Ideal for hiking and photography.
- Camili (Macahel) Villages – UNESCO biosphere reserve and cultural villages.
4. Samsun & Ordu
Heading west from Artvin, the route to Samsun and Ordu rounds off the tour beautifully. In Samsun, stroll along the coast, see the Atatürk Monument, and stop by the Bandırma Ferry Museum. In Ordu, take the cable car up to Boztepe for a bird's-eye view of the Black Sea. Don't forget to try the famous Ordu pide (Turkish flatbread).
You can easily reach both cities by bus, or walk or take short car rides to the attractions from the center.
List of places to visit in Samsun:
- Atatürk Monument and Bandırma Ferry – Important points in the history of the War of Independence.
- Amisos Hill and Tumuli – Historical mounds and city views.
- Samsun City Forest – Nature walk and picnic.
- Amazon Statue and Museum – A mythological and cultural visit.
- Kızılırmak Delta National Park – Bird watching and nature walks.
- Boztepe – Ordu view, cable car pleasure.
- Perşembe Plateau – Nature walks and plateau tourism.
- Ordu Teleferik – Great for seeing the city from above.
- Kurul Castle – Historical castle and coastal views.
- Cape Jason – An impressive spot where sea and nature meet.
Advantages of Traveling to the Black Sea by Bus
Traveling to the Black Sea by bus offers a budget-friendly and enjoyable travel option. What's more, the sights you'll see along the way will make your holiday unforgettable before it even begins. Here are some details and practical tips that make a bus trip to the Black Sea so appealing:1. Direct arrival to the city center
Unlike flights, you won't waste time with airport transfers. Buses usually reach the city center, so you can get started quickly on your tour.2. A nature feast along the way
A bus trip offers an up-close view of the Black Sea's lush mountains, streams, hazelnut orchards, and coastline. The coastline from Samsun to Rize, in particular, offers picture-postcard views.3. Flexible departure times and routes
Flights depart at different times of the day, allowing you to plan your schedule flexibly. You can purchase a single-city ticket or transfer to visit multiple Black Sea cities.4. Budget-friendly transportation
Bus tickets are generally more affordable than plane tickets, and seasonal promotions and early booking opportunities make them even more affordable.How to Take a Black Sea Tour by Bus?
Exploring the Black Sea by bus offers a practical and enjoyable travel experience. Here are some step-by-step planning suggestions:- Create a planned itinerary : First, decide which cities you want to visit. For example, you could add natural wonders like Trabzon, Rize, and Artvin to your list.
- Take advantage of intermediate stops : You can explore culture and taste by stopping in cities like Sinop, Ordu or Giresun along the way.
- Take advantage of night travel : By choosing night buses, you can avoid accommodation costs and arrive in your new city early in the morning.
- Connect with local buses : You can use minibuses and local bus lines to go from big cities to smaller towns or highlands.
Black Sea Tour Planning Tips
Although the Black Sea has a different beauty throughout the four seasons, some periods make this geography even more impressive.Best seasons :
- Spring (April-June) : Nature is reborn; plateaus and forests are blanketed in a thousand shades of green. During this period, you can take walks accompanied by foggy landscapes and blooming wildflowers.
- Summer (July-August) : This is the peak time for highland festivals and festivities. The cool highland air offers a perfect escape for those overwhelmed by the heat.
- Autumn (September-October) : Forests are painted in the most romantic shades of yellow, orange, and brown. It's a visual feast for photography enthusiasts.
Must-see photo spots :
- Uzungöl (Trabzon) : The iconic lake famous for its foggy views.
- Ayder Plateau (Rize) : Fascinating with its hot springs and lush green nature.
- Boztepe (Ordu) : The best stop for panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
- Borçka Karagöl (Artvin) : A fairytale-like natural wonder with a different beauty in every season.
Crown Your Journey with Local Flavors
A Black Sea tour offers an unforgettable experience not only with its natural scenery but also with its cuisine. The region's culinary culture draws from both the sea and the land.- Mıhlama : Made with corn flour, butter, and Trabzon cheese, this delicious dish is a breakfast staple. Its lengthening cheese is a treat for both the eye and the palate.
- Anchovy Pilaf : This dish, an essential dish for the winter months, reflects the perfect harmony of fish and rice.
- Laz Böreği : It is a special type of börek with pudding inside that those who love syrupy desserts will love.
- Black Cabbage Soup : A nutritious and traditional soup that will warm you up on cold highland evenings.
- Baked Rice Pudding : One of Trabzon's famous desserts. The top should be slightly burnt and the consistency should be just right.