Visit Trabzon: A hidden gem on Turkey’s Black Sea Coast
Turkey's Trabzon region offers affordable tourism opportunities in Turkey with much more to offer
Trabzon: A visit to Trabzon, undoubtedly a hidden gem of Türkiye, is a must next time you plan to travel to Türkiye on holidays.
The best thing is that the flight time of just 3 hours and 30 minutes from Dubai instead of 4.45 minutes from Dubai Istanbul and it is a very affordable place for tourists in terms of airfare, hotels, food, and sightseeing.
Another unique feature of Trabzon is that it gets most visitors from the Gulf Region as Arabs like to go to this cold mountainous region during summer holidays. They also feel at home due to the proximity of the place, culture, and traditions. You can easily find Arabic-speaking guides and salespersons at shops.
Where is Trabzon
Nestled on the northeastern edge of Turkey, Trabzon offers a mesmerizing blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. You can even travel to Trabzon from Georgia by road driving through the scene mountain region.
Overlooked by many international travellers in favour of Turkey’s more famous destinations like Istanbul or Cappadocia, Trabzon has quietly become a jewel in the crown of Black Sea tourism.
With its verdant landscapes, historical landmarks, and the warm hospitality of its people, Trabzon is emerging as a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and less-trodden Turkish experience.
Turkish Tourism Promotion and Development Agency is widely promoting the region known for its rich culture, cuisines and lush green mountains.
Rich history
Trabzon, with a history that goes back millennia, is the centre of culture and natural richness in the Eastern Black Sea Region.
The city on the ancient Silk Road has been the meeting point of religions, languages, and cultures for centuries. It has played a significant role in history due to its port on the legendary Silk Road.
Marco Polo visit
Italian explorer Marco Polo visited the city in the 14th century. Trabzon has also inspired world-renowned travellers, including Xenophon, Evliya Çelebi and Jakob Philipp Fallmerayer, who immortalised the town in their travel books and memoirs.
Today, the city is an important trade and cultural centre ripe with museums, monasteries, mosques, tombs, caravanserais, baths, covered bazaars, fortification walls, spectacular examples of civil architecture and a fantastic landscape.
No overwhelming crowd
As Trabzon continues to grow in popularity, it remains a place where travellers can immerse themselves in nature, history, and culture without the overwhelming crowds found in more famous destinations.
Whether you are exploring its ancient monasteries, savoring local delicacies, or simply enjoying the tranquility of its natural landscapes, Trabzon offers a unique and unforgettable experience. For those looking to discover the hidden gems of Turkey, Trabzon is a destination that promises to captivate the heart and soul.
The Scenic Splendor of the Black Sea Region
Like any other tourist going to Turkey, I also always thought of going to Istanbul, but visit to Trabzon proved to be a full of surprises. While tourists in Istanbul was suffering from sweltering heat, average temperature in Trabzon was close to 20 and even drops to 6 to 8 Celsius on mountains with rains and clouds adding to the joy of tourists.
Trabzon is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which are a testament to the natural beauty of Turkey’s Black Sea coast. The city is surrounded by lush green mountains, dense forests, and pristine rivers that offer a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Long Lake
The most iconic of these landscapes is the Uzungöl (Long Lake), a picturesque glacial lake surrounded by quaint wooden houses and towering mountains. Uzungöl’s foggy mornings and serene atmosphere make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Historical Riches: A Journey Through Time
Trabzon’s history dates back to antiquity, and the city has been influenced by a myriad of civilizations, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans. This rich tapestry of history is evident in the city’s architecture and cultural landmarks.
Sumela Monastery
One of the most remarkable historical sites in Trabzon is the Sumela Monastery. Perched on a steep cliff in the Pontic Mountains, this ancient Greek Orthodox monastery was founded in the 4th century and offers breathtaking views of the Altındere Valley. The monastery is known for its stunning frescoes and intricate rock-carved structures, making it a popular pilgrimage site and a key highlight for visitors.
Falling into ruin several times and being restored by various emperors, Sumela Monastery reached its present form in the 13th century. After the eastern Black Sea coast came under Turkish rule, Sümela was granted the sultan's protection, rights, and privileges.
Rumoured to have been established by two priests, Barnabas and Sophronios, who came from Athens during the reign of the Eastern Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great (375-395).
Hagia Sophia
You must be surprised to know that Trabzon has its own Hagi Sophia – amazing though much smaller than the one in Istanbul.
The historical Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, a Byzantine-era church that has served various roles over the centuries, including as a mosque and a museum. Its well-preserved frescoes and stunning architecture provide a glimpse into the city’s Byzantine past.
Visitors can also explore the Atatürk Köşkü, a grand mansion set in beautifully landscaped gardens, where Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, once stayed.
Built during the reign of Manuel I Komnenos between 1238 and 1263, Hagia Sophia Church is a beautiful example of late Eastern Roman Churches.
The bell tower dating back to 1427, is on the western side of the church.
The building was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Trabzon by Sultan Mehmed II, also known as Mehmed the Conqueror, and has become a charitable foundation building. Hagia Sophia is considered one of the most important examples of late Eastern Roman architecture and frescoes.
A Cultural Tapestry
Trabzon’s cultural heritage is as rich as its history. The city’s vibrant traditions are deeply rooted in the customs of the Black Sea region, which is famous for its folk dances, music, and cuisine.
The Horon, a traditional fast-paced dance performed to the tunes of the kemençe (a small string instrument), is an essential part of local celebrations and festivals. Visitors often find themselves drawn into the lively rhythms and spirited movements, experiencing a unique aspect of Trabzon’s cultural life.
Cuisines
Trabzon’s cuisine is another highlight for visitors. The region is known for its seafood, particularly anchovies (hamsi), which are prepared in various ways, from grilled to baked in cornmeal.
Trabzon has a rich cuisine consisting of various flavours introduced by different cultures for thousands of years. Anchovy is the trademark of this cuisine; there are 40 different dishes made of anchovy in Trabzon.
In addition, there are also hundreds of dishes cooked with corn, kale, green beans and hazelnut. Trabzon cuisine draws the attention of tourists to the city.
The local dish kuymak, a creamy cornmeal and cheese dish, is a must-try for food enthusiasts. Additionally, the city’s bazaars, like the Trabzon Bazaar, are bustling with activity, offering everything from fresh produce to handcrafted goods, providing visitors with an authentic shopping experience.
Adventure Awaits
For adventure seekers, Trabzon offers a variety of outdoor activities. The surrounding mountains and valleys are ideal for trekking, hiking, and exploring nature trails.
The Kaçkar Mountains, located nearby, provide a more challenging terrain for experienced hikers and are known for their alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and dramatic scenery.
Tea
Tea is also synonymous with this region. Tea farming is done mainly in eastern Trabzon. The deep blue-Black Sea lying before the heavenly view of Trabzon and the delight of tea in copper tea pots are irreplaceable joys of the people of Trabzon.
Paragliding
In addition to hiking, the Black Sea’s rugged coastline is perfect for paragliding, offering adrenaline-pumping experiences with stunning views of the sea and the surrounding landscape. For those interested in winter sports, the Zigana Ski Resort, just a short drive from Trabzon, offers skiing and snowboarding in a picturesque setting.
Credit: TravelsDubai.com
Hospitality and Warmth
One of the most endearing qualities of Trabzon is the warmth and hospitality of its people. The locals, known for their friendliness and strong sense of community, are always eager to share their stories, traditions, and, of course, a cup of Turkish tea. This genuine hospitality makes travelers feel welcome and enhances the overall experience of visiting this charming city.
How to reach Trabzon
Traveling to Trabzon from UAE and other Gulf countries is convenient with several flight options. Whether you choose a direct flight or enjoy a stopover in Istanbul, your journey to this beautiful region of Turkey will be a smooth one, leading you to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Trabzon.
Several options are available depending on your starting point, budget, and travel preferences.
This is how to get to Trabzon from the Gulf countries, such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman.
1. Direct Flights
Several airlines operate direct flights from major Gulf cities to Trabzon, especially during the peak tourist season (spring and summer). Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Air Arabia, and flydubai often offer direct flights to Trabzon Airport (TZX) from cities such as Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, and Riyadh.
From Dubai: Flydubai and Turkish Airlines offer direct flights to Trabzon. .
From Doha: Qatar Airways, along with Turkish Airlines, often provides direct or one-stop flights to Trabzon.
From Riyadh/Jeddah: Turkish Airlines or Pegasus Airlines typically offer one-stop flights via Istanbul to Trabzon.
From Kuwait: Turkish Airlines offers one-stop flights with a layover in Istanbul.
From Muscat/Manama: Travelers can fly to Trabzon via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
From Sharjah: Air Arabia fly direct from Sharjah to Trabzon
Connecting Flights via Istanbul
If direct flights are not available from your location, the most common route is to take a flight to Istanbul and then a domestic flight to Trabzon. Istanbul is well-connected to the Gulf region with multiple daily flights.
Fly to Istanbul: Major airlines like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Saudia offer multiple daily flights from Gulf cities to Istanbul (both IST and SAW airports).
Domestic Flight to Trabzon: From Istanbul, you can take a domestic flight to Trabzon, which takes about 1.5 hours. Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet frequently operate this route.
Visa Requirements
Before travelling, ensure you have the necessary visa to enter Turkey. Citizens of some Gulf countries can obtain an e-visa online, while others may be eligible for a visa on arrival or visa-free entry for short stays.
E-Visa: Available for citizens of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar. The process is straightforward and can be completed online.
Visa on Arrival: Some Gulf nationals may also qualify for a visa on arrival, though it’s generally easier to obtain an e-visa in advance.
Visa for expatriates in Gulf: Expats in the Gulf region have to apply for visit visa through the diplomatic missions. However, they can obtain visa online if they have US, UK or Schengen visas stamped on their passports.
Currency Exchange and Practical Tips
Currency: The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It’s advisable to exchange some money before your go to Turkey or do it at the airport or use ATMs in Trabzon
Language: While Turkish is the official language, many people in tourist areas speak basic English, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. Many shopkeepers and tour operators also speak Arabic in Tranbzon