Destinations · 3 min · Published March 2026 · Updated April 2026

Trabzon Travel Guide: Sumela & Black Sea

Sumela Monastery, Uzungol lake, tea valleys and Black Sea cuisine — northeast Turkey beyond the classic route.

Uzungol

Alpine lake village 90 minutes from Trabzon — lush green landscapes unlike anywhere else in Turkey.

Black Sea food

Hamsi (anchovy), muhlama cheese fondue and corn bread — distinct cuisine from the rest of Turkey.

Getting there

Fly to Trabzon airport from Istanbul (1h 40m). Allow 2–3 days for the region.

Sumela Monastery

Cliff-hanging Byzantine monastery in Altindere National Park — 1 hour from Trabzon. Restoration periods occasionally limit interior access.

Uzungol and Ayder

Alpine lake villages and tea country — full day from Trabzon. Black Sea cuisine: hamsi, muhlama cheese fondue, kuymak.

Package option

Istanbul + Trabzon 5–6 days on /packages/black-sea-trabzon with domestic flights arranged.

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