- Hamsi in all its forms: the Black Sea anchovy is the city's fish.
- Kuymak (mıhlama): the cornmeal-and-cheese highland dish.
- Akçaabat köfte in the town of Akçaabat, 15 minutes west.
Trabzon City Guide
Uzungöl lake in the Trabzon highlands. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Trabzon is the Black Sea's historic port: the eastern end of the Silk Road's sea route, the Byzantine Empire of Trebizond's capital, and the base for Sumela Monastery and the highlands. It is a working city with deep history, not a resort.
The Hagia Sophia of Trabzon, the Atatürk Mansion, and the Boztepe tea gardens are the city sights. Sumela and Uzungöl are the essential excursions.
What to do in Trabzon
City and around
- 1
Sumela Monastery The cliff monastery in the Altındere valley, an hour south. - 2
Hagia Sophia of Trabzon The 13th-century church-mosque with its frescoes. - 3
Uzungöl The mountain lake among the pines, 100 km south. - 4
Atatürk Mansion The 19th-century mansion in the Soğuksu quarter. - 5
Boztepe The hill above the city: tea gardens and the harbour view.
Trabzon Hotel Guide
How to choose the best places to stay in Trabzon. Verified properties below; for the full list, search live availability on Booking.com.
Where to eat
Getting there and around
Trabzon (TZX) is the air gateway. Sumela is an hour south by road; Uzungöl about two. The highlands need a car; the coast road runs both ways.