UIG via Getty Images

Black Sea Coast

While many visitors flock south to the Mediterranean or west to the Aegean, Turks know the Black Sea (Karadeniz) is equally deserving. Surprisingly lush and subtropical, its coastal cities are backed by terraced tea plantations fading into a mountainous hinterland. After Amasra's seaside-holiday vibe and Trabzon's big-city buzz, you can relax in pint-size fishing villages, or head inland to alpine yaylalar (mountain pastures). The spectacular coastline also makes for a scenic route across Turkey to other parts of Anatolia.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Gideros

Black Sea Coast

If you're driving between Amasra and Inebolu, the greatest highlight is gazing out across the paradise cove of Gideros. It's a timelessly photogenic spot…
Zilkale

Black Sea Coast

The region's most spectacular man-made attraction is the neatly restored 13th-century shell of Zil Castle, a fine stone tower surrounded by sturdy walls…
Aya Sofya Camii

Trabzon

Standing in walled gardens amid symphonies of birdsong, 4km west of centre, is this fine 13th-century church-turned-mosque retaining some carved reliefs…
Ziraat Botanik Tea Garden

Black Sea Coast

At the summit of a steep urban hill, this unexpected little paradise is primarily a delightful teahouse beneath a big, fragrant magnolia tree, but there…
Boztepe Cable Car

Black Sea Coast

Ordu's top attraction, this seven-minute teleferik (cable-car) ride whisks you 2.3km from the seafront promenade to Boztepe, at an altitude of nearly 500m…
Sumela Monastery

Black Sea Coast

The extensive ruins of Sumela Monastery, founded by Greeks in the 4th century, cling improbably to a sheer cliff, high above evergreen forests. This is…
Sinop Fortress

Black Sea Coast

Giving definition to much of central Sinop are the very hefty remnants of stone walls. With origins dating back four millennia, these once ran 3km,…
Pokut

Black Sea Coast

On clear days, the views from this summer shepherds' hamlet (elevation 2030m) seem to stretch to infinity with a foreground of typical bungalows climbing…