Trabzon, a beloved destination for Turks, often goes unnoticed by many foreign visitors to Turkey. But if you have a few vacation days to spare, it’s worth venturing off Turkey’s typical tourist path to travel here. Just a 1.5-hour flight from Istanbul, this coastal city is one of the largest in the country’s Black Sea region. There’s no shortage of things to do in Trabzon, from exploring caves to tasting Black Sea tea. Amidst the lush landscape, you will also discover vibrant village life filled with friendly locals.
Trabzon, with its lush foliage year-round, is a visually stunning destination in any season. For the most pleasant weather and vibrant landscapes, visit in spring (April–June) or autumn (September–November). Winter (December–March) may be chilly, rainy, and cloudy, but it offers the advantage of fewer crowds. It's best to avoid summer (June–August) due to humidity and larger crowds unless you can visit during the third weekend in July for the Kadirga Festival. Turkey’s most important festival, it features traditional dance, music, and rituals.
Trabzon's compact city center is best explored on foot. For a more local experience, take a minibus (dolmuş), which can pick you up or drop you off anywhere along its route. You'll need to pay in cash, and drivers typically don't speak English, so it's best to tell the driver your destination before boarding. They will either nod or point you to the correct bus. Taxis are also readily available. If you plan to explore the surrounding mountains and lakes, renting a car is a convenient option.
While you can find Sürmene knives in Trabzon, it's worth the 25-mile (40-kilometer) trip east to their namesake city for the authentic experience. These hand-crafted steel knives, made using techniques dating back to Byzantine times, come in various designs—from kitchen knives to ornate collector’s items—representing a proud part of Black Sea heritage. You’ll find the best blades in town and see top artisans at work at the Sürmene Çarşı in the city center.
