Trabzon's highlights are spread between mountain and sea, so the smartest way to see the city is a well-paced itinerary that balances the historic center, longer mountain excursions, and the coastline. Here is a suggested four-day plan, easy to extend or shorten depending on how much time you have.
Day 1: Settle in, city center, and Boztepe. After arrival, spend the first day exploring central Trabzon on foot: Atatürk Square (Meydan), the pedestrian shopping street Kunduracılar Caddesi, and Hagia Sophia Trabzon, built between 1238 and 1263, which still holds rare Byzantine frescoes despite later being converted into a mosque. In the afternoon, head to Boztepe hill, about 3 km southeast of the city center, reachable by the cable car (teleferik) that climbs directly from the coastal area to the hilltop — a short ride that offers an aerial view over the harbor and rooftops. The summit itself is open around the clock, free to enter, and features fountains and the Ahi Evren Dede mosque, built on the site of an older church, along with cafés overlooking the Black Sea — a perfect spot for sunset.
Day 2: Sümela Monastery and Altındere National Park. Sümela Monastery (also known as the Monastery of the Virgin Mary) is one of the Black Sea region's most famous landmarks, located in the Maçka district about 46 km south of Trabzon (roughly an hour's drive). Founded around 386 CE by two Greek Orthodox monks, Barnabas and Sophronios, it is built directly onto a near-vertical cliff face at 1,200 meters, overlooking the Altındere Valley within the national park of the same name. Around half a million people visit annually to see its religious frescoes, ancient library, and springs tied to local legends. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and wear proper walking shoes, since reaching the monastery involves stairs and inclines. Spend the rest of the day exploring the surrounding national park, with its dense forest and mountain streams.
Day 3: Uzungöl Lake. Dedicate this entire day to Uzungöl ("Long Lake"), located in the Çaykara district about 99 km from central Trabzon, a drive of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. The lake is ringed by densely forested green mountains and traditional wooden-style villages, and is known for restaurants specializing in fresh, locally caught trout, a small lakeside mosque, and viewing platforms along the shore. Spend your time on a relaxed lakeside walk, sipping Turkish tea at a waterfront café, or even a short boat ride. The drive itself, through green mountain valleys, is worth several photo stops along the way.
Day 4: The coastal road and farewell. Reserve the final morning for the coastal road running along the Black Sea, where you can stop at tea gardens overlooking the water, try the region's famous hamsi (Black Sea anchovy) at a coastal restaurant if it's in season (late autumn through early spring), or sample other Black Sea specialties such as kuymak (a rich cornmeal, butter and local cheese dish) for a hearty breakfast. If time remains, visit Trabzon's Botanical Park or one of the local markets for last-minute souvenirs — especially the region's world-famous hazelnuts, packaged local tea, and traditional sweets like pestil and köme.
This itinerary balances Byzantine history in the heart of the city, breathtaking mountain nature, and the open Black Sea coastline, and works well for families, couples, and groups alike. If you have extra time, consider adding a fifth day to visit one of the highland plateaus (yayla), such as Hıdırnebi, or Sera Lake close to the city.
