Beyond Sümela Monastery and Uzungöl lake, which most visitors already know, Trabzon's mountains hide a less famous but strikingly beautiful treasure: the highland plateaus known locally as "yayla" — grazing meadows traditionally used for summer livestock herding, now transformed into tourist destinations that combine crisp mountain air, breathtaking scenery, and genuine folk festivals. This guide covers the three most accessible plateaus from Trabzon.
Hıdırnebi Plateau. Located in the Akçaabat district at an altitude of about 1,600 meters, roughly 40 km from central Trabzon and 29 km from the Akçaabat district center — a trip that can be completed in half a day from the coastal capital. The plateau is known for its distinctive natural rock formations, making it a favorite for nature photographers, trekkers, and off-road driving enthusiasts. An annual folk festival is held near the Hıdırnebi rocks, ending on July 20th, bringing together locals and visitors around traditional music performances and local food — a rare chance to experience authentic Black Sea culture up close.
Sera Lake. If your time is limited, Sera Lake is the closest option: a landslide-formed lake (a common phenomenon in the Black Sea region), located relatively close to the city center, making it an easy destination for a full day or even half a day. Its mild climate and dedicated picnic areas attract both domestic and foreign tourists, and it's also known for restaurants serving authentic regional dishes.
Kadırga Plateau. For those seeking a deeper nature experience, Kadırga Plateau sits on the border between Trabzon and Gümüşhane provinces, near Süme village in the town of Tonya, about 90 km from central Trabzon. This treeless mountaintop summit hosts the annual Kadırga Festival during the third week of July for three days, one of the region's most storied folk festivals, drawing visitors from across northeastern Anatolia.
Practical tips for visiting the yayla. The weather in the highlands is markedly different from the coast: even at the height of summer, temperatures can drop noticeably in the evening, so pack a warm jacket even if your trip falls in July or August. The roads leading to some of these plateaus, especially Kadırga, are winding mountain routes that may require a sturdy vehicle or a local driver familiar with them — joining an organized day tour from Trabzon is often easier and safer than self-driving, particularly if you lack experience with mountain roads. Avoid the more remote plateaus like Kadırga in winter, when roads may be closed by snow, while Hıdırnebi and Sera, closer to the city, are accessible in most seasons. Finally, these areas are less tourist-equipped than the coast, so don't expect strong mobile signal or card payment machines everywhere — carry enough Turkish lira in cash.
Visiting the yayla shows you a completely different side of Trabzon: away from the coastal hotels and restaurants, in quiet green meadows that still preserve traditional herding ways of life amid thin mountain mist.
