If you were to list the many destinations in the world that are a jack of all trades for natural beauty and tourism, you’d have to put Turkey among the top. The country is blessed with all kinds of geological wonders and natural landscapes. Which is why this is a destination where a lot of tourists return back to, time and time again. Most people swarm towards the sandy beaches in Antalya, the hilly landscape of Cappadocia, and the iconic city life of Istanbul. But for those who seek the true natural gems and the hidden beauty of the country, the destinations in northern Turkey awaits them.
From misty, forested mountains to rainforests, alpine meadows, and crystal-clear lakes; there’s so much more than what meets the eye in northern Turkey. Aside from the lush scenic views, the north of Turkey is equally blessed with historic landmarks and architectural wonders, which is what makes it a truly perfect tourist destination.
Unlike the west and southwest of the country, the north remains an underrated destination. With countless hidden gems and tourism experiences, here are the top locations to explore in the north of Turkey.
Exploring the Scenic Beauty of Northern Turkey
Tucked away in the chilly breeze and lush greenery, there’s much to discover and explore when it comes to the destinations in northern Turkey. Here are some top destinations in the north that offer scenic beauty, historical value, and stellar travel experiences:
Artvin
Artvin, or “Hidden Heaven,” is a famous tourist location in Turkey’s northwestern region. The place is well-known for its magnificent natural beauty, inviting everyone with a love for the flora and fauna. Artvin is home to stunning waterfalls, national parks, deep forests, and lakes which offer relaxing boat rides. The region is famous for its botanical diversity and inhabits almost 3000 native and exotic species. When visiting Artvin, include Borcka Karagol Lake, Hell Canyon, Altiparmak Park, Gunesli Waterfalls, and Tavsan Tepe Park in your to-do list.
Rize
Nestled on a steep ridge with gorgeous views of the Black Sea, Rize is Turkey’s famous “green city”. The city is a dream come true for all nature lovers, with lush greenery covering all the exploration spots. The region of Camlihemsin is famous among tourists, with a long river running across the road connecting it to Ardesen. Rize is also well-known for its tea production, which contributes a huge part to its green landscape.
With various canyons, springs, vast open spaces, lakes, and plains to explore, it’s no wonder why Rize is a popular tourist destination in northern Turkey. Some famous places to visit in Rize are the Rize Fortress, Ataturk House & Ethnography Museum, Rize Museum, Akyamac Falls Nature Park, Fırtına Creek, Palovit Waterfall, and Mount Kaçkar.
Trabzon
Because of its historical landmarks, mountains, and other natural attractions, Trabzon remains to be the top destination in northern Turkey. Both the city and the region of Trabzon boast incredible mountains covered in flora, icy peaks, sapphire lakes, and plateaus. The landscapes in Trabzon paint a picture of serenity and natural beauty. By combining the splendour of mountain flora with the blueness of the water, almost all tourist activities include natural elements. Tourists can go boating, hike along the verdant hills, and unwind in the arms of nature in one of the wooden cabins.
Amasra
Amasra is one of northern Turkey’s most beautiful towns. It’s a popular holiday resort for Istanbul residents and those from the surrounding areas because it’s located in the Black Sea region. Tourists can reach Amasra in 6 hours from Istanbul. The tiny old town is situated on a narrow peninsula connected by a stone bridge from the Byzantine era. Built by the Romans, the Amasra fortress and its citadel date back to the 7th and 8th centuries. Tourists can visit the Kemere Bridge, Amasra Museum, Amasra Fortress, Çekiciler Çarşısı, Barış Akarsu Park, and the Weeping Tree.
Ayder Yaylası
Turkey’s Black Sea region is rich in Yayla (mountain pastures). One of the most famous is Ayder Yaylası, which is surrounded by dense woods and lofty peaks. The pasture itself is around 84 kilometers from Rize in a valley filled with lush greenery in the Kaçkar Mountains. People travel here to enjoy the crisp air, breathtaking mountainous views, and the famous hot springs, which are reputed to have therapeutic effects. There are also mystical streams and waterfalls around Ayder. It’s a lovely location to unwind and breathe in one of nature’s most stunning locations. There are many hiking, biking, and paragliding spots scattered around Ayder that offer a mix of thrill with stunning views of the location.
Uzungol
Uzungol is located near the south of the Trabzon region and is a must-see for any visitor. This is a place people swarm to summer or winter, since both seasons offer stunning vistas of this incredible location. The true beauty of Uzungol is at the heart of it, in the the mystical Uzungol Lake. The lake is located at the foothills of the neighbouring mountains, which contributes to its lush beauty. Despite the abundance of tourists and locals, the town itself offers a quiet ambience that goes along perfectly with its landscape. Tourists can relax here and take in the scenery of northern Turkey by stopping by for a cup of steaming hot Turkish tea at one of the several cafés spread around the region.
The Enchanting Landscapes of Northern Turkey
Northern Turkey is truly a place brimming with bits of heavenly beauty scattered throughout. For those who cannot resist exploring and relaxing in the lush green and white scenery in Turkey, the northern region is the place to go. Do you want to explore the country’s stunning beauty? All with pre-booked accommodations, guided tours, and the opportunity to skip the lines? If the answer’s yes, then you’re in the right place.
iLinkTurkey offers a diverse range of guided tour packages for destinations in northern Turkey. Head over to our packages and book one of our best-selling Trabzon packages now.
