Artvin Borçka trip with incredible views
First of all, let me tell you what awaits you when you come to ARTVİN BORÇKA. Your understanding of the landscape will change, if you are driving the vehicle, you will be able to test your driving skills, you will relearn what silence and peace means and you will once again understand how pleasant it is to wander in an unspoiled natural environment.
In the easternmost part of the Eastern Black Sea region, on the border with Georgia, a lush green area, an incredible view on the horizon, plateaus that weave the clouds like a rug under your feet, and this beauty. It is located right here, in Artvin Borçka. And one of the important things that make this place different from other natural places is that its nature has not yet been spoiled and its cultured people. The people here are so hospitable that they live and keep alive many of the traditional and cultural values that we have lost in a very ordinary way.
Our country is truly a paradise, and there seems to be no end to the corners of this paradise suitable for vacation or travel. Although Artvin and its district Borçka may seem a bit overlooked compared to other places, there are plenty of places to explore and activities to do in Borçka that should not be underestimated. Most importantly, in Borçka, just like the natural environment, the people also remain natural. The locals here say, "Let Artvin and Borçka remain like this," and they never want the nature to be disrupted.
Before coming to Artvin and one of its important places, Borçka, there are some important points you should know and ask about: Traffic and weather conditions. Yes, I said traffic. But don't think like Istanbul. Until a certain period, Artvin used to be a place with only one traffic light in its center. By traffic, we mean the condition of the roads. Be careful of landslides and cliffs! And also pay attention to the weather. If there is dense fog or rain, you should prepare accordingly.
How to Get to Borçka?
The city center is a bit inland from the coast, and Borçka is located on the Artvin-Hopa road. It is approximately 35-40 km from the coast. But you should be careful with your speed as the roads are winding. Also, pay close attention to the road conditions because although the roads are new, the soil underneath can shift. If you have your own vehicle, it's good, but if not, you can fly to Trabzon and then continue the journey with shuttles. The distance between Trabzon and Artvin is approximately 200 km.
What to Eat in Borçka?
If we consider both the city center and the villages as districts, both Artvin and Borçka generally offer Turkish and Georgian cuisine. While you're here, you can try Georgian cuisine, which offers a different taste. Cabbage rolls, known as karalahana sarması, çadi, which is also called corn bread, trout in butter, speckled trout, and macahel honey are among the flavors associated with Borçka. In addition, you can taste dishes such as Georgian chicken, syrupy silor dessert, and yogurt soup from the neighboring cuisine. Besides these, before leaving Borçka, you must taste cağ kebab, walnut fruit leather known as köme, and old cheese known as eski kaşar from Artvin.
Places to Visit in Borçka
The most important places to visit in the region are Borçka center, Macahel Plateau, and Karagöl. The Çoruh River used to flow vigorously through Borçka. Until the Deriner Dam, one of Turkey's most important dams, was built. Now it flows calmly. But that didn't diminish our respect for it. You can stroll through Borçka town, where the Çoruh River flows through, and prepare and rest for a nature tour. Then, a magnificent view awaits you. The Macahel region, which extends to Georgia beyond Turkey's borders, comes to mind immediately. You must see the Camili village here and definitely visit the wooden-style mosque in the İremit village. Macahel also has the Maral Waterfall, a place worth seeing and experiencing. It's good to immerse yourself in the ice-cold water. And one more natural wonder: Karagöl. Let's not forget that there are two Karagöl lakes in Artvin, one is Borçka Karagöl, and the other is in Şavşat. This place is a natural wonder and literally a perfect painting. Make sure to see this place and you will notice how your understanding of the scenery changes. Finally, I can say this: make sure to visit the plateaus, although it is impossible to visit all of them, make sure to visit some of them. Gorgit Plateau, Adagül Plateau, or Beyazsu Plateau can be your choice.
What to Do in Borçka?
In Borçka, a true natural beauty, you can hike around Karagöl and its surroundings and enjoy boat rides. You can even camp here for at least one night. You can be a guest in Turkish and Georgian houses and chat with these natural and educated people. Remember that Artvin and its districts have one of the highest rates of university graduates in Turkey. You can collect your own honey in places where beekeeping is done and experience this. You can listen to the rushing waters next to the trout facilities. You can also visit the natural beauties of Borçka and its surroundings.
What to Buy from Borçka?
Just like everywhere else, Borçka also has its own food and clothing products. You can buy natural honey, walnut fruit leather köme, old cheese known as eski kaşar, and blackberries and offer them as treats.
Where to Stay in Borçka: Click here for Borçka Region Hotels: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/artvin-hotels
