Winter Holidays in the Black Sea: Both Nature and Culture

The Black Sea, which is remembered for its lush green nature, lakes, waterfalls and clean air in the summer months, has now become the shining star of winter vacations. In the Black Sea mountains, the magic of nature, peace, fun and adventure are all around us. You can feel the warmth of the fireplace in a bungalow among the snow-covered forests or relax in the hot and healing waters in thermal facilities. Ski centers such as Zigana, Çambaşı and Akdağ beckon adrenaline junkies, while the region's unique food leaves unforgettable flavors on the palate. So, where can we discover this fascinating winter atmosphere of the Black Sea? Here are the most special routes of the Black Sea where you can enjoy the winter to the fullest!

Trabzon, Uzungol

Uzungol is known for its natural beauty and quiet atmosphere, and the lush forests and mountains around it are mesmerizing. You can hike around Uzungol, spend time in touch with nature and enjoy the magnificent views. The surrounding plateaus, waterfalls and traditional villages are also worth exploring. Garester Plateau, Haldizen Plateau and Lustra Plateau are popular hiking routes preferred by nature lovers. Forests and mountains covered with snow add a completely different beauty to the region. The calm atmosphere of Uzungol is an ideal environment for those who want to enjoy the winter. When it snows, the white blanket around the lake turns into a fairy tale land. When you visit Uzungöl in winter, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as skiing on the plateaus and snow walks. While you are here, you should definitely try the red-spotted trout. Red-spotted trout, which grows in the water of the Haldızen Stream that feeds Uzungöl, are cooked on the grill and in butter in restaurants.

Accommodation options in Uzungol are quite wide; bungalow hotels and wooden plateau houses in harmony with nature offer a comfortable experience by reflecting the atmosphere of the Black Sea. There are many options among both luxury hotels and budget-friendly family pensions. You can browse our page for Trabzon Hotel options.

Amasra

In winter, the coastal towns of the Black Sea take on a different beauty. Amasra, known for its lively and lively atmosphere in summer, is an escape for those looking for serenity in the winter months. With its historical texture, natural beauties and mystical atmosphere, Amasra is an oasis of peace for those who want to add meaning to their winter vacation. The first thing you notice in Amasra during the winter months is the calmness that spreads over the town. Amasra Castle, where the wind dances with the sea, looks like a historical postcard when covered with snow. When you go up to the castle, the endless blue of the Black Sea combined with the fog and the view covered with a white blanket almost soothes your soul. Kemere Bridge, one of the symbols of Amasra, is covered with light snowflakes in winter and takes on a fairytale-like appearance. Çekiciler Bazaar is less crowded in winter, making it an ideal stop to discover local handicrafts and buy wooden souvenirs. On a cold winter day, chatting with the locals in the village bazaar accompanied by warm chestnuts or corn is also an unforgettable moment.Amasra is a hidden paradise waiting to be discovered with its serenity and unique atmosphere in winter. You can take advantage of the cold weather and have a holiday full of nature, history and flavors in this beautiful town of the Black Sea. Experiencing the unique peace of winter in Amasra is much more than a vacation.Safranbolu has a deep-rooted culinary culture and the saffron plant, the symbol of the district, adds a unique aroma to the dishes and especially to the desserts. Saffron zerde is a local dessert that we highly recommend you to taste. In addition, traditional flavors such as Turkish delight, kuyu kebab, stuffed leaves with meat, bending, flatbread and walnut donuts are also worth exploring.

Safranbolu has a wide range of accommodation options. Staying in historical mansions is a good option to experience the authentic atmosphere of Safranbolu in the best way. Check our page for Amasra Hotel options.

Ordu

The Black Sea city of Ordu, which fascinates with its natural beauties, shows a completely different face in winter. When covered with snow, its mountains, plateaus and coastline turn into a white fairy tale land. Ordu promises an unforgettable vacation not only in summer but also in the serenity of winter. The hills rising through the fog, the magnificent sea views you can watch with a hot coffee and the pleasant walks you will take in the snow-covered plateaus add peace and adventure to your winter vacation. If you are looking for a quiet and enjoyable winter experience in touch with nature, Ordu's enchanting atmosphere awaits you.

Ordu cuisine has a rich food culture shaped by the fresh and delicious ingredients of the Black Sea. Local flavors such as anchovies, cornbread and kuymak are among the most well-known examples of this cuisine. In addition, traditional dishes such as çökelekli börek, black cabbage rolls with meat and bean diblesi reflect Ordu's hospitality and passion for flavor. Desserts such as pumpkin buns are also indispensable on the tables, and the dishes made with fresh ingredients from the fertile nature of the Black Sea leave unforgettable traces on both palates and hearts.

Check out our page for Ordu Hotel options.

Rize

Winter is a time when nature is wrapped in a white blanket and every corner turns into a postcard. Rize, one of the most popular destinations in the Black Sea region of Turkey, is a paradise for winter vacations. The lush green mountains and unique nature of the Black Sea offer a different experience to every vacationer with its overcast weather and snow-covered landscape. If you want to have a peaceful winter vacation in touch with nature, Ayder Plateau and İkizdere Valley are among the magnificent routes you should explore. Ayder Plateau, one of the most famous plateaus of Rize, is beautiful in winter. While Ayder hosts every shade of green throughout the year, in winter it turns into a fairy tale land with a snow-white cover. The plateau is surrounded by snowy mountains, misty valleys and forests, which makes it special in every season. When it starts to snow, the cold air and snow combined with the rich nature of Ayder soothes your soul. When you go up to Ayder Plateau, you can hike in the snowy forests, photograph this unique landscape or have fun with winter sports. Accommodation options on the plateau are quite diverse; wooden bungalows and hotels offer a comfortable experience in harmony with nature. Accompanied by a warm stove in the evenings, you can experience the food and drink culture unique to the plateau and say goodbye to the day by sipping delicious Black Sea tea. After exploring the tranquility and naturalness of Ayder, you can visit another fascinating region of Rize, İkizdere Valley. 

Gümüşhane

The Black Sea Region, with its stunning natural landscapes and peaceful atmosphere, is a paradise waiting to be discovered by nature enthusiasts during the winter season. High-altitude destinations such as Zigana Mountain, Kümbet Plateau, Kafkasör Plateau, and Nebiyan Mountain offer breathtaking winter beauty, attracting thousands of tourists every year. From snow-covered forests to areas ideal for winter sports, these locations promise unforgettable experiences during your winter holiday.

Zigana Mountain, one of the highest points in Gümüşhane, takes on a unique charm in winter. Its snow-covered peaks make it an appealing destination for mountaineers and nature lovers throughout the year, especially in winter. The Zigana Pass becomes even more impressive under its white blanket, providing an excellent setting for outdoor activities such as skiing and mountaineering.

Staying in the villages around Zigana Mountain allows you to enjoy a peaceful holiday amidst the unparalleled nature of the Black Sea region. The area's natural richness and oxygen-rich air make your winter getaway even more special.

When it comes to Gümüşhane, the first delicacies that come to mind are Pestil and Köme. Made from mulberries, Gümüşhane's pestil and köme are local specialties that must be tasted at their source.

Giresun, Kümbet Plateau

The plateaus of Giresun are among the most stunning beauties of the Black Sea region. Surrounded by high mountains and forests, this plateau is like a postcard in winter with its snow-covered picturesque houses and nature. Kümbet Plateau is more suitable for peaceful activities such as nature walks and photography rather than skiing. Getting lost among the snow-covered trees and pine forests will make you fall in love with the region’s calming atmosphere. Although access to Kümbet Plateau is not easy, a winter holiday here is a perfect choice for those seeking a peaceful experience immersed in nature.

Kümbet Plateau in Giresun is also famous for its local dishes prepared with fresh and organic ingredients offered by nature. On the plateau, dishes such as cornbread, kuymak, black cabbage rolls, and bean stew, which are staples of traditional Black Sea cuisine, are commonly served. Additionally, freshly fried anchovies, village börek, and cızlak (fried meat) taste even more delicious in the authentic atmosphere of the plateau, stimulating your appetite. At Kümbet Plateau, you can enjoy these delicious meals in nature while discovering the richness of the local cuisine and soaking up the serene atmosphere of the plateau.

For Giresun hotel options, you can check out our page.

Artvin, Kafkasör Plateau

The famous Kafkasör Plateau in Artvin becomes even more enchanting under a blanket of pure white snow in winter. One of the most beautiful plateaus of the Black Sea, Kafkasör transforms into a white paradise during the winter months. Ideal for both nature walks and skiing, Kafkasör Plateau offers the perfect experience of mountain air for winter holidaymakers. Here, you can taste traditional dishes prepared by the local people and enjoy hot drinks that will warm you against the cold Black Sea climate. Kafkasör is a fantastic destination for those looking to spend a peaceful holiday amidst the silence of snow-covered forests in winter.

Fresh anchovies, village cheese, and rich breakfasts made with butter become even more delicious in the mystical atmosphere of Kafkasör. The local, authentic dishes served in this region not only delight the taste buds but also reflect the warm and hospitable atmosphere of the area.

For Artvin hotel options, check out our page.