About Rize
Rize is a lush coastal city on Turkey’s Black Sea shore, nestled between the sea and the Kaçkar Mountains. It is famous for its endless green landscapes, mountain valleys, waterfalls and traditional highland villages.
Known as the heart of Turkey’s tea production, Rize is covered with terraced tea plantations. The city is also the gateway to popular nature destinations such as Ayder Plateau, Fırtına Valley and Zilkale.
How to Get to Rize
The most convenient way to reach Rize is to fly to Trabzon Airport and continue by road. The drive from Trabzon to Rize takes about 1–1.5 hours along the scenic Black Sea coastal road.
- By plane: Fly to Trabzon Airport, then take a shuttle, bus or rental car to Rize.
- By bus: There are direct intercity buses from major Turkish cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir.
- By car: Follow the Black Sea coastal highway, stopping at small seaside towns along the way.
Top Places to Visit in Rize
Ayder Plateau
Ayder Plateau is one of the most famous highlands in Turkey. At around 1,350 meters above sea level, it offers cool mountain air, dense forests, waterfalls and natural hot springs. It’s ideal for relaxing in nature, staying in wooden lodges and experiencing local highland life.
Fırtına Valley
Fırtına Valley is a dramatic gorge carved by the Fırtına River. Historic stone arch bridges, rafting spots and traditional riverside houses make it one of the most scenic areas in the region.
Zilkale
Zilkale is a medieval fortress perched high on a rocky cliff overlooking Fırtına Valley. Its strategic location and panoramic views of the surrounding forests make it a must-see stop on your Rize itinerary.
Rize Castle & City Viewpoints
Close to the city center, Rize Castle offers sweeping views of the Black Sea and the green hills behind the city. It’s a perfect place to sip a cup of tea while watching the sunset over Rize.
Tea Gardens & Factories
Visit a local tea factory and surrounding tea gardens to learn about tea production and taste freshly brewed Rize tea. Many viewpoints combine tea terraces with sea and city views in a single frame.
Outdoor Activities in Rize
- Rafting: The Fırtına River offers several rafting routes for different skill levels.
- Hiking & Trekking: The Kaçkar Mountains and neighboring plateaus provide great trails for day hikes and multi-day treks.
- Zipline & Giant Swings: Adrenaline seekers can enjoy flying over the valley on a zipline or trying giant swings with spectacular views.
- Photography: Misty mountain vistas, waterfalls, stone bridges and wooden highland houses are perfect for photographers.
What to Eat in Rize
Black Sea cuisine is rich and hearty, and Rize is one of the best places to experience it. Cornmeal, butter, local cheese and fresh anchovies are common ingredients in regional dishes.
- Kuymak / Muhlama: A traditional dish made with cornmeal, butter and melted cheese, served hot and stretchy.
- Laz Böreği: A unique dessert made of thin pastry layers filled with milk pudding and topped with syrup.
- Fried Anchovies (Hamsi Tava): A classic Black Sea specialty when anchovies are in season.
- Collard Green Dishes: Soups, stews and stuffed leaves made with local collard greens.
- Fresh Rize Tea: Don’t leave without tasting authentic Rize tea brewed from leaves harvested in the surrounding hills.
Where to Stay in Rize
Accommodation options in Rize range from city hotels to riverside bungalows and boutique guesthouses on the plateaus.
- City Center Hotels: Convenient for transportation, shopping and joining daily tours.
- Fırtına Valley Bungalows: Cozy bungalows along the river for a peaceful nature escape.
- Ayder Plateau Guesthouses: Small family-run pensions that offer a closer look at highland culture.
Best Time to Visit Rize
Rize is one of the rainiest regions in Turkey, which is why it stays green throughout the year. The best time depends on what you want to do:
- Spring & Summer (May–September): Best for highland tours, trekking and outdoor activities.
- Autumn: Ideal for dramatic cloud seas, foggy mountain views and colorful forests.
- Winter: Great for snowy landscapes and hot springs, but always check road conditions before traveling to high plateaus.
Practical Travel Tips for Rize
- Be ready for rain: Pack a waterproof jacket and spare clothes even in summer.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy shoes suitable for slippery and muddy trails.
- Car rental: Renting a car gives you more flexibility to explore valleys and plateaus.
- Respect nature and culture: Don’t leave any litter and respect local customs and traditions.
For more Black Sea itineraries, you can link to your main Black Sea travel guide page.
