Explore Trabzon: A Black Sea Gem for a Perfect 2-Day Trip
Located on Turkey’s northeastern coast, Trabzon is a port city known for its dramatic nature and hearty local cuisine. Highlights include the cliffside Sumela Monastery and traditional anchovy dishes. With easy flights from Istanbul, even a short 1-night, 2-day trip lets you enjoy the best of Trabzon.
Getting There: Istanbul to Trabzon
Daily flights are available from Istanbul with:
- Turkish Airlines (THY)
- Pegasus Airlines
- AJET (formerly AnadoluJet)
The flight takes about 2 hours. If you catch an early morning flight, you can join a Sumela Monastery tour on the same day.
Getting Around the City
From Trabzon Airport to the city center (Meydan Square), use:
- Dolmuş (shared minibus) marked “Havaalanı – Meydan”
- Taxi (about 20 minutes)
Dolmuş minibuses are also convenient for getting to the bus terminal (Otogar).
Suggested 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- 06:00 Depart from Istanbul (e.g., TK2816)
- 07:55 Arrive in Trabzon → Transfer to the city
- 09:00–18:00 Join a day tour to Sumela Monastery
- 18:00 Return to the city and check-in to hotel
- Evening: Dinner and walk around the city
Day 2
- Morning: Try a local breakfast (like Kuymak)
- Mid-morning: Shop for souvenirs and explore the city
- Around 12:00: Head to the airport
- 12:20 Depart for Istanbul (e.g., TK2823)
Optional: Replace the morning of Day 2 with a Uzungöl day tour.
When to Avoid Visiting
Winter (December–February) can bring snow and poor road conditions, making it difficult to access the Sumela Monastery. It may also be temporarily closed, so always check the latest updates before your trip.
Local Cuisine You Must Try
- Anchovy dishes (Hamsi):
- Hamsili Tava: Fried anchovies
- Hamsili Pilav: Rice cooked with anchovies
- Hamsikoli: Cornmeal flatbread with anchovies
- Kuymak (Mıhlama):
Melted cheese, cornmeal, and rich Trabzon butter – a breakfast classic. - Other dishes:
- Trabzon Pide: Boat-shaped bread with toppings
- Akçaabat Köftesi: Grilled meatballs
- Hamsiköy Sütlacı: Burnt-topped rice pudding
- Sürmene Pidesi, Karalahana Sarması, Pepeçura, Cornbread
What to Buy: Local Products with Geographical Indication
- Vakfıkebir Bread：Large stone oven bread (50cm), long-lasting
- Tonya Butter：Barrel-fermented from grass-fed milk, rich and fragrant
- Hamsiköy Rice Pudding：Creamy with a toasty top
- Akçaabat Köfte：Savory grilled meatballs
“Coğrafi İşaret” means a local specialty officially recognized for its traditional recipe and regional ingredients. It’s like a stamp of quality from that area!
Top Sights Nearby
- Sumela Monastery
A dramatic Byzantine monastery perched on cliffs at 1,200 meters. Don’t miss the frescoes inside the caves. - Uzungöl
A scenic lake resort surrounded by mountains, about 2 hours by car from Trabzon.
Where to Stay
If you’re traveling without a car, stay near Trabzon Square Park in the city center for easy access to sights and transportation.
Recommended Hotel: City Port Hotel
Just 10 minutes from the center on foot, offering sea-view rooms at a great price.
Local Tours
Join a guided tour in English or Turkish combining:
- Sumela Monastery
- Hamsiköy village
- Karaca Cave
Price: €30–50 per person
Popular tour companies: Eycetours, Zenofontours, Zagnos Tours
Tip: Even if the tour is in Turkish, it’s a great way to visit remote areas that are hard to reach on your own.
Final Thoughts
Trabzon is full of charm – from stunning landscapes to unique regional cuisine. It’s easy to reach from Istanbul, and even a short stay lets you discover the beauty of the Black Sea coast. Whether you’re into nature, history, or food, this city offers a refreshing side of Turkey you won’t forget.