6-Day Central Black Sea Route

This six-day route follows the Central Black Sea coast from Samsun to Trabzon, passing through Ordu and Giresun while allowing time to explore both coastal towns and highland plateaus. The journey is linear, best suited to travellers with a car, and covers a mix of urban centres, beaches, historic sites, and mountain scenery. It begins in Samsun, a major city with good transport links, and ends in Trabzon, another key hub on the Black Sea. The route is realistic for six days, with each day covering a manageable stretch of coastline and inland excursions.

Day 1: Samsun and the Central Black Sea Coast

Begin in Samsun, the largest city on Turkey's Black Sea coast. Spend the morning exploring Amisos Hill, an ancient mound with panoramic views over the city and sea. Nearby, the Atatürk Monument commemorates the start of the Turkish War of Independence. Walk along the coastal promenade, which stretches for kilometres and is lined with parks and cafes. In the afternoon, relax at Atakum Beach, a sandy stretch popular with locals. Samsun is a logical starting point because it is easily accessible by air and bus, and it sets the tone for the coastal journey ahead. Overnight in Samsun.

Day 2: Samsun to Ordu via Terme, Ünye, and Fatsa

Head east along the Black Sea coast. Your first stop is Terme, a small town known for its long beach and the Gölardı Bird Paradise, a wetland area where migratory birds can be observed. Continue to Ünye, where a Byzantine castle overlooks the sea and a sandy beach offers a chance to swim. Further along, Fatsa is a working harbour town with a pleasant waterfront. Arrive in Ordu in the late afternoon. Ordu is built on a series of hills that rise steeply from the sea, giving it a dramatic setting. Overnight in Ordu.

Day 3: Ordu and the Ordu Highlands

Spend the morning in Ordu. Take the cable car up to Boztepe, a hilltop park with sweeping views of the city, the coast, and the distant mountains. Explore the seaside parks and the bustling bazaar. In the afternoon, drive inland to the Ordu highlands. The Çambaşı Plateau and the Aybastı Perşembe Plateau are two accessible areas where you can experience traditional village life, cool mountain air, and green alpine meadows. These highlands are a stark contrast to the humid coast and offer hiking opportunities. Return to Ordu for the night.

Day 4: Ordu to Giresun via Perşembe and Giresun Island

Continue east to Perşembe, a charming coastal town with a lighthouse and a picturesque harbour. Then reach Giresun, a city famous for its hazelnuts. Visit Giresun Castle, which offers views over the city and sea. In the afternoon, take a boat to Giresun Island, the only inhabited island in the Black Sea. The island has ruins of a Byzantine church and a monastery, and it is a protected archaeological site. Back on the mainland, stroll along the coastal promenade. Overnight in Giresun.

Day 5: Giresun Highlands and Coastal Route to Trabzon

In the morning, drive up to the Giresun highlands, such as the Kümbet or Bektaş plateaus. These areas are known for their lush pastures, traditional wooden houses, and panoramic views. After descending, continue east along the coast. Stop at Tirebolu to see its Byzantine castle, which sits on a rocky promontory. Further along, Görele is a small town with a long beach. Arrive in Trabzon in the evening. Trabzon is a major port city with a rich history. Overnight in Trabzon.

Day 6: Trabzon and Its Surroundings

Explore Trabzon's main attractions: the Hagia Sophia, a stunning Byzantine church that later became a mosque, and the Atatürk Pavilion, a grand mansion with beautiful gardens. Wander through the old bazaar and take a short trip to Boztepe for a panoramic view of the city. If time permits, consider a day trip to Uzungöl, a lake surrounded by mountains and forests, or to Sumela Monastery, a Greek Orthodox monastery perched on a cliff face. Both are inland but accessible from Trabzon. The route ends in Trabzon, which has an airport and bus connections for onward travel.

Route Practicalities

This route is best done by car, as public transport between smaller coastal towns can be limited. The journey is linear, so you can also travel it in reverse. The best season is from late spring to early autumn, when the weather is mild and the highland roads are clear. Winter can bring snow to the highlands, making some roads impassable. Expect a mix of coastal highways and winding mountain roads. The Black Sea coast is humid and green, while the highlands are cooler and often misty. Local foods worth trying include hazelnuts in Giresun and hamsi (anchovy) in Trabzon.