With summer temperatures in Europe and globally on the rise, the idea of a ‘coolcation’ is taking hold as more and more travellers embrace cooler destinations for summer travel. Türkiye’s Black Sea region, with its crisp air, emerald hillsides, and pristine beaches, offers a refreshing ‘coolcation’ alternative to typical summer getaways. The treasure of the region is the visually stunning and breezy highlands, where traditional wooden houses, typically used by locals during the warmer months, provide visitors with authentic stays immersed in nature
Complementing this serene landscape are the region’s charming Cittaslow (slow city) towns, such as Perşembe in Ordu and Şavşat in Artvin, where a focus on quality of life and sustainable living allows residents and visitors to enjoy a slower pace, local cuisine, and a deep connection to the environment.
Additionally, Türkiye’s Black Sea region is celebrated for its array of historic landmarks, hidden trails, unique lifestyles, regional cuisine, and delightful tea. From breathtaking waterfalls to lush forests, the allure of the highlands is further enhanced by outdoor activities such as nature walks, fishing, and traditional festivals that showcase folk dances, offering an enriching cultural experience for all who visit.
Discover the three of the region’s unforgettable wonders, offering the ultimate itinerary for a cool summer holiday.
West of the Turkish Black Sea, Nature and Culture Intertwine
The Black Sea journey begins four hours from İstanbul in Bolu, known for the lush Yedigöller National Park and the Cittaslow town of Göynük, recognized as one of the most beautiful spots in the country, and Mudurnu, a historic preservation district. Nearby, Karabük is home to Safranbolu, renowned for its historical wooden houses. It is the only destination in Türkiye listed both as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Cittaslow town.
Travellers moving on to Kastamonu will discover elegant mansions, the UNESCO-listed Mahmut Bey Mosque—one of the Wooden Hypostyle Mosques of Mediaeval Anatolia—and the tranquil Cittaslow town of Daday, offering centuries of rich history. In Sinop, the region’s only natural port, visitors are drawn to İnceburun, Türkiye’s northernmost point, as well as Sinop Castle and Türkiye’s happiest city, Gerze, also a Cittaslow town.
The route continues to Samsun, where the War of Independence began. Must-visit cultural landmarks include the Bandırma Ferry replica and the biodiverse Kızılırmak Delta Bird Sanctuary, included on the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List since 2016.
Unwind in the Black Sea Highlands
The Eastern Black Sea region captivates with its pristine highlands and plateau culture. The province of Ordu – home to the well-known highlands Çambaşı, Perşembe, and Keyfalan – and the city of Giresun are both featured in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2025”. In Ordu, visit Yason Burnu (Cape Jason) in the Cittaslow town of Perşembe – the site of an ancient mythical quest for golden fleece as told in Jason and the Argonauts. In Giresun, Kümbet, Bektaş, and Sis Mountain highlands showcase breathtaking views, while the city’s Kuşköy village offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience: listening to the whistled language (recognized on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List).
Trabzon, a cultural hub, and Rize, famed for its verdant valleys and tea. Topping the list of landscapes to explore in Trabzon are the stunning highlands Maçka-Şolma, Erikbeli, and Lustra and Karester. The UNESCO-listed Sümela Monastery (The Monastery of Virgin Mary), Trabzon Castle and the Hagia Sophia Mosque add historical allure. Rize offers lush retreats like the Ayder Highland, while the historic Zil Castle overlooking the Fırtına Creek, is the perfect destination for a rafting adventure.
Artvin completes the journey across the Eastern Black Sea region, featuring deep green valleys and soaring highlands: Kaçkar and Kafkasör. The Camili Biosphere Reserve (on the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Programme), which includes the Karçal Mountains, and the Uğur-Maral, Efeler and Düzenli valleys, presents an unforgettable conclusion to any trip
Discover Black Sea Culinary Traditions
The Black Sea region’s rich culinary traditions promise to elevate the ‘coolcation’ with comforting and distinct local flavors. A hearty breakfast featuring the regional specialty kuymak, a creamy dish made from corn flour, butter, and a special cheese, fuels visitors for a day of exploration. Meals are often prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients such as karalahana (collard), the world’s-finest hazelnuts grown in Ordu and Giresun, and the famous Black Sea anchovies. Tea, particularly the prized Rize variety, celebrated as the “most natural tea” in the world, is a daily ritual, with visitors even joining the highland harvests. From Samsun’s local pides to Safranbolu’s lokum and Trabzon’s Hamsiköy sütlaç (rice pudding), every bite is a flavorful culinary adventure.
