One of the most enchanting destinations on the Black Sea coast, Rize offers a unique route where nature and culture intertwine, with its lush green plateaus, misty mountains, rushing rivers, tea-covered slopes, and distinctive cuisine. This journey, which begins at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains and is enriched with traditional flavors, transforms into an unforgettable exploration for those eager to discover Rize.

Located on the eastern coast of the Black Sea, Rize is one of Türkiye’s greenest cities and a destination worth exploring for its natural beauty, rich culture, and mystical atmosphere. Nestled between the rough waves of the Black Sea and the rugged peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains, this city offers visitors both tranquility and adventure.

Rize’s history dates back to ancient times. The oldest known peoples of the region were the Colchians and the Macrons. They were followed by the Persians, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, each of whom left their mark on these lands. Rize Castle is one of the most tangible examples of this historical heritage. Located in the city center, the castle is worth seeing for both its history and its views. Rize is bordered by Artvin to the east, Erzurum to the south, and Trabzon to the west. This proximity brings with it both cultural and commercial interactions. The people of the region are known for their hospitality, hard work, and respect for nature.

A paradise for nature lovers

Rize is a city where nature has been particularly generous. With its plateaus, waterfalls, and valleys that take on a different color every season, it is a unique destination for nature lovers. Ayder Plateau, located at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Located 1,350 meters above sea level, Çamlıhemşin is far from the sea but deeply rooted in the spirit of the Black Sea. This plateau, which attracts thousands of local and foreign tourists every year, offers a captivating atmosphere not only with its scenery but also with its air, water, traditions, and spirit.  As you head towards Ayder, you are greeted by the Fırtına River, which winds its way through the forest. The waters flowing down from the mountains nourish the lush green valleys while also bringing life to the plateau. Upon arriving in Ayder, you are greeted by the plateau houses, some of the most beautiful examples of wooden architecture, nestled in the middle of pine forests. These houses, which are cool in summer and covered in snow in winter, stand as elegant examples of living in harmony with nature.     Ayder’s healing hot springs make the region attractive not only for its natural beauty but also for health tourism. The natural hot water that emerges from underground reaches temperatures of up to 50°C and is rich in minerals known to be beneficial for rheumatic diseases. The plateau is also a living stage for Black Sea culture. During the festivals held in summer, you can encounter the local people dressed in traditional costumes and trace the footsteps of the old highland migrations. The Ayder Plateau Festival, held in July, is an ideal time to get to know the region’s culture up close.

Kaçkar Mountains and outdoor sports

The Kaçkar Mountains, with their majestic silhouette in the eastern Black Sea region, are one of the most impressive natural formations not only in Rize but also in Türkiye. This imposing mountain range, whose natural boundaries extend between Artvin, Rize, and Erzurum, takes its name from the Laz word kaçkar, meaning “stone.” With its highest peak at 3,937 meters, the Kaçkar Main Peak is known as one of the areas in Türkiye most resembling the Alps in terms of geographical structure. The Kaçkar Mountains are not only a natural treasure due to their height but also because of their biological diversity. The vegetation unique to the Alpine belt, endemic flower species, glacial lakes, waterfalls, and deep valleys transform this region into an open-air museum. Kaçkar Mountains National Park, one of Türkiye’s most important national parks, is a veritable discovery area for nature lovers, photographers, and scientists. In the foothills of Kaçkar, where transhumance is still alive, it is possible to come across traditional stone and wooden mountain huts. The people living in this region lead a life in harmony with nature and migrate to high mountain pastures every summer to graze their small livestock. These migrations are not only an economic activity but also a cultural ritual that has been going on for centuries. The Kaçkar Mountains have become a center for outdoor sports. Especially in July and August, summit hikes attract mountaineers from all over Türkiye and the world. Along the route, important campsites and glacial lakes such as Dibektaş, Dilberdüzü, and Deniz Lake can be seen. Despite the high level of difficulty, the reward offered by the scenery makes all the effort worthwhile. Additionally, the Fırtına River, which flows at the foot of the mountains, originates from the heart of the Kaçkar Mountains. Activities such as rafting, canoeing, and ziplining offer a unique experience for adventure enthusiasts.

The land of plateaus

Of course, Rize has more than just Ayder. Pokut, Gito, Sal, Elevit, Badara, and Anzer Plateaus are unique destinations that reflect the traditional Black Sea plateau culture. Time seems to slow down in these plateaus, where electricity is limited and phone signals are hard to find.

The taste of the land and sea in its cuisine

Rize cuisine combines the bountiful seafood of the Black Sea with the herbs offered by the mountains. Muhlama, with its generous amount of butter and stretchy cheese, is the star of breakfast tables. Laz böreği is a unique flavor that blurs the lines between sweet and savory. Local dishes like rice with anchovies, black cabbage soup, and sautéed pickles showcase the richness of Rize cuisine.

Türkiye’s precious Anzer Honey

Rize’s economy relies heavily on tea production. In recent years, kiwi and honey production have also increased. Anzer Honey, in particular, is one of Türkiye’s most precious honeys due to its healing properties. Tourism is becoming more important every year. Nature tourism, plateau festivals, and cultural events are boosting the city’s economic vitality.

Visiting Rize is not just a trip, it’s an experience

Rize is not just a city to be seen, it’s an experience to be lived. Waking up to the sound of rain, walking through the mist, breathing in the salt of the Black Sea, and drinking tea by the stove in a mountain cottage… This is what Rize is all about. Every traveler should experience this unique journey at least once in their lifetime.

Historical sites in Rize

Known for its natural beauty, Rize attracts attention not only with its myriad shades of green but also with its structures that reveal its deep-rooted history. Located in the mystical atmosphere of the Black Sea, this city bears many traces dating from ancient times to the Ottoman Empire.

  • Zilkale: Located on a rocky slope overlooking the Fırtına River in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize, Zilkale dates back to the 14th century. With its rugged terrain and breathtaking views, it is a favorite destination for both history and nature enthusiasts.
  • Rize Kalesi: Located in the city center and dating back to the Byzantine period, Rize Castle offers panoramic views of the city while preserving the traces of the past.
  • Historic Stone Bridges: The arched stone bridges frequently seen in the riverbeds of Rize and its surroundings are engineering marvels from the Ottoman period. The bridges over the Fırtına River are particularly appealing to photography enthusiasts.
  • Kale-i Bala: Located in the Ardeşen district, this castle was used from the Byzantine to the Ottoman periods and is one of the structures that stands out for its strategic location.
The capital of tea

When it comes to tea in Türkiye, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly Rize. The green hills gliding between the clouds on the steep slopes of the Black Sea not only offer a visual feast, but are also the heart of tea, one of Türkiye’s most important agricultural products. Tea cultivation began to develop in Rize at the beginning of the 20th century and has since become an indispensable pillar of the regional economy. Today, over 60% of the tea produced in Türkiye is grown in Rize, and the tea enjoyment that spans from morning breakfast to evening conversations for millions of people originates from these lands. Rize’s humid climate, abundant rainfall, and fertile soil provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation. Most families in the region have been engaged in tea farming for generations. When harvest time arrives, the bustling work that begins on the slopes showcases one of the most beautiful examples of labor and living in harmony with nature. Rize is also known as the place where Türkiye’s tea culture took shape. Here, tea is not merely a beverage but a symbol of hospitality, a reason for conversation, and sometimes a companion to silence.