The Black Sea Highlands: Türkiye's Green Secret

Forget the beaches for a moment. Along the eastern Black Sea, steep green mountains drop into the sea, and summer life moves up to the high plateaus known as yaylas.

Places to see

• Sümela Monastery – clinging to a cliff face above the Altındere Valley
• Uzungöl – a lake village surrounded by forested slopes
• Ayder Plateau – wooden chalets, waterfalls and hot springs
• Rize tea gardens – terraces of tea leaves above the coast
• Zil Castle and the Fırtına Valley – old stone bridges and rushing rivers

The best time to go

From late May to September, when the plateaus are open and green. Expect rain at any time of year: it is what keeps the region so lush.