Trabzon & the Black Sea: A Turkey Honeymoon Guide
From Uzungöl to Sümela Monastery, Black Sea highlands to coastal towns: a couples' route through Turkey's greenest region.
The Black Sea coast around Trabzon is one of Turkey's most underrated honeymoon destinations. Misty highlands, endless shades of green, tea gardens and cool sea air offer a quieter, more intimate romance than the Aegean or Mediterranean.
Uzungöl: Beside the Misty Lake
The heart of the route is Uzungöl. Walking along the lakeshore at dawn, watching mist drift between the mountains, is one of the Black Sea's most photogenic moments. Wooden boutique hotels around the lake are popular with couples, many offering lake-view balconies and fireplace rooms.
Sümela Monastery: History Carved Into Rock
In Maçka district, Sümela Monastery is carved dramatically into a cliff face. The forest trail up to it is an experience in itself, turning into a colorful tunnel especially in autumn. The view from the monastery over the valley is one of the most photographed spots on the route.
Highland Tours: The Green Heart of the Black Sea
The highlands behind Trabzon — Ayder, Pokut, Sal Plateau — are essential for couples seeking an authentic Black Sea experience. The wooden terrace at Pokut Plateau feels like breakfast above the clouds; arrive early for a near-guaranteed sea of clouds view. The hot springs at Ayder are ideal for a rest after a long hike.
Coastal Towns: Rize and the Of Shoreline
Descending from the highlands, the route continues through Rize, where tea fields run parallel to the coast — especially beautiful at sunset. Small coves around Of offer a quiet afternoon away from crowds.
Trabzon City: Boztepe and Hagia Sophia
Back in Trabzon, watching the sunset from Boztepe hill over the city and sea has become a ritual. The garden of the Trabzon Hagia Sophia offers one more peaceful stop.
Making the Route Meaningful: A Shared Travel Journal
With so many layers — mist, sea, highlands, history — memories blend together fast. That's exactly why aisevgili.com's couple map feature exists: pin the photo from Uzungöl, the note from Sümela, the memory from the highlands, all on one shared map you can revisit together.
Best Time to Go
June through September is ideal for the highlands; early October is best for the forests around Sümela.
After your Black Sea route, don't leave those memories in your camera roll. Download Agape on the App Store to turn your travel photos and notes into a lasting shared love journal: https://apps.apple.com/app/agape-love-diary-memories/id6769886966