Beyond Trabzon

A lake made by a landslide that blocked the Haldizen stream, in a nature park since 1989. Fog often fills the valley at night; mornings are magical.

Pair the monastery with a forest walk in the national park and lunch in Maçka.

A village on the old Zigana road, famous for baked rice pudding; an easy add-on to Sümela.

Türkiye’s tea capital. The Ziraat garden, founded in 1924, has tea bushes, a small tea factory, a shop and views over the city.

A medieval castle on a cliff edge above the Fırtına river, deep in a forested valley near Çamlıhemşin.

A highland meadow at about 1,350 m with wooden chalets, waterfalls and a hot spring. A cable car is planned but not open; many businesses close for winter.

High summer pastures above the valleys, with cold springs and wide views. Roads can be rough and foggy; go with a local driver.