Trabzon Province is home to some of Türkiye’s most spectacular highlands, known locally as yaylas. Perched among the lush Pontic Mountains overlooking the Black Sea, these alpine plateaus offer breathtaking scenery, cool summer temperatures, rich biodiversity, and centuries-old pastoral traditions.
Every summer, thousands of families move to the highlands to escape the humid coastal climate, continuing a lifestyle that has existed for generations. Visitors are welcomed by rolling green meadows, traditional wooden houses, crystal-clear mountain streams, alpine lakes, and vibrant cultural festivals featuring folk music, dancing, and local cuisine.
Whether you’re looking for hiking trails, panoramic viewpoints, authentic village life, camping opportunities, or peaceful mountain retreats, Trabzon’s highlands offer unforgettable experiences throughout the summer season.
Most Beautiful Highlands in Trabzon
Sera Lake Area (Sera Gölü)
Although technically not a highland, the Sera Lake Area serves as one of the gateways to Trabzon’s mountain landscapes. Located only 12 km west of Trabzon city, the lake is surrounded by forested hills and offers lakeside restaurants, walking paths, cafés, and scenic picnic areas. It is an excellent starting point before exploring the higher elevations of the region.
Highlights
- Lakeside dining
- Paddle boats
- Photography
- Family picnics
- Easy access from Trabzon
Maçka – Solma Highland
Situated above the historic town of Maçka, Solma Yaylası is famous for its peaceful alpine scenery and traditional mountain villages. Visitors enjoy hiking through flower-filled meadows while admiring panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.
Best for
- Nature walks
- Photography
- Camping
- Traditional village life
Maçka – Mavura Highland
Mavura Highland remains one of Trabzon’s lesser-known mountain escapes. Dense forests gradually give way to wide alpine pastures where shepherds graze livestock during the summer months.
Visitors appreciate the quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for those seeking solitude in nature.
Maçka – Kiraz Highland
Kiraz Highland combines beautiful mountain scenery with cool summer weather. During spring and early summer, colorful wildflowers cover the surrounding meadows, making it especially attractive to photographers and hikers.
Lapazan Highland
Lapazan Highland is a hidden natural paradise featuring rolling green hills, traditional wooden houses, and crystal-clear springs. The highland offers excellent opportunities for hiking, camping, birdwatching, and experiencing authentic Black Sea hospitality.
Maçka – Çakırgöl Highland
Located near the beautiful Çakırgöl Lake, this highland is one of Trabzon’s most scenic alpine destinations. The surrounding landscape features mountain lakes, rocky peaks, and expansive grasslands that remain snow-covered well into spring.
Popular activities include:
- Hiking
- Mountain photography
- Camping
- Wildlife observation
- Landscape photography
Çaykara – Uzungöl Tourist Center
Perhaps the most famous destination in Trabzon Province, Uzungöl is surrounded by dramatic mountains and dense forests.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Lakeside walks
- Highland excursions
- ATV tours
- Cycling
- Local restaurants
- Boutique hotels
- Scenic viewpoints
Nearby highlands offer cooler temperatures and spectacular panoramic views above the famous lake.
Karadağ Tourist Center & Karadağ Highland
Karadağ Highland offers panoramic mountain landscapes and excellent trekking opportunities. During summer, visitors encounter grazing livestock, wildflowers, and traditional shepherd settlements.
It is particularly popular among campers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Hıdırnebi and Kurucam Highlands
Located in Akçaabat District, Hıdırnebi Plateau is among the most visited highlands in Trabzon. Sitting at approximately 1,600 meters, it is famous for the spectacular “sea of clouds” phenomenon, where thick clouds blanket the valleys below while visitors stand in bright sunshine above them.
Nearby Kurucam Highland offers equally stunning scenery and peaceful walking trails.
Popular activities
- Sunrise photography
- Hiking
- Camping
- Traditional restaurants
- Highland festivals
Tonya – Erikbeli Tourist Center
Erikbeli is one of the best-developed mountain tourism centers in Trabzon. Easily accessible during summer, it offers accommodation, restaurants, picnic areas, and hiking trails.
Its cool climate makes it a favorite weekend destination for local residents.
Erikbeli Highland
The surrounding Erikbeli Highland features beautiful alpine meadows dotted with traditional wooden houses. Visitors enjoy fresh mountain air, panoramic views, and authentic rural life.
Sazalanı Highland
Sazalanı is a peaceful plateau known for its lush meadows and scenic landscapes. It remains relatively uncrowded, making it an excellent destination for travelers seeking tranquility.
Sis Dağı Highland
One of the highest and most famous highlands in the eastern Black Sea region, Sis Dağı (Fog Mountain) lives up to its name with dramatic mist-covered landscapes.
Every summer, the Sis Dağı Festival attracts thousands of visitors with:
- Horon dancing
- Kemençe music
- Traditional wrestling
- Regional cuisine
- Cultural performances
On clear days, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views stretching toward the Black Sea.
Kadırga Highland
Kadırga Yaylası is internationally known for the annual Kadırga Highland Festival, one of Türkiye’s oldest traditional mountain festivals.
Every year, tens of thousands of people gather to celebrate Black Sea culture through:
- Traditional music
- Horon dancing
- Local handicrafts
- Folk competitions
- Regional foods
- Family picnics
The lively atmosphere transforms the mountain pasture into a giant open-air cultural fair.
Çatma Obası Highland
Çatma Obası is a traditional shepherd settlement surrounded by expansive alpine meadows. It offers peaceful hiking opportunities and authentic insight into seasonal highland life.
Haçka Obası (Düzköy)
Located near Düzköy District, Haçka Obası is famous for its cool summer climate and impressive mountain scenery. Traditional wooden houses, grazing cattle, and colorful wildflowers create an idyllic Black Sea landscape.
The plateau is especially popular for:
- Camping
- Nature photography
- Family picnics
- Hiking
- Relaxation
Outdoor Activities
Trabzon’s highlands provide countless opportunities for outdoor adventure:
- Hiking and trekking
- Mountain biking
- Camping
- Nature photography
- Wildlife observation
- Birdwatching
- Highland festivals
- Off-road driving
- Horse riding
- Local cultural experiences
Local Cuisine
A trip to the highlands is incomplete without tasting authentic Black Sea specialties, including:
- Kuymak (Muhlama)
- Akçaabat Köfte
- Cornbread
- Black cabbage soup
- Fresh mountain cheese
- Butter and kaymak
- Highland honey
- Grilled trout
- Turkish tea
Many family-run restaurants prepare these dishes using locally produced ingredients.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal season for exploring Trabzon’s highlands is June through September.
During this period, visitors enjoy:
- Mild temperatures (15–25°C)
- Blooming alpine flowers
- Open mountain roads
- Highland festivals
- Clear hiking trails
- Green landscapes
Winter brings heavy snowfall, and many plateaus become inaccessible.
Why Visit the Highlands of Trabzon?
Trabzon’s highlands are among the most beautiful mountain destinations in Türkiye. Combining dramatic natural scenery, centuries-old pastoral traditions, vibrant summer festivals, and warm Black Sea hospitality, they offer a unique escape from modern city life. Whether you choose the famous shores of Uzungöl, the cloud-covered landscapes of Hıdırnebi, the cultural celebrations of Kadırga, or the peaceful alpine meadows of Çakırgöl, each highland provides its own unforgettable experience in one of Türkiye’s most enchanting regions.