Türkiye's Black Sea coast is a world apart from the rest of the country, with the clusters of villages that speckle its narrow coastline hemmed in by the sea on one side and rolling mountains on the other. Although this region is not usually top on the itineraries of many foreign visitors, it's a beautiful slice of Türkiye, with plenty of attractions and things to do.

The winding road that threads its way along the coast is one of the most scenic in the country, making this region perfect road trip material. The star sightseeing attraction is Sümela Monastery, far out to the east. A trip along the coast is crammed with pretty, harborside hamlets boasting ancient fortifications, empty beaches, and vibrant seaside towns.

The region is known for its tea, hazelnuts, cherry orchards, and anchovies, as well as a chilly sea to the north and lush green mountain slopes to the south. This is a favourite area for avid cyclists and adventure seekers. Lined with seaside towns and mostly undeveloped beaches, the region is perfect for those who want to enjoy stunning backdrops in small sleepy fishing villages.