Trabzon travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

June to September is the lightest season for rain, and July is the driest month. Daytime highs average about 28 degrees Celsius in August, and the sea is at its warmest, up to about 20 degrees.

October to December are the wettest months, and snow falls mostly from December to March. Rain is possible all year, and the mountains around Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl are often misty even in summer.

How many days you need

Three days cover the main sights. Spend one day in the city, one at Sumela Monastery and one at Uzungöl.

A fourth day gives time for the old town and the seafront, or for another valley in the province. Visitors who want to walk in the mountains often stay longer.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Trabzon Airport (TZX) is on the coast, about 6 km from the city centre. Taxis wait outside the terminal exits, and a car from the airport to the centre takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

A Havaş shuttle bus links the airport with the central Meydan square, and minibuses also serve the city centre and the bus station. Car hire offices are at the airport, and you can also arrange a private transfer in advance.

Getting around

The centre of Trabzon is compact and suits walking. City buses and dolmuş (minibuses) serve other areas, and taxis run 24 hours a day. City buses are paid for with a prepaid card.

Sumela Monastery is about an hour from the city by car, and dolmuş run there in the tourist season. Uzungöl is about 95 km away, and there is no direct bus from Trabzon, so most visitors use a tour, a taxi or a hire car.

Where to stay

The city centre is the easiest base, with the old streets, the harbour, restaurants and public transport close by. Soğuksu and the western hillside are quieter and near the Atatürk Pavilion, with a short taxi ride into the centre. Hotels near the airport suit early flights and short stays. Uzungöl has lakeside hotels for travellers who want mountain scenery and cool air, but it is about 95 km from the city.

What to book in advance

Book transport for the mountain sights ahead of time, especially in summer. A tour, a private car with a driver or a hire car is the simplest way to reach Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl.

If you plan to stay overnight at Uzungöl, reserve the hotel before you travel. Check that Sumela Monastery and the Atatürk Pavilion are open before you go, as both have been closed for restoration in the past.

Common mistakes to avoid

Trying to see Sumela Monastery and Uzungöl in one day, as they are in different valleys and the roads are slow.

Starting late for the mountains, when mist often settles by midday.

Leaving the waterproof jacket at the hotel, as rain and fog are common even in summer.

Visiting Hagia Sophia during prayer time or in clothes that do not cover the shoulders and knees.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the Turkish lira. Tipping in restaurants is usual, but there is no fixed rule, and taxi fares follow the meter.

The plug type is C and F, at 230 volts. Check official Turkish government sources for visa rules based on your nationality. Tap water is not recommended for drinking.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Trabzon