Türkiye is among the exceptional destinations where all four seasons can be experienced in a single day. Türkiye’s Black Sea region, spanning the country’s northern coastline and celebrated for its lush landscapes and crisp air, reveals a distinctive allure in winter. As snow transforms its dramatic scenery, historical landmarks, thermal springs, ski centres, and a cuisine deeply rooted in tradition come together to create an elevated seasonal escape. Recognised in National Geographic’s Best of the World 2026, the region invites travellers to discover its most captivating winter routes.
From Snowy Plateaus to Timeless Heritage in the Eastern Black Sea
Winter in Türkiye’s Eastern Black Sea has a character of its own. Along this striking coastline, Ordu and Giresun stand out as two of the first destinations to transform under a blanket of snow. Here, winter doesn’t just change the weather; it reshapes the landscape, turning coastal views, highlands, and forests into a calm and captivating setting. From panoramic cable car rides to Boztepe and serene bungalow stays around Ulugöl to cultural discoveries at the snow-covered church of Yason Burnu (Cape Jason) in the Cittaslow town of Perşembe, many experiences in Ordu create a refined yet deeply immersive winter journey. The white-clad Çambaşı Plateau, famed for thermal sources, and Çambaşı Ski Resort are also excellent destinations for those ready to go beyond the usual winter routes.
On the other hand, winter creates picturesque scenes in Giresun's natural wonders, such as the Kümbet Highland, Göksu Travertines, and Kuzalan Waterfall. For travellers seeking authentic local culture, Kuşköy adds a unique dimension with its famous whistled language, which is inscribed on the List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding.
Winter also attracts visitors with its unique charm in Trabzon, the jewel of the Black Sea. The UNESCO-listed Sümela Monastery feels even more magical when surrounded by snow, while white-covered plateaus such as Maçka and Erikbeli, along with Uzungöl, take on a fairytale atmosphere. Additionally, Trabzon villages, like Hamsiköy, offer a charming winter countryside with cosy cottages, complemented by skiing and mountain views at the Zigana Ski Resort.
In Rize, winter reveals a striking side of the region, where snow-framed landmarks like Zil Castle and Şenyuva Bridge meet the dramatic scenery of Ayder Plateau, famed for its winter views and thermal springs. Adventure seekers can head to Ovit Mountain for skiing and snowboarding. Nearby Artvin offers a quieter winter escape, with natural highlights including the Kaçkar and Kafkasör Highlands, the Cittaslow town of Şavşat, and the pristine Camili Biosphere Reserve.
Winter Tales of the Western Black Sea
Around a 3-hour drive from İstanbul, Bolu, with its snow-covered forestry, is one of the Western Black Sea’s top destinations for winter travels. Winter hiking around Lake Abant and Yedigöller National Park, nature photography, and cosy chalet stays are key highlights. Bolu is also home to mineral-rich springs, including in the Cittaslow towns of Göynük and Mudurnu. Karabük’s Safranbolu, the only destination in Türkiye listed as both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Cittaslow town, also enchants visitors with its fairytale-like scenery. Snow settles gently on Ottoman houses, prominent examples of sustainable vernacular architecture, and cobblestone streets in the town, turning it into a scene of timeless beauty. The coastal cities of Bartın, Sinop and Samsun additionally enhance the region's winter appeal. Bartın’s breathtaking Amasra, the northernmost point of Türkiye at İnceburun, the Cittaslow town of Gerze in Sinop, and Samsun’s historic landmarks, like the Bandırma Ferry replica, are just some captivating stops.
Soul-Warming Winter Tastes of the Black Sea
The Black Sea’s cuisine, with its comforting and satisfying recipes, will also be the star of your winter escape. From kuymak, served hot at breakfast and made with the region’s natural butter, corn flour, and local cheese, to warming black cabbage soup, winter pickles prepared in the summer, and fresh fishlike anchovies that become even more flavourful in the colder months, the region offers a rich palette of unforgettable tastes. Local favourites, such as Trabzon's Akçaabat meatballs and Hamsiköy rice pudding; Samsun's traditional pide; and Safranbolu's famous lokum, add even more depth to the culinary journey. Throughout your travels, steaming glasses of Turkish tea, produced from leaves grown in the lush green fields of Rize, will keep you warm every step of the way.