Are you tired of the city's noise and endless hustle? Do you ever wish you could throw yourself into the middle of a lush green sea, high above the clouds? If so, you're in the right place. For souls weary of concrete gray, the plateaus of the Black Sea are heaven on Earth. If you're looking to create a list of things to do in the Black Sea plateaus, this guide will not only tell you where to go but also how to feel that unique spirit. This is more than just a travel article; it's the beginning of an adventure where you'll reconnect with nature, history, and yourself. So, fasten your seatbelts, we're starting a journey that will take you above the clouds!

Visit a famous plateau like Hıdırnebi or Sultan Murat

To take your first step into the endless green of the Black Sea, the Hıdırnebi and Sultan Murat plateaus are perfect starting points. Each offers different experiences with its own unique character. One welcomes you with its ease of access and lively atmosphere, while the other draws you into the depths of history above the clouds. The choice is yours: an easy getaway or an epic discovery?

Just a 45-minute drive from Trabzon, Hıdırnebi Plateau is ideal, especially for day trips and families. Located at an altitude of 1500 meters, this plateau offers a comfortable nature experience with its modern facilities, restaurants, and accommodation options. You can go ziplining at the nearby Balıklı Göl (Fish Lake), ride a lake bike, or simply enjoy the view. The Hıdırnebi Festivals, held every July, are a wonderful opportunity to experience the region's enthusiasm and culture. The road to our plateau is open in summer and winter, and commercial vehicles and tours provide transportation, so you don't need to worry about getting there.   

If you're looking for a more dramatic atmosphere and an adventure intertwined with history, you should head to Sultan Murat Plateau. At about 2200 meters above sea level, this plateau gets its name from the Ottoman Sultan Murad IV, who stopped here with his army to pray on a Friday in 1635 while returning from his campaign in Iran. The plateau holds not only the memory of the sultan but also the Martyrs' Hill, where 71 Turkish soldiers who died fighting against the Russian army in World War I are buried. This historical depth adds even more meaning to the plateau's landscape. This trip, often combined with tours to Uzungöl , gives you the chance to touch both the peaks of nature and history. But remember, the weather is very unpredictable; as one traveler said, bring something warm to wear.   

Enjoy the sudden fog and the fresh plateau air

What sets the Black Sea plateaus apart from other mountainous regions is their soul. And the biggest factor shaping this soul is its ever-changing weather. Here, fog is not an obstacle; it is the scenery itself. A sunny sky is beautiful, but the mystical whiteness that can suddenly cover everything is just as enchanting. So when you go up to the plateau, don't get hung up on the weather forecast; let yourself go with the flow of nature.

While climbing to the plateaus, you sometimes pass through a dense fog cloud. Visibility drops, and the world becomes silent. Just when you think the view is gone, you suddenly emerge above the clouds, and a sea of clouds stretching out like a cotton field greets you. The plateaus above the clouds, nestled under the high mountains in the Black Sea Region, offer visitors a true visual feast. This moment gives a feeling of freedom and awe that cannot be described in words. Instead of watching the scenery, you become a part of it.   

After the sooty air of city life, the first thing you'll notice when you step onto the plateau is the sharp, clean air that fills your lungs. The high oxygen level here is like a natural therapy. An old man I once listened to on the plateau said, I have visited all the plateaus of the Black Sea, but I have never seen a plateau with so much oxygen. You will feel all the weight on your shoulders lift and your mind clear. This is a priceless renewal that no luxury hotel can offer.   

Walk among the wooden plateau houses and chat with the locals

The landscape of the Black Sea plateaus is not just about green hills and seas of clouds. The most important element that completes the soul of this geography is the unique wooden plateau houses, strung like pearls on the slopes. These houses are not just shelters but monuments to a centuries-old culture of life, of living in harmony with nature, and of the ingenuity developed against harsh conditions.

The architecture of these houses is shaped entirely by the needs and resources of the region. They are usually two-story buildings; the lower floor is made of stone to protect animals and to sit firmly on the rugged terrain, while the upper living area is built from wood, which is abundant and easy to work with in the region. This design is the most practical solution for a lifestyle based on agriculture and animal husbandry. The woods used in the construction of the houses, such as spruce, pine, and chestnut, darken over time, giving the structure its authentic and timeless appearance.   

As you wander among these wooden houses, you should not forget that they are living spaces, not museum objects. The people of the plateau are hospitable but expect their private spaces to be respected. Be mindful of privacy when taking photos of the houses or passing by them. A cup of tea at a village coffee house and a warm chat with the locals will add a richness to your trip that the most luxurious hotels cannot offer. Respecting the plateau culture and local life will make your journey much more meaningful. If you want to discover the cultural riches in different regions of Turkey, you can check out our article on **** on our site.   

While You're Here...

Don't think your spirit of discovery will settle down after being captivated by the magic of the Black Sea plateaus! There are many more wonderful places waiting for you at the foothills of the plateaus and in the surrounding area. Since you've come this far, don't return without adding a few more stops to your route.

You can witness the magnificence of history and architecture by visiting the Sümela Monastery, which has become a symbol of Trabzon, built on a steep cliff. On the way to Hıdırnebi Plateau, you can cool off in the mysterious atmosphere of   

Çal Cave, considered the second-longest cave in the world. Of course, this trip would not be complete without seeing the famous postcard-perfect   

Uzungöl and taking a break at Sera Lake, which offers peace with its calm waters. Trabzon and its surroundings hold countless treasures beyond the plateaus. For a detailed itinerary, be sure to check out the **** on our site.   

Sources

If you want to get support from a professional agency when planning your Black Sea trip or want more information about travel arrangements in the region, Turkey's official travel authority is a reliable source.

For more information: (https://www.tursab.org.tr/)   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best season to go to the Black Sea plateaus? The most ideal period for the Black Sea plateaus is between May and September, when the weather is most favorable, the roads are open, and the plateau festivals are held. Spring is a great time to photograph the awakening of nature and colorful flowers, and autumn offers enchanting shades of yellow and red, but the weather can be cooler and rainier during these times.   

What should I definitely pack for a plateau trip? The weather on the plateaus can feel like four seasons in one day. Therefore, the essentials for your suitcase should be: waterproof hiking boots that support the ankle, layered clothing like t-shirts and fleece, a waterproof jacket or raincoat for sudden showers, plenty of spare socks, and a power bank to keep your phone charged.   

Can I drive my own car to the plateaus, and what are the roads like? The main roads to popular plateaus like Hıdırnebi and Sultan Murat are generally asphalt or stabilized in the summer and are suitable for normal passenger cars. However, the roads to lesser-known, pristine plateaus can be dirt and rough, requiring higher-clearance vehicles. If you are unsure about the road conditions, joining a daily tour with drivers who know the region well is the most comfortable and safest option.