In a land known for its sun-drenched beaches and ancient ruins, Turkey's Black Sea coast presents a different kind of magic, a world of misty mountains, emerald valleys, and a rich culture that feels both fresh and profoundly familiar. For those who live life on the road, this region offers an adventure that speaks to the very heart of the travelling spirit. Unlike the bustling tourist hotspots of the Mediterranean, the Black Sea coast is an untamed stretch of coastline where lush, subtropical forests meet a wild and churning sea.
This is not a holiday for the faint of heart, but a pilgrimage for the soul, a chance to explore a verdant landscape and meet people whose warmth and hospitality echo a shared respect for community and kinship. It is a journey of discovery, where every bend in the road reveals a new hidden gem and a fresh opportunity to connect with the land and its people. This article serves as your guide to an unforgettable experience, a testament to the joy of a Turkish road trip and the beauty of finding a home away from home.
Embarking on a journey of this magnitude requires careful preparation, especially when travelling with a car.
The first and most crucial step is to ensure all documentation is in order. For Irish Travellers, your passport is your most important document. An International Driving Permit (IDP), while not always strictly mandatory, is highly recommended as a useful translation of your licence. If you want to bring your car, you must have the vehicle's original registration document, and it must be registered in your country of residence. For a more convenient option, you can rent a car. Aside from your passport and driving license, you will only need a credit card for the rental deposit.
Many who wish to experience the Black Sea coast might opt to fly into one of the region's main airports. From there, it is an easy process to rent a car and begin the road trip. This option allows for a shorter, more concentrated trip without the logistical complexities of bringing your own vehicle across borders. The freedom of a rental car still provides the opportunity to explore at your own pace, stopping in small villages and at scenic viewpoints as you please. It gives you the independence to create your own itinerary, free from the constraints of public transport schedules, and the ability to access the more remote and beautiful parts of the coast that are often inaccessible to organised tours.
When travelling with a caravan or large vehicle, finding a suitable place to park for the night is a key part of the experience. The Black Sea coast offers a mix of formal and informal options. While official caravan parks and campsites are not as prevalent as in some parts of Western Europe, they can be found near larger towns and tourist areas. These sites provide a safe and secure place to park, often with access to essential facilities like water, electricity, and waste disposal.
For those who are adventurous, wild camping is a popular and viable option in many of the region's more remote areas. It is important to practise responsible wild camping, leaving no trace and respecting the natural environment. Seeking permission from landowners is always a polite and recommended practice, and you will often find that the local people are incredibly welcoming and accommodating to travellers who show respect for their land. The vast, open spaces along the coast and in the mountain valleys provide countless stunning spots to spend a night under the stars, from quiet forest clearings to scenic viewpoints overlooking the sea.
This journey takes you on a west-to-east exploration of the Black Sea, moving from the forested tranquillity of the western coast towards the dramatic, mountainous landscapes of the east. Each stop is a unique chapter in the story of this region, a chance to immerse yourself in its history, nature, and culture. The road itself, the D010 coastal highway, is a character in its own right, winding through a beautiful and at times challenging landscape.
Your journey begins inland in the historic town of Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its beautifully preserved Ottoman houses. The town feels like a step back in time, with its narrow cobblestone streets and stunning architecture. You can wander through the old town, visit the traditional Cinci Han (caravanserai), and watch the artisans at work in the local workshops, such as the Yemeniciler Arastası (shoemakers' bazaar), where you can still see traditional leatherworking techniques. The peaceful atmosphere here offers a gentle start to your adventure.
From Safranbolu, the drive to the coast brings you to the idyllic harbour town of Amasra. Situated on a peninsula, Amasra is a picture-perfect blend of history and coastal charm. You can walk along the ancient castle walls, which offer breathtaking views of the sea, and explore the small islands connected by a Roman bridge. The town’s serene atmosphere and fresh seafood restaurants are the perfect reward after the initial drive. The harbour is a particularly lovely place to park, watch the fishing boats, and enjoy the calming rhythm of coastal life.
Samsun serves as a key hub on the central Black Sea coast, a city of great historical significance as the starting point of Turkey's War of Independence. You can visit the Bandırma Ferry Museum, a replica of the ship that brought Mustafa Kemal Atatürk to Samsun in 1919, a pivotal moment in the nation’s history.
From Samsun, the road becomes even more spectacular as you head east. The journey to Ordu is particularly scenic, with views of the vast Black Sea on one side and the towering Pontic Mountains on the other. Ordu itself is a pleasant city, but its main attraction is the cable car ride up to Boztepe. From the summit, you get a truly panoramic view of the city, the winding coastline, and the sprawling hazelnut groves that are so vital to the region's economy. This is a wonderful family activity that provides a unique perspective of the landscape, offering a sense of the scale and lushness of the central coast.
As you continue east, you arrive in Trabzon, a bustling city that has been a trading port for millennia, sitting at a historical crossroads on the Silk Road. Its history is palpable on its cobblestoned streets and in its vibrant markets, where the sounds of bargaining and the smells of fresh food fill the air. The city's main attractions include the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a stunning Byzantine church converted into a mosque, whose frescoes and intricate stonework are a testament to the region's layered past. You can also get lost in the bustling Bedesten (covered market), where you can find everything from local produce to handicrafts.
However, the absolute highlight of this region is the Sumela Monastery, a short drive inland from Trabzon. Carved into the sheer face of a cliff in the Pontic Mountains, this Greek Orthodox monastery is an astonishing feat of architecture and faith. The sight of it, perched precariously at an altitude of twelve hundred metres, is truly awe-inspiring. A visit here is a powerful and spiritual experience that feels deeply connected to the land and its ancient history, with the monastery's elaborate frescoes and grand scale leaving a lasting impression.
From Trabzon, the landscape transforms as you enter the province of Rize, Turkey’s tea capital. This is a world of endless, rolling green hills, so lush and vibrant they appear almost unreal. The scent of tea is everywhere, carried on the cool, damp air. You can spend your days here simply driving through the tea plantations, marvelling at the endless rows of perfectly manicured bushes that blanket the hillsides.
Many small villages welcome visitors, offering a chance to learn about the tea-making process from the local farmers themselves and to enjoy a fresh cup of tea at one of the many roadside tea houses, "çay evleri". This leg of the journey is about slowing down and savouring the tranquillity, finding a quiet spot to park, and simply taking in the breathtaking scenery. The serene beauty of Rize offers a peaceful interlude before the final, dramatic push into the mountains.
The final leg of your journey takes you high into the Kaçkar Mountains, to the stunning Ayder Plateau. This is a world of alpine meadows, roaring waterfalls, and natural hot springs. The air is crisp and clean, and the landscape is as dramatic as it is beautiful. You can explore the plateau, with its traditional wooden houses and lush, forested trails, and hike to waterfalls like Gelintülü Waterfall. The natural hot springs provide a chance to relax and rejuvenate after days on the road.
For families, the open spaces and natural beauty offer endless opportunities for walks, picnics, and simply playing in the fresh mountain air. This is a place where you can feel truly connected to nature and to the raw, untamed beauty of the Turkish landscape, with a sense of peaceful remoteness that is hard to find anywhere else. It is a fitting end to a road trip that is as much about the destination as it is about the journey itself.
Navigating the Black Sea coast requires a mindful approach. This journey is not just about the sights; it is a chance to taste and experience a different way of life, and the people you meet along the way will be as much a part of the memory as the places you see. Here are some ways to maximise your driving adventure.
The D010 is a spectacular road, but it can be narrow and winding, particularly on the western section between Sinop and Amasra. Patience is a virtue, and it's best to take your time and enjoy the scenery rather than rushing. The local drivers are accustomed to these roads, and it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Do not be surprised if the roads get congested, especially on weekends when families head out for a day at the beach or a picnic.
You will also find that roadside vendors sell local produce, from fresh hazelnuts to juicy cherries. Stopping at these small stalls is a wonderful way to support local communities and get a taste of the region's bounty. The food of the Black Sea is one of Turkey’s best-kept secrets. Be sure to try the cheesy cornmeal dish, muhlama, and, of course, the Black Sea anchovies, hamsi, a local delicacy cooked in countless delicious ways.
A road trip along the Black Sea coast is more than just a journey; it is an experience that resonates with the deep-seated values of community and family. From the historical charm of Safranbolu to the spiritual heights of Sumela Monastery, and the lush, green landscapes of Rize, every kilometre offers a new and unforgettable memory. This is a chance to see a side of Turkey that few tourists ever get to experience, to meet a people whose legendary hospitality will make you feel right at home, and to create a story that is uniquely your own.
If the prospect of bringing your own caravan feels daunting, consider the incredible advantages of a rental car. Renting a vehicle offers the same freedom and flexibility to explore at your own pace, but without the hassle of international paperwork and customs. You can fly directly into the heart of the region and pick up your car, giving you more time on the road and less time worrying about logistics. It is a great option for those who want to experience the magic of the Black Sea and create lasting memories with their family without the extra preparations. The journey awaits, and the road promises a warm welcome to all who travel it. Rent a car from Final Rentals today and begin your drive along the Black Sea.
