Rize is wonderland in a land between the Eurasian continent.
Rize, near the Black Sea and not far from Turkey’s northeastern border, is a place that has been compared to a “fairytale land”. little known.
Rize attracts nature lovers who want to explore a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This coastal city boasts Turkey’s most pristine terrain surrounded by mountains and hills. Due to the plentiful annual rainfall, the hilltop villages of Rize become a summer vacation spot for many tourists.
The mountain town of Çamlıhemşin is the most enchanting place in Rize, where nature is practically untouched. There are simple houses of local people, cafes of young people who left the city to live in the high mountains.
From the coast of the Black Sea, the road to Çamlıhemşin passes through the valley of the green mountain along the Fırtına River. Time seems to have stopped in this mountainous region. The people of Çamlıhemşin live from forestry, beekeeping and animal husbandry.
Visitors who want to experience the local culture can stay in the traditional Karadeniz houses in Çamlıhemşin. Visitors should check out the Puli Mini Hotel, a traditional Karadeniz house made of withered chestnut wood and stone in the center of town. The house has many windows overlooking the Fırtına River to let in fresh air.
There are not many restaurants in the town. You can have lunch with the locals. A popular breakfast in the city is Mıhlama, a mix of melted cheese and cornmeal served hot with bread. You can also visit Puli Cafe, which serves creative dishes made with local ingredients, such as Tavada Hamsili and grilled anchovies.
About an hour south of the center of Çamlıhemşin, Yayla, an alpine village, is also a great place to experience local life in the so-called “wonderland”. The roads are not yet developed here, visitors must come with off-road vehicles. Fresh air, lush forests, wide green meadows are gifts that nature gives to its guests. Waking up in the traditional houses of the region, guests greet the new day with the smell of toasted bread and listen to the ringing of bells in the meadow.
Meals are prepared with cheese and the main ingredient of the Yayla people is fresh cream with cow’s milk butter. And adding jam, bread, eggs and fruit trees in the garden is very attractive. In the evenings, visitors can enjoy simple meals with the locals and sing and dance in a natural atmosphere.
About 8 km south of the center of Çamlıhemşin is the village of Şenyuva, where people return to their homes after leaving the city in search of peace. Apo and Elif Taşkın, who were born in Rize and then left the village to earn a living in Istanbul, returned to Şenyuva to live and open a cafe. Not only do they serve drinks, but they also prepare local dishes for companies that serve tourists.
“We came here after we got married and now we have a 4-year-old son and close neighbors,” Apo said.
tourist attractions in Rize are still very limited in terms of travel opportunities due to underdevelopment. For this reason, the nature here is ideal for tourism. Late May through October is the best time for tourists to visit the Fox Mountains, stay in guest houses and experience the culture, cuisine and nature of this place.
The visit will be more interesting if visitors book tickets with guides as they know the weather situation and cultural history of this wonderful country.
No more lies, the Rize-born street performer said: “On the way back, she experienced a sense of absolute peace and tranquility.
The rock villages are a specialty appreciated by tourists. Elevit Yaylası, Amlakit and Hazindağ are villages characterized by untouched nature and calm and slow-paced life of local people.
Ayder Yaylası Village, the most famous in the region, is also gradually losing its original beauty due to overcrowding with tourists.
As such, visitors to Rize should learn about the culture and appreciate the local natural and historical values. It is worth spending the night in Yayla, breathing in the natural air, absorbing and feeling the spring and being part of this fascinating natural world.