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Rize is a lush, mountainous city in northeastern Turkey, on the Black Sea coast, and the country’s tea capital. It’s known for dramatic landscapes, highland culture, and endless green — thanks to its rainy, misty climate.
What it’s known for:
Tea (Cay): Rize produces the majority of Turkey’s tea. You can visit tea gardens and factories, including the Rize Tea Research Institute, and enjoy a glass with epic views.
Ayder Plateau (Ayder Yaylası): The region’s most famous highland village, surrounded by forests, waterfalls, and wooden chalets. Popular for nature walks, hot springs, and cool summer air.
Highland Culture (Yayla life): Villages like Pokut, Gito, and Elevit offer panoramic views above the clouds, local festivals, and traditional food and music. Many are only reachable in summer.
Storm Valley (Firtina Vadisi): A wild, green valley ideal for rafting, zip-lining, and exploring old Ottoman stone bridges. It’s a base for outdoor adventures.
Traditional Wooden Houses: Distinct Black Sea architecture with steep roofs and stilted supports — designed for the region’s heavy rain and steep slopes.
Cuisine: Known for muhlama (cheesy cornmeal dish), hamsi (anchovies), black cabbage soup, and local honey.
The vibe: Remote, green, and alive with nature. Rize is deeply tied to its geography — mountain people, forest trails, rivers, and tea fields dominate life.
Best time to visit: June to September — highland roads open, festivals run, and the weather is best. Expect rain year-round.