Sorry, no claim packages available. Please, contact the site administrator.
Rize, Turkiye
Rize – Where Tea Meets the Mountains
Nestled between the towering Kaçkar Mountains and the emerald coast of the Black Sea, Rize is a city of unmatched natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich historical legacy. The city’s name is believed to originate from the Greek Rizaion, meaning “mountain slopes,” a fitting description for a region where lush hills roll dramatically into the sea.
A Deep Historical Tapestry
Rize’s earliest mention comes from the Roman writer Arrian in the 2nd century AD, who noted it in his Periplus of the Euxine Sea. Once part of the ancient Georgian province of Chaneti, Rize has changed hands many times—from Byzantine to Ottoman rule. Incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1547 as part of Lazistan, Rize became officially part of modern Türkiye through the Treaty of Kars in 1921.
Geography and Climate
Perched on a narrow coastal strip between steep mountain slopes and the Black Sea, Rize enjoys a unique climate ideal for tea cultivation—its most famous product. The city has grown upwards into the hillsides, creating dramatic scenic views. Rize experiences high humidity, ample rainfall, and misty vistas, especially in spring and autumn, adding to its mystical allure.
Tea Capital of Türkiye
Rize is famously the heartland of Turkish black tea. Introduced in the mid-20th century, tea revolutionized the local economy. The Tea Research Institute, founded in 1958, anchors this tradition. Today, tea plantations blanket the hills, and tea houses serve as communal hubs. Don’t miss the chance to sip a glass of steaming Rize tea at a hilltop café overlooking the city.
Top Places to Visit
Rize Castle (Rize Kalesi): A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
Zil Castle: A 14th-century mountain fortress in Çamlıhemşin, hidden in the foggy forests.
Ayder Plateau: Known for its wooden chalets, thermal waters, and alpine meadows—ideal for hiking and photography.
Fırtına Valley: A paradise of lush forest, hanging bridges, and rafting opportunities.
Pokut and Gito Plateaus: Remote highlands with panoramic vistas and traditional wooden houses.
Botanical Tea Garden (Çay Bahçesi): A beautifully landscaped tea garden and viewpoint in central Rize.
Cuisine of Rize
Rize’s cuisine is shaped by the sea, mountains, and Laz heritage. Must-try dishes include:
Muhlama: A creamy cornmeal and cheese dish served hot.
Laz Böreği: A sweet, custard-filled pastry unique to the Laz people.
Hamsi (Anchovy): Grilled, fried, or baked—anchovy is a staple here.
Kara Lahana (Black Cabbage) Soup: A hearty local classic.
Turkish tea: Of course, no meal is complete without Rize’s iconic brew.
Festivals and Culture
Rize’s rich cultural life is celebrated through seasonal festivals:
Tea Festival (Çay Festivali): Celebrates tea culture with music, local dishes, and exhibitions.
Ayder Snow Festival: A winter celebration featuring snow wrestling and traditional shows.
Formulaz Wooden Car Races: An unusual local tradition in which wooden go-karts race down steep village roads.
Folk dances like Horon, performed to the rhythm of the kemençe, add color and energy to every celebration.
How to Get There
By Air: Rize–Artvin Airport (RZV) offers domestic and some international flights.
By Road: Connected via highways to Trabzon (75 km), Artvin (160 km), and beyond.
By Bus: Regular coach services run from major Turkish cities including İstanbul and Ankara.
Best Time to Visit
Rize is beautiful year-round. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season, especially for visits to plateaus and outdoor activities. Winter brings snowfall in the highlands, perfect for a scenic escape.
Rize, Turkiye
Rize – Where Tea Meets the Mountains
Nestled between the towering Kaçkar Mountains and the emerald coast of the Black Sea, Rize is a city of unmatched natural beauty, vibrant culture, and rich historical legacy. The city’s name is believed to originate from the Greek Rizaion, meaning “mountain slopes,” a fitting description for a region where lush hills roll dramatically into the sea.
A Deep Historical Tapestry
Rize’s earliest mention comes from the Roman writer Arrian in the 2nd century AD, who noted it in his Periplus of the Euxine Sea. Once part of the ancient Georgian province of Chaneti, Rize has changed hands many times—from Byzantine to Ottoman rule. Incorporated into the Ottoman Empire in 1547 as part of Lazistan, Rize became officially part of modern Türkiye through the Treaty of Kars in 1921.
Geography and Climate
Perched on a narrow coastal strip between steep mountain slopes and the Black Sea, Rize enjoys a unique climate ideal for tea cultivation—its most famous product. The city has grown upwards into the hillsides, creating dramatic scenic views. Rize experiences high humidity, ample rainfall, and misty vistas, especially in spring and autumn, adding to its mystical allure.
Tea Capital of Türkiye
Rize is famously the heartland of Turkish black tea. Introduced in the mid-20th century, tea revolutionized the local economy. The Tea Research Institute, founded in 1958, anchors this tradition. Today, tea plantations blanket the hills, and tea houses serve as communal hubs. Don’t miss the chance to sip a glass of steaming Rize tea at a hilltop café overlooking the city.
Top Places to Visit
Rize Castle (Rize Kalesi): A medieval fortress offering panoramic views of the city and the Black Sea.
Zil Castle: A 14th-century mountain fortress in Çamlıhemşin, hidden in the foggy forests.
Ayder Plateau: Known for its wooden chalets, thermal waters, and alpine meadows—ideal for hiking and photography.
Fırtına Valley: A paradise of lush forest, hanging bridges, and rafting opportunities.
Pokut and Gito Plateaus: Remote highlands with panoramic vistas and traditional wooden houses.
Botanical Tea Garden (Çay Bahçesi): A beautifully landscaped tea garden and viewpoint in central Rize.
Cuisine of Rize
Rize’s cuisine is shaped by the sea, mountains, and Laz heritage. Must-try dishes include:
Muhlama: A creamy cornmeal and cheese dish served hot.
Laz Böreği: A sweet, custard-filled pastry unique to the Laz people.
Hamsi (Anchovy): Grilled, fried, or baked—anchovy is a staple here.
Kara Lahana (Black Cabbage) Soup: A hearty local classic.
Turkish tea: Of course, no meal is complete without Rize’s iconic brew.
Festivals and Culture
Rize’s rich cultural life is celebrated through seasonal festivals:
Tea Festival (Çay Festivali): Celebrates tea culture with music, local dishes, and exhibitions.
Ayder Snow Festival: A winter celebration featuring snow wrestling and traditional shows.
Formulaz Wooden Car Races: An unusual local tradition in which wooden go-karts race down steep village roads.
Folk dances like Horon, performed to the rhythm of the kemençe, add color and energy to every celebration.
How to Get There
By Air: Rize–Artvin Airport (RZV) offers domestic and some international flights.
By Road: Connected via highways to Trabzon (75 km), Artvin (160 km), and beyond.
By Bus: Regular coach services run from major Turkish cities including İstanbul and Ankara.
Best Time to Visit
Rize is beautiful year-round. Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season, especially for visits to plateaus and outdoor activities. Winter brings snowfall in the highlands, perfect for a scenic escape.