Rize Places to Visit, Plateaus and Local Flavors Guide

With its lush plateaus, natural beauty, historical landmarks, and unique cuisine, Rize attracts thousands of visitors every year. Thanks to Rize-Artvin Airport, reaching the city has become much easier; whether you are planning a short weekend getaway or a long Black Sea tour, Rize promises an unforgettable experience.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about places to visit in Rize, popular plateaus, flight ticket prices, the distance between Trabzon and Rize, local flavours, and famous spots.

How to Get to Rize?

Getting to Rize is quite easy, with several transportation options available:

• By Air: The closest airport to Rize is Rize-Artvin Airport, located about 33 km from the city centre. From the airport, you can reach Rize by bus, minibus, or car rental. To find cheap tickets to Rize, CLICK HERE!
• By Road: There are regular bus services from many cities in Turkey to Rize. You can also reach Rize comfortably by your own car. The Black Sea Coastal Road makes travelling to Rize very convenient. If you do not have a car, you can CLICK HERE for affordable CAR RENTAL options!

Whichever way you choose to travel, remember this: all roads should lead to Rize. Set out and create unforgettable memories in this beautiful city!

Accommodation in Rize

Now that you’ve explored, enjoyed, and experienced nature, you may be wondering: Where to stay in Rize? Around Fırtına Valley, you can find many bungalows and hotels. Unfortunately, construction in scenic areas has been increasing day by day, which slightly affects the natural view.

We stayed as a group of four at Mct Suit, located right in the middle of Ardeşen, Ayder, and Zilkale, making it convenient to reach all three. The hotel offers an amazing view overlooking Fırtına River and tea gardens. Breakfast was included, and they even served muhlama with the stunning landscape—it was truly delightful.

Rize Travel Planning

List of Places to Visit in Rize

• 1Ardeşen
• 2Fırtına Valley
• 3Şenyuva Village
• 4Çamlıhemşin
• 5Pokut Plateau
• 6Sal Plateau
• 7Yukarı Kavrun Plateau
• 8Rize Ayder Plateau
• 9Huser Plateau
• 10Gelintülü Waterfall
• 11Gito Plateau
• 12Badara Plateau
• 13Palovit Waterfall
• 14Boxwood Forests
• 15Zil Castle
• 16Elevit Plateau
• 17Çat Village
• 18Çeçeva Sefa Hill

Rize Places to Visit Map

Click to download Rize Places to Visit Map!

Places to Visit in Rize

Ardeşen

Ardeşen is a charming district located on the Black Sea coast of Rize. With its natural beauty and peaceful highlands, it is the perfect escape! In Ardeşen, you can enjoy ziplining, rafting, or hiking, or simply spend a pleasant day surrounded by greenery in the Fırtına Valley—the choice is yours.

Fırtına Valley

One of the Black Sea’s most enchanting natural wonders is Fırtına Valley! Stretching along the Fırtına River, this unique valley is beloved by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. With its lush forests, historic stone bridges, and traditional Black Sea houses, it offers a truly authentic experience. Countless poems and folk songs have been written about Fırtına Valley—when you look around, you can easily see why!

Şenyuva Village

Şenyuva Village is one of Rize’s hidden paradises! Located in the heart of the Black Sea, in the Çamlıhemşin district, the village was formerly known as Çinçiva. Here, you’ll find peace where the cool waters of the Fırtına River echo and birdsong fills the air. If your travels bring you to Rize, don’t leave without visiting this secret gem!

Çamlıhemşin

This is truly the heart of Rize—Çamlıhemşin! Locals often say that if you haven’t been here, you can’t say you’ve really seen Rize. Almost all of the region’s must-see spots are located in this district. The name comes from the surrounding pine forests (çam) and the Hemşin people who live here. A small tip though: try not to visit during national holidays, as it gets overcrowded and can be a bit challenging to explore. Still, it’s absolutely worth experiencing before it loses its untouched charm.

Gelin Tülü Waterfall

Located in Rize’s famous Ayder Plateau, Gelin Tülü Waterfall takes its name from its flow, which resembles a bride’s veil. Surrounded by lush green forests in a peaceful valley, the waterfall is tied to a local legend: it is said that its delicate, veil-like cascade was inspired by the veil of a bride who fled on her wedding day. You cannot get close to it directly, but when you visit Ayder, you can enjoy the view from the glass terrace.

Palovit Waterfall

Palovit Waterfall, located in the Çamlıhemşin district of Rize within the Kaçkar Mountains National Park, is one of Turkey’s most powerful waterfalls in terms of water flow! Cascading dramatically from a height of around 15 metres, it creates foamy streams in the middle of a dense forest. To reach it, you need to continue right instead of heading towards Ayder from Çamlıhemşin. After passing Zilkale, it takes about 15–20 minutes to arrive. The road can be very narrow in some places, so drive with caution—but the sight of the waterfall is absolutely worth it!

Boxwood Forests

The boxwood forests are one of the Black Sea region’s most valuable pieces of natural heritage. These ancient boxwood trees, which have been growing here for thousands of years, are admired for their unique aesthetic. On the way to Gito Plateau, you’ll pass through these untouched woodlands. It’s a truly beautiful, unspoiled place—but do note that the roads are rough and there are no facilities around.

Zilkale

Where history and nature meet, Zilkale stands proudly in Rize’s Çamlıhemşin district. Believed to have been built in the 5th or 6th century, this impressive fortress was originally used during the Byzantine era as a security point against potential threats from the east. Later, under Ottoman rule, it served to safeguard the trade route and provided shelter for caravans traveling through the region. Perched dramatically above the Fırtına Valley, the castle offers breathtaking views alongside its historical significance. The road is well maintained: after passing Fırtına Valley and Çamlıhemşin, you continue right to reach the castle. In 2026, the entrance fee is 50 TL for adults, while children can enter free of charge.

Çat Village

Çat Köyü is one of those enchanting places where you’ll be captivated by nature’s beauty. Located along the road to Elevit Plateau, the village is nestled between the lush Fırtına Valley on one side and dense forests on the other—pure bliss for anyone seeking peace away from the crowds. It’s an ideal escape for those who crave serenity and natural charm. Accommodation options here are usually traditional village houses or small lodges in the surrounding plateaus. Locals also recommend trying the village’s famous muhlama (a traditional cheese dish)—we didn’t have the chance, but it’s definitely worth a taste!

Çeçeva Sefa Hill

Located in Rize’s Çayeli district, Çeçeva Sefa Hill is home to the famous tea gardens you’ve probably come across on Instagram. Yes—that iconic spot with endless rows of tea plantations stretching across the hillsides is right here! It’s a breathtaking place where natural beauty creates scenery so stunning it looks like a painting. The lush green tea fields are undoubtedly the hill’s most striking feature, making it an ideal destination for those who want to lose themselves in endless greenery.

Although Çayeli town center is not far in distance, the trip usually takes around 30–40 minutes due to the winding, single-lane road—so it’s best to drive carefully.

Rize’s Plateaus

Pokut Plateau

Pokut Plateau is one of the most iconic destinations of the Black Sea, offering breathtaking views with its traditional highland houses and meadows covered in colorful wildflowers. The scenery here feels almost surreal, especially when the plateau is wrapped in its famous mist.

That said, reaching Pokut Plateau is not very easy. The road conditions are quite rough, and it’s nearly impossible to get there without a 4×4 vehicle. After a certain point, the road narrows into a trail, which makes the journey challenging.

My advice: instead of struggling with transportation, consider joining one of the highland tours departing from Rize city center. We joined Vartevor Tourism, and it turned out to be a very practical and enjoyable choice—you might want to consider it as well.

Sal Plateau

Sal Plateau is known for its traditional wooden highland houses and vast pastures surrounded by pure nature. It offers a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere compared to other popular plateaus in the region, making it a perfect spot to disconnect and enjoy the beauty of the Black Sea highlands.
To reach Sal Plateau, you need to follow the same route that leads to Pokut Plateau. However, as mentioned earlier, the roads are narrow and rugged mountain trails, so having a 4×4 vehicle is a must. Otherwise, it’s nearly impossible for standard cars to make the climb.

If you don’t have the right vehicle, the best option is to join one of the highland tours departing from Rize city center (as I recommended above). This way, you can comfortably visit Sal and Pokut Plateaus without worrying about the tough road conditions.

Yukarı Kavrun Plateau

Yukarı Kavrun Plateau is one of the most stunning and least discovered highlands of the Black Sea region. Nestled at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains, it offers breathtaking views and untouched natural beauty. It’s also known as one of the main starting points for Kaçkar Mountain treks, making it a favorite spot for adventure and nature enthusiasts.

To reach Yukarı Kavrun, you follow the road towards Ayder Plateau and then continue climbing further up. While the road is fairly smooth at the beginning, it eventually turns into narrow, rugged mountain paths, where the fog often accompanies your journey. But once you break through the mist, the scenery that unfolds is absolutely mesmerizing.

For safety and comfort, it’s highly recommended to visit either with 4×4 vehicles or by joining organized highland tours from Rize. This way, you can fully enjoy the beauty of Yukarı Kavrun without worrying about road conditions.

Rize Ayder Plateau

Ayder Plateau is one of the most popular and touristic highlands of the Black Sea region. While it is the easiest to access, whether it’s worth visiting is another question. Unfortunately, for us, it did not live up to expectations.

The main issue is that it is overcrowded and highly commercialized. Instead of enjoying the untouched nature, you mostly experience the businesses and tourism infrastructure. It doesn’t really give you the authentic highland experience, feeling more like a small town than a traditional plateau.

Our recommendation is not to make it a primary destination. However, if you are heading to Huser or Kavrun Plateau, you can pass through Ayder and spend a limited amount of time there. No 4×4 vehicle is needed, and parking should not be a problem.

Huser Plateau

One of the most mesmerizing places I’ve ever visited is Huser Plateau! It’s one of the Black Sea’s most stunning spots for foggy, cloud-covered sunsets. Being surrounded by mist, you’re greeted with an almost heavenly view that leaves you in awe. One of the most popular activities here is watching the sunrise and sunset.

Accessing Huser Plateau is quite challenging as the roads are mostly cliffs and narrow paths. If you’re coming by private vehicle, a 4×4 and an experienced driver are highly recommended, otherwise it can be very difficult. Yet, despite the challenge, the breathtaking views make it all worthwhile.

Gito Plateau

Gito Plateau is like heaven for those who want to get lost among the clouds! The scenery and the nature along the road to the plateau are simply stunning. It’s definitely a must-see spot. However, for those planning to go, it’s not recommended to drive a regular vehicle—take a plateau tour or a 4×4 instead. Also, it’s cold up there, so make sure to bring a cardigan. I highly recommend adding Gito Plateau to your must-visit list!

Badara Plateau

Badara Plateau is a peaceful paradise in the heart of nature! Located in Rize, the gem of the Black Sea, this plateau offers all the beauty of nature in one place. It belongs to the Hemşin district and has become increasingly popular in recent years among nature lovers. Situated at an altitude of 1,850 meters, it’s not advisable to go by a regular car—like the other plateaus mentioned, it’s best to join a tour. When you visit, don’t miss trying Fatma’s kale soup, stuffed cabbage, muhlama, and dry beans!

Elevit Plateau

Actually, I should have started the article with this place—it’s one of my favorite and most admired spots! You can really compare it to Switzerland, but it’s right here in Rize. The untouched beauty and the roads are stunning. There are facilities available, and I highly recommend trying Hamsiköy rice pudding while you’re here.

The sound of flowing water and the breathtaking natural scenery are truly mesmerizing. On your way, don’t forget to visit Zil Castle and Çat Village!

What to Eat in Rize?

Here comes the best part 🙂 What to Eat in Rize?

• Muğlama (Mıhlama): The famous cheese-based dish of the Black Sea – I’m sure almost everyone has heard of it. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re really missing out!
• Laz Böreği: Despite its name, this is actually a dessert. Made with thin layers of pastry and topped with powdered sugar, it’s a sweet treat. I last had it in Kavrun Plateau, and I definitely recommend it.
• Hamsikoli: A unique Black Sea specialty, this is a type of bread made with corn flour and anchovies.
• Rize Pidesi: This thin-crust pide comes in varieties such as minced meat, cheese, or mixed fillings.
• Turşu Kavurması: Another local favorite, this sautéed dish is usually made with pickled beans or cabbage.
• Rize Tea: As one of Turkey’s most important tea production centers, Rize is synonymous with tea. Don’t leave without trying the local brew!
• Stuffed Cabbage (Lahana Sarması): A beloved Black Sea classic, often served with yogurt – one of my personal favorites.
• Rice Pudding (Sütlaç): A well-known dessert of the region, especially the baked version with its golden crust. I highly recommend trying it at Nalia Karadeniz Mutfağı.

👉 For the best restaurants in Rize, click here!

Where to Eat in Rize?

Nalia Karadeniz Mutfağı

As you can see from the photos, Nalia Karadeniz Mutfağı is one of my favourite places. There’s even a branch in Istanbul, which I often visit, so of course I couldn’t miss the chance to stop by the one in Rize. We especially love their beans and baked rice pudding. The restaurant, located right on the seafront in Rize city centre, takes its name from the traditional Black Sea wooden structure called a “nalia” (also known as a serender), and both its interior and exterior reflect this style. The staff were genuinely attentive and friendly, and the prices are average – definitely worth it!

Lale Lokantası

If you ever find yourself in Rize and want to try truly delicious food, you should stop by Lale Lokantası! Their beans and rice pudding are legendary – don’t leave without trying them. Overall, the dishes are very tasty; for example, we paid 1250₺ for two people and ate to our hearts’ content (including kavurma, stuffed vine leaves, beans, rice, cabbage soup, ayran and rice pudding). They also have a car park, which is a big plus. The only downside is that there are no complimentary starters apart from bread, but the taste of the food makes up for everything. It can sometimes be hard to find a table, but it’s absolutely worth a visit!
Address: Yenipazar, 9 Mart Cd No:121C, 53200 Çayeli/Rize
Phone: (0464) 532 75 18

Liman Restaurant Rize

Located in the centre of Rize, Liman Lokantası is a spacious and welcoming restaurant that offers local flavours at affordable prices. One of the most popular choices here is the trio of beans, rice and döner, a combination much loved by visitors. The menu also features regional dishes such as stuffed cabbage and buttery cornmeal lentil soup. For dessert, the house speciality, “Turbo” – a kadayıf-topped rice pudding, is definitely a must-try.

Frequently Asked Questions

This concludes our article on Places to Visit in Rize. See you in the next article.

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