Ayder and the plateaus
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Ayder plateau | A mountain village of wooden houses among the forests, with thermal springs known since Ottoman times and trout restaurants. | About 19 km past Çamlıhemşin and about 50 km from Rize–Artvin airport |
| Gelintülü waterfall | A long waterfall falling from the Kaçkar peaks in Ayder, with a short path for walks and photos. | Ayder |
| Pokut and Sal plateaus | Two plateaus at about 2,000 metres above the clouds, with wooden houses and views of the Kaçkar mountains. | A long, narrow mountain road, so allow plenty of time |
The Fırtına valley
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Zilkale | A medieval stone castle on a high rock above the valley, overlooking the forests. | Fırtına valley, above Çamlıhemşin |
| The Fırtına valley stone bridges | Old arched bridges over the river among the forests, the oldest being Şenyuva bridge, built in 1696. | Along the valley |
| Rafting on the Fırtına | A rafting course of about 22 km through the forests, at intermediate difficulty. | From Çamlıhemşin, with licensed operators and depending on the water level |
| Palovit waterfall | A waterfall 15 to 20 metres high in the forest, inside Kaçkar Mountains National Park. | A narrow road through the trees |
Rize city
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Tea plantations | Green hills terraced with tea, what Rize is best known for. | Around the city |
| Ziraat Park | A hilltop tea garden overlooking the city and the Black Sea. | Above Rize city |
Tips before you go
- Give the Fırtına valley a full day: Zilkale, then Palovit, then Pokut and Sal, with lunch in Ayder.
- The mountain roads are narrow and long and can be affected by rain and snow, so check conditions before you go.
- June to September is the loveliest time, and the mist is part of the charm.
Hotels in Rize and Ayder
Flights to Rize
More places nearby
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Visa
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Frequently asked questions
How far is Ayder from Rize airport?
About 50 km from Rize–Artvin airport; the road passes Çamlıhemşin and then climbs 19 km to the plateau.
What are the top things to do in Rize?
Ayder plateau, Zilkale, the Fırtına valley and its bridges, the Palovit and Gelintülü waterfalls, the Pokut and Sal plateaus, and the tea plantations.
Does Ayder have hot springs?
Yes, thermal springs known since Ottoman times, where visitors relax after a day on the plateaus.
Planning your trip to Northern Turkey? Read Trabzon and Uzungöl: Northern Turkey from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.