In short
- Trabzon is your base: the airport, markets and restaurants, with day trips to the lakes and plateaus.
- Uzungöl for two or three nights: a lake between the mountains and wooden chalets, at its best with morning mist over the water.
- Ayder for mountain and waterfall lovers: one or two nights in its May to September season, as it is far from the airport.
Distances
Uzungöl is about two hours by car from Trabzon and its airport, and Ayder about three. In summer, direct flights run from Riyadh and Jeddah to Rize-Artvin Airport, the closest to Ayder.
Trabzon: who is it for?
Meydan in the city centre if you won't rent a car, as everything is walkable. Yomra or Akçaabat and Lake Sera for families who want a roomier apartment and quiet near the sea, with a car.
Uzungöl: who is it for?
The lakefront suits elderly parents and children, close to the restaurants, the mosque and level walks. The hillsides suit honeymooners and anyone after views and privacy, but the road up is steep, so you'll need a car. There are rooms and bungalows with a private jacuzzi, booked early for summer.
Ayder: who is it for?
Wooden chalets and hotels among waterfalls and forest, and cool air even in summer. Many hotels close in winter and the mountain roads are winding, so plan one or two nights rather than a long day trip.
How to split your nights
- A family week: 4 nights in Trabzon, 2 in Uzungöl and 1 in Ayder.
- A honeymoon: 2 nights in Trabzon, 3 on the hills above Uzungöl and 2 in Ayder.
- A short trip: 2 nights in Trabzon and 2 in Uzungöl.
Tell us how many nights and who's travelling, and we'll find you the lowest available rates for your hotels and chalets at every stop.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better to stay in: Trabzon or Uzungöl?
Best to combine them: Trabzon as your base, and two or three nights in Uzungöl for the scenery.
Is Ayder worth an overnight stay?
Yes, it is about three hours from Trabzon, so one or two nights is far easier than a long day trip.
Where should families stay in North Turkey?
Meydan or Yomra in Trabzon, then the lakefront at Uzungöl, close to the restaurants and the mosque.
When is the best time for North Turkey?
June to September, and Ayder's season runs from May to September, as many of its hotels close in winter.
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Published 7 October 2026, last updated 7 October 2026. The information is for guidance only; entry requirements and seasons can change, and the binding price is the one in your booking confirmation.