Turkey - Black Sea Region

Turkey's Black Sea region is packed with historical sites, culture and uncrowded beaches. In the north of Turkey, it is home to some of the country's most spectacular scenery and is the ideal holiday whatever you're into. From the Bulgarian border to the Georgian border, pine forests cover the mountains and the valleys are filled with thick vegetation. Wildflower blossoms carpet the eastern hills and the beaches offer great swimming.

The diverse landscape makes hiking a dream, as do the myriad mosques and other historical sites.

Scuba diving has gained popularity along the coast in recent years. The season begins in April when the average water temperature is 18°C, and is at its peak in August when temperatures reach 30°C. A wide variety of options are available such as reef diving, wall diving, cavern diving and wreck dives. Scuba schools operate at most resorts.

The beach at Akcakoca is a popular holiday resort. Nearby Alapli is ideal for sailing and other water sports. A boat trip on the Bartin River is a worthwhile trip, and Amasra, one of the coast's prettiest towns, which is renowned for good swimming. Continue east from here and you'll come to Cakraz, a traditional fishing village with excellent beaches.

Ilgaz National Park is great for hiking and climbing. The park is a protected area in the Ilgaz Mountains, which offer good skiing. Ilgarini Cave, in the Pinarbasi region, is one of the Turkey's largest caves and is a great place to explore off the beaten track.

Away from the beaches, rolling hills and serene forests make the region excellent for horse trekking. For adventurous travelers, white water rafting trips on the Coruh River are a must-do.

In the Artvin province, scenic roads lead to church ruins - a legacy of the region's Georgian past. The best-preserved of these are at Barhal and Ishan, in the majestic Kaçkar Mountains. Barhal also offers fantastic horseback riding and this is a unique way to explore the countryside. Travelers will find luxury accommodation galore, with apartments, villas and houses for rent lining the coast. Many of these have stunning pools as well as barbecue facilities, check out all our accommodation choices today in this fantastic region of Turkey.