I couldn’t stay in Georgia any longer, so for the May holidays, I went on a small trip along the Black Sea coast in Turkey. Last time I was in Trabzon, but this time I decided to go further and explore the cities of Ordu and Samsun. Personally, I’m not particularly fond of urban environments, so my priority was to immerse myself in nature as soon as possible.
Where Are Ordu and Samsun Located?
These cities, like Trabzon, are located in the northern part of Turkey, on the coast of the Black Sea. Ordu is similar to Trabzon: it has the same narrow streets of the old town, a main square, but it has a cable car. However, Samsun is unlike any of these cities. It is much larger with more developed infrastructure, roads, and public transportation. But more on that later.
Ordu
Samsun
How To Get to Ordu and Samsun?
- Bus number 16 and minibus (marshrutka) 88 go to the Georgian border, and the ticket costs 2 lari (less than 1 USD). Then you cross the border and find Turkish buses.
- Metro M is one of the companies that offer transportation from Batumi to your desired city in Turkey.
- By taxi. You can take a taxi from home to the border (approximately 20-30 lari), and on the Turkish side, there are also taxi drivers who can take you wherever you want. The cost of the trip from the border to Trabzon will be around 100 USD.
- To Samsun from Batumi, Turkish Airlines operates flights. The ticket prices range from 150 USD to 450 USD. The company Pegasus offers cheaper options.
What Is The Best Way To Get Around?
Certainly, the best way to get around Turkey is by car. The best car rental company that I can confidently recommend is Rent Go. The company has a network of car rentals throughout Turkey. Therefore, if you are traveling from Batumi, the best option would be to reach Rize, rent a car, and continue your journey. This way, your trip back home will be the most comfortable.
What To See Around Ordu and Samsun
Persembe Yaylasi
Persembe Yaylasi, in my opinion, is the most picturesque place worth visiting, especially if you have a car. The village is located at an altitude of about 1300 meters above sea level, so even if you are traveling in the summer, it is better to bring warm clothing.
I came here for the views because I have never seen anything like it before. Vast fields, numerous shepherds with their sheep, and a winding river. Such beauty is created by nature. Just take a look:
Things you can do here
- Drink Turkish tea at one of the local cafes.
- Visit the observation deck and enjoy the view, and take lots of photos. If you have a drone, you can capture truly beautiful shots. For FPV pilots, there will be plenty of opportunities for flying, as there are both fields and hills.
- Take a stroll through the local market and try local cheeses.
- Walk along the promenade by the lake, relax, unwind, and enjoy the tranquility and mountain air.
📍 Uzungöl, 61940 Çaykara/Trabzon, Türkiye
🗺️ Google Maps
🍔 Кафе – Grill Restaurant, GÜLEÇ IZGARA
Şahinkaya Kanyonu
Canyons are a must-visit place. The road from the city of Samsun to the location takes only 1.5 hours, but the views along the way are incredible. After picturesque fields and a few villages, completely different views start to unfold. The fields change into cliffs, and a picturesque high view of the lake opens up, which means you just have to drive down the winding road to reach the starting point of your journey.
I recommend heading straight to the boat and experiencing the canyon from the inside. The sight is truly impressive, as are the size of the canyon. The boat ticket costs only 160 Turkish liras for two people, and the trip takes about 40-50 minutes, but I was never bored during that time. You can also buy Turkish tea on the boat. It all looks very colorful, beautiful, and memorable.
After you sail back, you can take a walk along the trails and climb the mountain. However, in some parts, the trail can be challenging, and I had to climb in certain places. But the view is definitely worth it. In the park near the canyon, there are also designated picnic areas where you can barbecue and enjoy food in nature. Many locals gather there on weekends.
📍 Altınkaya, Baraj Mevkisi, 55900 Vezirköprü/Samsun, Türkiye
🗺️ Google Maps
Amisos Hill
Amisos Hill, also known as Amisos Tepe, is a historical and archaeological site located in the city of Samsun, Turkey. Once you reach the top, you will be greeted with a breathtaking view of the city and the Black Sea.
The notable attractions on Amisos Hill are the ancient ruins, including remnants of ancient city walls, towers, temples, and necropolises. Here, you can witness the excavations of ancient structures and architecture, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s past. For history enthusiasts, this place will be fascinating, while for regular visitors, it is simply a beautiful spot with a stunning view. Since it faces the west, you can expect mesmerizing sunsets during the summer months.
📍 Baruthane, Can Sk. No:2, 55100 İlkadım/Samsun, Türkiye
🗺️ Google Maps
Cape Yason
On the way from Samsun to Ordu, or vice versa, I recommend stopping at two places:
Why should you visit these places? Well, because the views there are absolutely stunning, and as a bonus, you get to enjoy a picturesque road. If you’re planning your route on Google Maps or Yandex from Ordu to Samsun, or vice versa, it may cut through this particular area and lead you directly on the highway. Yes, it may be faster that way, but you’ll be missing out on 20 kilometers of beauty where the sea meets the cliffs.
There is a parking lot at the cape, so you won’t have to worry about where to leave your car on the narrow road.
Just look at how beautiful Cape Yason is!
Ordu.goturkiye.com
📍 Çaytepe, 52750 Perşembe/Ordu, Türkiye
🗺️ Google Maps
Yoroz Kent Ormanı
For hiking enthusiasts, I recommend visiting Yoroz Kent Ormanı.
Firstly, Yoroz Kent Ormanı is renowned for its unique natural beauty. Here, you will find dense forests, beautiful waterfalls, picturesque lakes, and rivers, as well as diverse flora and fauna.
Secondly, Yoroz Kent Ormanı offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and adventures. You can engage in hiking, cycling, horseback riding, and have picnics in the fresh air. There are also designated camping areas and tent camps where you can enjoy the night sky and the sounds of nature.
Thirdly, visiting Yoroz Kent Ormanı allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the tranquility and serenity of nature. The reserve provides excellent opportunities for relaxation and meditation, where you can forget about everyday worries and immerse yourself in the harmony of nature.
Overall, visiting Yoroz Kent Ormanı will allow you to experience beautiful nature, thrilling adventures, peace, and environmental consciousness. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, environmentalists, and anyone seeking a break from the urban chaos in the midst of nature’s beauty and serenity.
Ordu.ktb.gov.tr
📍 Saraycık, Saraycık Köyü Yolu, 52000 Ordu Merkez/Ordu, Türkiye
🗺️Google Maps
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to add that this part of Turkey has interesting places to visit. For myself, I have identified these as the most interesting and beautiful ones. By the way, when passing through Ordu, be sure to visit the Tomur Cafe. The food there was delicious 🥰. And don’t forget to try the San Sebastian cheesecake for dessert. (In Turkey, diets can be forgotten 🤭). When planning your trip, make sure to check the weather in advance. Since most of the places are outdoors, it’s better to have sunny weather. When I went, it rained almost every day, so I couldn’t see many places in their full glory.
Thank you for reading my article. I would be glad if you could share it, send it to your friends, or simply leave a comment. I read everything, and it would make me incredibly happy to know that it’s being seen and read. Sending hugs to everyone 💞
