Rize
The fresh air of Rize, known as the sultan of the plateaus, is believed to extend the lives of its inhabitants. Çamlıhemşin, one of the most beautiful districts in this calm city, welcomes visitors with impressive landscapes. A visit to Şenyuva Village should include Fırtına Creek, nestled within forested mountains. Walking along the bank of Fırtına Creek, you’ll encounter the historical Şenyuva Bridge, while west of the creek lies a majestic hillside castle. While Zil Kale was an important stop on caravan routes during the Middle Ages, its age remains unknown. However, it was used for military purposes following the Ottoman conquest.
Another holiday destination offering fresh air and nature is the world-famous Ayder Plateau of Çamlıhemşin. Covered with pine, spruce, chestnut, hornbeam, fir and beech trees, the Plateau is a gift from nature to humanity. Kavron Creek, along with the Aşıklar, Bulut, Gelintülü and Gürgendibi waterfalls, offer cooling waters; meanwhile, the Plateau also has hot springs.
You can leave Ayder for an adventure on the Kaçkar Mountains. Straddling Rize and Artvin, the Kaçkar Mountains also include a national park known for its rare plants and stunning lakes, as well as nine villages and 33 plateaus. Tea, hazelnuts and tobacco, listed as the official agricultural products of the Black Sea region, are cultivated in the Kaçkar Mountains, which are also home to wolves, foxes, jackals, deer, boar and bears.
Balıkesir
Balıkesir, renowned for its natural resources, provides a feast of oxygen. The Kaz Mountains, which have the cleanest oxygen in the world with the second highest oxygen ratio, are the main source. There is also a magnificent national park of the same name. The waters flowing from the foothills fill the ponds, hot springs and streams in many parts of the city. A most wonderful aspect of Balıkesir is that it appeals in every season with its natural diversity.
And what are some of the other wonderful places in Balıkesir? Our first suggestion is the magnificent Edremit district, offering the tranquil Akçay and Altınoluk beaches. Heading towards Zeytinli, the cheerful road is lined with gardens and local attractions, including Hasan Boğuldu Pond, which was named for an ancient love story. A few kilometers from the pond is Sütvan Stream; nearby, Şahindere Canyon has lush flora. The road continues to the foothills of Kaz Mountains. Leaving Zeytinli and continuing on the road from Güre, visitors will see the historical traces of the Yazıtlı Çeşme and an olive oil factory. While oak trees and scrub dominate the mountain’s foothills, a rare and local fir species grows on the higher slopes. This mountain also lives in history, referenced in Homer’s Iliad as “Bin Pınarlı Ida”.
Leaving Edremit towards the other side of Altınoluk brings one closer to the ancient city Antandros and the remains of its acropolis and necropolis. From Altınoluk, a road lined with olive trees leads to Küçükkuyu. True to its name, Küçükkuyu has a small and calm sea, and tranquil pensions with large gardens. After Küçükkuyu come Kadırga Beach, and Assos and Behramkale, both of which preserve their medieval character with narrow streets and terraced buildings. And then, there’s the Temple of Athena, with splendid sunset views, and a theatre and ancient port. An excellent holiday awaits in a breathtaking city.
Ardahan
Surrounded by mountains, Ardahan also boasts remarkably clear and clean air. The Posof district – gateway to the Caucasus – has wild streams, endless meadows, cool weather, and both small and large lakes. In fact, the second largest lake in Eastern Anatolia is here: Çıldır Lake, famous for its clean waters, has tiny islets where migrating birds lay their eggs. In winter, the lake freezes and becomes a playground for sleighing.
Ardahan’s plateaus, where animals graze and flowers bloom, is a perfect destination for visitors who equate a holiday with fresh air. Bülbülhan, at the border of the Eastern Black Sea Region, Okçuoğlu at the foothills of the Köroğlu Mountains, and the Yalnızçam plateaus, adorned with sparkling snows, offer natural beauty and biodiversity, along with adventure sports such as trekking, climbing and skiing.
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