What’s Famous: Rize

Historical sites to visit in Rize

At every turn, Rize’s authenticity shines through. In addition to its natural beauties, this Eastern Black Sea province has a distinctive past. Let’s explore the historical places in Rize.

Zil Castle (Zilkale)

One of the Eastern Black Sea region’s most impressive structures, Zilkale is believed to have been erected in the 14th or 15th century. The clifftop fortress was designed to protect the area’s caravan routes time. Set in the Çamlıhemşin district, the medieval-era castle sits amidst waterfall and forest landscapes.

Visitors can reach Zilkale via public buses departing from the Rize city center.

Şenyuva Bridge

Another site on the list of places to visit in Rize is Şenyuva Bridge. Erected in 1696, Şenyuva is considered the oldest bridge in the region and spans the Fırtına Creek.

The Şenyuva Bridge features a round arch in accordance with the fierce geography of the Eastern Black Sea, and offers views of Rize from a structure that is 40 meters in length and 20 meters above the stream level.

Natural Beauties of Rize

While Rize’s historical places are compelling, the province’s true wealth lies in its nature. Some of the beautiful destinations in Rize province – indispensable for nature tours in the Black Sea region – are highlighted below.

Kaçkar Mountains National Park

Kaçkar Mountains National Park, located about 16 kilometers from the district center of Çamlıhemşin, includes 51,500 hectares of forested area. Designated as a national park in 1994, Kaçkar also features 9 villages and 33 plateaus. Hosting countless plant and animal species, Kaçkar Mountains National Park is a popular destination for tourists in Rize.

Fırtına Creek (Fırtına River)

Fırtına Creek is the most famous stream of Rize, spotlighted in movies and televisions series. Flowing through the lush forests of the Kaçkar Mountains, Fırtına Creek pours into the sea from two kilometers west of the Ardeşen district. It is also one of the most important rafting routes in the country and a premier destination for nature photography.

Anzer Plateau

About 35 kilometers outside the İkizdere district, Anzer Plateau offers postcard views that draw numerous photography buffs. Beloved for its nature walks and paragliding, Anzer Plateau is also known for its famous – and very expensive – Anzer honey, obtained from bees that feed on the Plateau’s endemic plants.

Ayder Plateau

Ayder Plateau is a leading destination on the list of places to visit in Rize. About 70 kilometers from the Rize city center and around 20 kilometers from the district center of Çamlıhemşin, Ayder Plateau is known for its beech and spruce forests, healing hot spring waters, and rafting routes. This most-visited plateau of the Eastern Black Sea is also renowned for its food – you can feast on local Rize-style dishes while enjoying the views from the area’s restaurants.

Pokut Plateau

Pokut Plateau, the ‘Windy Valley’, is 15 kilometers from Çamlıhemşin and 12 kilometers from Şenyuva Village. The small plateau’s natural beauty is particularly stunning and it is renowned for its sunrise and sunset views. Generously embraced by the Kaçkar Mountains, Pokut Plateau caters to guests with authentic accommodation – former highland houses that have been converted into hotels – a true Eastern Black Sea experience!

Famous Rize dishes

The most famous food in Rize originates in the region’s abundant agricultural and sea resources. Kale, beans and corn, along with the celebrated Black Sea anchovies, are prominent in the local cuisine, as are butter and cheeses. And we must note the delicious Rize tea, a regional product.

Some local Rize specialties include: 

• Kale soup
• Rice pilaf with anchovies
• Muhlama (melted cheese and cornmeal)
• Stewed beans with meat
• Pepecura (a jelly-like dessert made from fragrant grapes)
• Laz böreği (a sweet pastry filled with semi-sweet pudding)
• Rize simit
• Pazı tavalısı (chard roast)
• Hamsi çığırtması (chard and anchovy patties)
• Corn bread
• Anchovy bread
• Rize kavurması (roasted meat)
• Rize tea

You can click on the link to buy a plane ticket to Rize and witness these beauties up close!

The fastest way to reach Rize is to land at Rize-Artvin Airport, about 35 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, HAVAŞ buses operate to various districts in the city, including the Rize city center. Additionally, airport taxis serve 24/7. The drive from the airport to the city center takes an average of 30 minutes.