For those who want to explore the captivating nature of the Eastern Black Sea region, a caravan trip offers a unique experience that combines freedom and discovery. During our 20-day caravan tour, we created unforgettable memories by exploring lush greenery, historical cities, and hidden villages of the Black Sea.
After arriving in Samsun for our Eastern Black Sea tour, we traveled along the coast to Batumi in our caravan, mostly staying in city centers. We explored the surrounding areas by car before returning to our caravan. Especially in the highlands and mountainous regions outside of city centers, access by caravan isn’t always ideal. Therefore, it’s crucial to gather detailed information about the route and road conditions before setting off in your caravan.
This article provides a guide for those planning a caravan route in the Eastern Black Sea region, sharing places to visit, accommodation suggestions, and important tips to make the trip easier.
Amasya: The First Stop on the Journey to the City of Princes
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We started our 20-day Eastern Black Sea tour in Amasya, a city renowned for its historical atmosphere. With its historic houses lining the Yeşilırmak River, Ottoman heritage buildings, and natural beauty, Amasya is an ideal stop before embarking on our Black Sea route.
Upon arriving in the city, we parked our caravan in the free parking lot in the city center, next to the amusement park. The presence of a water fountain and toilets here was a great convenience for caravan travelers.
During our two days in Amasya, we both visited historical sites and enjoyed the city’s tranquil atmosphere. With its warm people and peaceful environment, Amasya became one of the most enjoyable starting points of our trip.
Places to visit in Amasya
Amasya Castle,
King Rock Tombs,
Amasya Archaeology Museum,
Hazeranlar Mansion,
Ferhat and Şirin Water Channels
, Yalıboyu Houses,
Borabay Lake
, Sultan Bayezid II Mosque
, Mummy Museum
You can find our enjoyable time in Amasya, one of the starting stops on our Black Sea tour, and our detailed travel itinerary in our article titled “Amasya, the City of Princes: A Meeting Point of History, Nature, and Culture” .
Samsun: The Modern Face of the Black Sea
Our second stop was Samsun. Although we didn’t stay in the city, Doğu Park , located next to the Bandırma Ferry , offered a very suitable free area for caravan parking .
Eastern Park is a convenient rest stop for caravan travelers with its spacious picnic areas, free restrooms, prayer room, children’s playgrounds, and social amenities. Food and drinks are also readily available at the nearby cafes.
For those wishing to stay longer, Samsun Caravan Campsite near Bandırma Ferry offers amenities such as showers, washing machines, water, and other basic necessities.
Samsun, one of the most developed cities in the Black Sea Region, offers a blend of modern city life and natural beauty. After our city tour, we set off towards Ünye. The Terme district, which we passed through on the way , is particularly famous for its rice. Terme and Bafra rice are considered among the highest quality rices in Turkey due to their taste and ease of cooking.
Places to visit in Samsun
Bandırma Ferry and İlkadım Monument,
Samsun Museum,
Atatürk Park,
Gazi Museum,
Amisos Hill,
Samsun Children and Youth Park,
Ladik Lake,
Terme
Tobacco Pier
, Amazon Village
Amazon Village , a must-see on your list of places to visit , offers the opportunity to learn about the culture of the legendary Amazon women warriors. If you’re curious about the origins of this legend, you can check out our article titled “Were the Legendary Amazon Women Warriors Turkish?” .
You can find our detailed travel guide about Samsun, one of the important stops on our Black Sea tour, in our article titled “Samsun: The Developed Center of the Black Sea and Places to Visit” .
Ünye: A Coastal City Famous for its Black Sands
Ünye, one of the largest districts of Ordu, is a must-see stop on the Black Sea coastal route. We arrived in Ünye in the evening and wanted to stay at the campsites, but couldn’t find a spot due to the high demand. Therefore, it’s very important to call and reserve campsites in advance, especially during the summer season.
For accommodation, we chose the paid beach parking lot next to the Ünye Local Products Market . The presence of showers and toilets here was a great convenience for our caravan trip. Its proximity to the beach also gave us the opportunity to swim in the sea.
Ünye stands out as one of the unspoiled coastlines of the Black Sea with its approximately 27-kilometer-long shoreline. What makes the region special is its mineral-rich, magnetic black sand beaches . There is a widespread belief that this sand is beneficial for stress, rheumatism, and some skin problems.
Places to visit in Ünye
Ünye Castle,
Magnetic Sand Beach,
Ünye Pine Forest
, Ünye Yalı Mosque
, Ünye City Museum,
Historic Ünye Plane Tree,
Yason Cape,
Ünye Coastal Road
Ünye, which we visited during our Black Sea tour, stands out with its black sand beaches and historical texture. For a detailed description of the places to visit in Ünye, you can check out our article “Places to Visit in Ünye: Magnetic Black Sand Coasts and Historical Riches” .
Ordu: A Stop Where Black Sea Views Meet City Comfort
Our next stop on our caravan tour of the Eastern Black Sea region was Ordu, a city notable for its natural beauty and well-organized urban structure. Upon reaching the city center, we chose a suitable spot next to Park Ordu Lunapark for accommodation and stayed there for two nights with our caravan.
The Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Public Beach , located right next to where we stayed , offers a great advantage for caravan travelers. This beach, where you can swim, also has showers and toilets, allowing us to easily meet our basic needs. Such well-equipped and centrally located areas are crucial for comfort during a caravan trip.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in the city center was the abundance of dining options. There are affordable restaurants, cafes, and markets nearby. This allowed us to easily meet our needs and also gave us the opportunity to experience Ordu’s city life firsthand.
One of our most enjoyable experiences in Ordu was taking the cable car up to Boztepe. The cable car ride, which has become one of the city’s landmarks, offered an unforgettable experience, allowing us to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the unique Black Sea landscape. Upon reaching Boztepe, we spent a considerable amount of time admiring the panoramic view where Ordu’s lush green nature merged with the deep blue sea.
We had a very enjoyable time in Ordu during our two days, both relaxing and exploring. Thanks to its nature, well-maintained coastal walking paths, and easy accessibility, Ordu is one of the most suitable cities for those traveling by caravan.
Places to visit in Ordu
Boztepe Cable Car and Observation Terrace,
Ordu Coastal Road and Walking Trails,
Ordu Metropolitan Municipality Public Beach
, Taşbaşı Church,
Paşaoğlu Mansion and Ethnography Museum,
Yason Cape,
Perşembe Plateau
, Çamba Plateau,
Hoynat Island
Giresun: A Natural Beauty Spot and Tranquil Camping Destination of the Black Sea
Our next stop on our caravan tour of the Eastern Black Sea region was Giresun, a city renowned for its nature, coastline, and peaceful atmosphere. Upon reaching the city center, we chose a convenient, free accommodation area along the coast, next to Lotus Cafe , where we spent one night with our caravan.
The biggest advantage of our accommodation was the amenities offered by the surrounding businesses. We easily met our basic needs such as toilets, food, and drinks thanks to the cafes and businesses nearby. In caravan travel, such central and accessible locations are extremely important in terms of comfort.
We organized our trip to Giresun in a practical way. We left our caravan securely parked in the designated area and set off to explore the city’s sights by car. This saved us time on transportation and allowed us to explore the city more comfortably. At the end of the day, we returned to our campsite to rest and then continued our journey to Trabzon.
Giresun, with its tranquility, well-maintained coastline, and easy access to basic necessities, is a very suitable city for caravan travelers seeking short-term stays. Businesses located along the coast, in particular, offer great convenience for those traveling by caravan.
Places to visit in Giresun
- Giresun Castle
- Giresun Island
- Giresun Museum
- Olive Grove Neighborhood
- Kümbet Plateau
- Kulakkaya Plateau
- Blue Lake
- Kuzalan Waterfall
- Kuzalan Nature Park
- Göksu Travertines
- Tirebolu Castle
- Gorele Castle
- Fish Spring
- Kuskoy
Blue Lake, Kuzalan Waterfall , Kuzalan Nature Park , and Göksu Travertines , which are among the must-see places in Giresun, offer great convenience to visitors thanks to their location in the same region. By planning a single route to visit these three natural beauties, you can save time and spend an unforgettable day surrounded by nature.
You can find all the details about Göksu Travertines in our article titled “Göksu Travertines of Giresun: Witness Nature’s Enchanting Dance!” .
Another interesting stop to see in Giresun is Balıklı Göze ( Fish Spring) . The fish living in this lake and the legends told among the locals attract the attention of visitors. For details about the secrets related to the fish, you can check out our article ” 3 Fish Legends in Giresun: The Secret of the Fish in Balıklı Göze Remains Unsolved!”
The Village That Communicates Using Bird Language , one of the mysterious and interesting villages of the Black Sea region , offers a unique experience both historically and culturally. For detailed information about this unusual communication method and lifestyle in the village, you can check out our article: The Interesting Village That Communicates Using Bird Language .
Trabzon: City Comfort and Central Accommodation Destination
Our next stop on our caravan tour of the Eastern Black Sea region was Trabzon, a city renowned for its historical charm and natural beauty. Upon reaching the city center, we chose to stay at the 100th Anniversary Park , located next to Forum Trabzon Shopping Mall , and spent two nights there in our caravan.
The area where we stayed is quite suitable for caravan and tent camping. The presence of toilets and clean water fountains within the park allowed us to easily meet our basic needs during our camping trip. Furthermore, the fact that this area is free offers a great advantage for those looking for accommodation in the city center.
One of the biggest advantages of staying in this area, which is in a very central location, was the shopping mall right next to it. Thanks to Forum Trabzon Shopping Mall, we were able to easily meet our needs such as grocery shopping and restaurants.
We organized our trip to Trabzon in a practical way. We left our caravan in the parking area and explored the city center and surrounding tourist attractions by car. This made transportation easier and gave us the opportunity to explore the city in more detail.
Trabzon is a highly advantageous destination for caravan travelers, offering both city comforts and centrally located accommodation options. With easy access to basic necessities and a variety of places to visit, it’s a city that should definitely be considered on an Eastern Black Sea route.
Places to visit in Trabzon
- Uzungol
- Sumela Monastery
- Atatürk Pavilion
- Trabzon Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Boztepe
- Çal Cave
- Hıdırnebi Plateau
- Greenhouse Lake
- Altındere Valley National Park
- Akçaabat Coast
- Zigana Tunnel is Türkiye’s longest tunnel.
One of the must-see stops among the places to visit in Trabzon is the Sümela Monastery . This miraculous structure hidden in the mountains offers a fascinating experience both historically and architecturally. For detailed information and a visitor guide, you can check out our article “The Miraculous Structure Hidden in the Mountains: Sümela Monastery” .
The Zigana Tunnel , one of the crossing points during our Black Sea journey , stands out as an engineering marvel in the Northern Anatolian Mountains. For detailed information and details about the history of Turkey’s longest tunnel, you can check out our article “Zigana, Turkey’s Longest Tunnel: An Engineering Miracle in the Northern Anatolian Mountains” .
Rize: Highlands and Caravan Experience in the Heart of Nature
Our next stop on our caravan tour of the Eastern Black Sea region was Rize, famous for its lush nature and unique plateaus. Upon reaching the city center, we chose the parking area next to the Rize Tea Cup symbol for accommodation and spent one night there with our caravan.
Although the car park where we stayed waspaid, it was quite affordable. Also, thanks to the businesses nearby, we were able to easily meet our basic needs such as toilets, clean water, and food. Easy access to these amenities in the city center makes caravan travel quite comfortable.
We planned our route in Rize to be a little more in touch with nature. After safely leaving our caravan in the parking area, we took our tent and set off towards Ayder Plateau . When we reached the plateau in the evening, a dense fog descended, so we pitched our tent and stayed there for one night.
The next morning, we headed to Huser Plateau . Having breakfast surrounded by nature, above the clouds, was an unforgettable experience. Although we went prepared, there are businesses where you can find food and drinks both in Ayder Plateau and Huser Plateau.
On the way back, we stopped at Ayder Plateau again to explore the natural beauty of the surroundings, and in the evening we returned to the city center and boarded our caravan. After this nature-filled experience in Rize, we stayed one more night and continued our journey the next day by exploring the city center.
Rize offers a very special route for caravan and camping enthusiasts, with both comfortable accommodation options in the city center and easily accessible plateaus.
Places to visit in Rize
- Ayder Plateau
- Huser Plateau
- Pokut Plateau
- Sal Plateau
- Zil Kale
- Palovit Waterfall
- Storm Creek
- Rize Castle
- Elevit Plateau
- Kaçkar Mountains National Park
Batumi: Cross-Border Exploration and Urban Experience
Our next stop on our caravan tour of the Eastern Black Sea region was Artvin, a city notable for its natural beauty and proximity to the Black Sea border. For our accommodation in Artvin, we chose the garden of a business located next to the Esenkıyı Abuislah Mosque . Thanks to the owner’s understanding approach, we had a free and comfortable stay with our caravan, and we were able to meet our basic needs such as toilet facilities and running water.
After spending the night in this peaceful spot, the next day we turned our route towards abroad for a different experience. We left our caravan safely and set off by car towards the Sarp Border Crossing . Upon reaching the border crossing, we parked our vehicle and exchanged Turkish Lira for Georgian Lari. Crossing the border is quite easy; you can cross with your ID, only the international entry fee needs to be paid.
After crossing the border, we boarded passenger minibuses and quickly reached Batumi city center. Throughout the day, we explored Batumi’s modern buildings, coastline, and tourist attractions. In the evening, we returned to the border crossing by minibus and reached our caravan.
After spending another night in Artvin, we enjoyed a pleasant time swimming in the sea at Esenkıyı Beach . We also had the opportunity to shower in the natural freshwater stream on the beach. Following this wonderful experience, we turned our route towards Hopa and continued our journey.
Places to visit in Batumi
- Batumi Boulevard
- Ali and Nino Statue
- European Square
- Batumi Botanical Garden
- Batumi Piazza Square
- Alphabet Tower
- Argo Cable Car
- Port of Batumi
- 6 May Park
- Neptune Fountain
- Princess Medea Statue
The Ali and Nino Statue , which we visited during our Batumi tour , deeply affects visitors with its love and sad story. For more detailed information, you can check out our article on the Sad Story of the Ali and Nino Statue .
The Princess Medea Statue , which we encountered during our trip to Batumi , has become a symbol of the city with its mythological story and the legend of the Golden Fleece. For more detailed information, you can check out our article , “Batumi’s Mythological Symbol: The Princess Medea Statue and the Story of the Golden Fleece” .
Artvin: The Final Destination Immersed in Nature and Farewell to the Black Sea
Artvin, the final stop on our Black Sea tour, was one of the most peaceful points of our journey thanks to its nature and tranquility. We took a short break while passing through Hopa, walking along the Çoruh River and enjoying the scenery. Afterwards, we turned our route towards Borçka.
We stayed at İbrikli İskele , a free campsite located on the riverbank in Borçka . Ideal for caravan camping, it’s completely surrounded by nature. There are no facilities, only a small cafe, so it’s important to be prepared. Despite being far from the city, the presence of other caravanners makes the environment safe and sociable. We stayed here for two nights enjoying the river view.
On the second day of our stay, we went to Karagöl, one of Artvin’s most impressive natural beauties. We went prepared, had a picnic throughout the day, and enjoyed spending time in nature. We took a walk around the lake and enjoyed the unique scenery. In the evening, we returned to our campsite and stayed for another night.
The next morning, after a short excursion around the area, we completed our Black Sea tour and began our return journey. On the way back, we visited the Tortum Waterfall in Erzurum . This natural wonder, one of the largest waterfalls in Turkey, added a special beauty to our trip.
Afterwards, we went to the city center of Erzurum and visited the historical Double Minaret Madrasa . This structure, with its impressive historical atmosphere, added value to our trip in terms of culture.
We arrived in Erzincan late at night and took a break at a park. We set off again in the morning, thus completing our long and eventful Black Sea tour.
With its nature, plateaus, beaches, and countless places to explore, the Black Sea region offers an unforgettable route for those traveling by caravan. This journey was a unique experience in terms of both freedom and being in touch with nature.
Places to visit in Artvin
- Borçka Karagöl Nature Park
- Savshat Karagol
- Macahel (Camili)
- Mençuna Waterfall
- Twin Bridges
- Hatila Valley National Park
- Atatepe (Atatürk Statue)
- Arhavi Beach
- Deliklikaya Waterfall
- Yusufeli Dam
You can check out our articles on must-see places and detailed travel tips for the Black Sea region .
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