Located in the northern part of the mountain range running along the Black Sea coast, Rize province (Türkiye) is a “hidden gem” of the world that few people know about.
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| Rize attracts nature-loving tourists who want to explore a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city. (Source: CNN) |
Nature lovers who want to explore a place away from the hustle and bustle of the city should definitely not miss Rize. This place is surrounded by wild high mountains. The rainfall in this area is relatively high, so the mountain villages of Rize have become a hot spot every summer.
Çamlıhemşin is the most attractive destination of Rize. This place still retains the beauty that mother nature has bestowed upon Türkiye.
From the Black Sea coast, on the way to Çamlıhemşin, visitors will admire a green valley stretching along the Fırtına River. Enjoying moments of being one with nature will be a wonderful experience for visitors.
As a rural area of Türkiye, the main source of income for the people of Çamlıhemşin comes mainly from beekeeping, animal husbandry and forestry.
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| A traditional guesthouse in Çamlıhemşin. (Source: Booking) |
Traditional Karadeniz houses
Traditional Karadeniz houses are one of the "specialties" when coming to Çamlıhemşin. Karadeniz houses are usually built with ancient wood. Stopping here, visitors can explore the diversity of local culture.
In addition, tourists can also experience home-cooked meals. This place is famous for mıhlama - a mixture of melted cheese mixed with cornmeal, served hot with bread.
CNN suggests Puli Mini Hotel as a good choice when visiting Çamlıhemşin. This is a traditional Karadeniz house, made of stone and weathered chestnut wood in the center of town. From Puli Mini Hotel, visitors can admire the view of the Fırtına River.
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| Life in Yayla - a village in the high mountains. (Source: CNN) |
Experience life on the plateau
About an hour south from the center of Çamlıhemşin town is yayla - a village in the high mountains, also an ideal place to explore the indigenous life in the place known as "wonderland".
The road to this area is not developed, so visitors have to travel by off-road vehicle. Fresh air, lush forests, and endless green fields are a gift for the patient visitors.
According to CNN, tourists should stay in Yayla for a few days to experience walking through the green grasslands and forests, discovering wildflowers and breathing in the fresh air of nature. Or waking up in traditional houses, visitors will enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of cow bells "clinking" outside the grasslands.
Yayla people's meals simply revolve around ingredients made from cow's milk such as fresh cream, cheese, butter, along with a little honey, jam, chicken eggs, bread and fruit from the garden.
After a day of exploring the plateau, visitors can gather with friends and relatives and enjoy a cozy dinner with local families.
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| Don't forget to enjoy Rize's signature tea. (Source: Guided Istanbul Tours) |
Enjoy local cuisine
Rize is the largest producer of honey and tea in Türkiye, so visitors definitely cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy these products when coming here.
Rize honey is made from flowers common in the area such as sugarcane flowers and roses. Rize tea is made from local tea leaves and has a unique flavor that is hard to find in other teas.
Visitors here are free to join local tours to learn about the production process and enjoy tea or honey of this region.
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| A majestic natural picture in the "fairyland". (Source: Youtube) |
Explore nature
Dubbed the “wonderland” of Türkiye, Rize's natural scenery is what keeps visitors coming back.
Visit Mount Kaçkar, the most beautiful mountain in the plateau. This mountain range is ideal for adventurous travelers. You can also hike trails to enjoy the majestic waterfalls and clear lakes.
Not only that, this place also offers many other interesting activities such as hiking, fishing, or participating in local tours to explore more about the culture.
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