13 Incredible Views You'll Only Find in Turkey's Black Sea Region

IN THE FALL OF 2015, Matador sent a group of social media all stars on trips to the Black Sea region of Turkey, the culturally rich, historic, and incredibly scenic strip of territory spanning the north of the country from Istanbul to the border with Georgia. Here are just a few of the spectacular views they captured, ones you’ll see here and nowhere else.

Also featured are images taken by followers of @turkey_home — if you aren’t one of them yet, you’ll want to be after you see these shots!

Konaklar Village

 

Just one of the countless numbers of wonders of the Black Sea is Konaklar Village, connected to Çamlıhemşin in Rize. It used to be called Makrevis but it’s always been beautiful beyond belief! #TurkeyHome BlackSea Photo by @ecemen

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Jan 30, 2016 at 3:00am PST

On Karagöl Lake

 

Chasing solitude in Turkey Photo: @michaelmatti @turkey_home #Turkey @matadornetwork #TravelStoke

A photo posted by Wilderness Culture (@wilderness_culture) on Nov 18, 2015 at 2:08pm PST

Sumela Monastery

 

Right at the foot of Mount Karadağ sits the incredible Sumela Monastery built into the cliff, known to locals as the “Virgin Mary” #TurkeyHome #Trabzon Photo by @sopheesmiles

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Oct 25, 2015 at 12:52am PDT

Zilkale (Zil Castle)

 

Zil Kale, a medieval castle located in the Fırtına Valley in northeast Turkey. After a couple long flights, I’m back in Seattle now… tired but ready to get back to exploring the PNW. – @Turkey_Home #TurkeyHome #Zilkale #Turkey @matadornetwork #TravelStoke @wilderness_culture #WildernessCulture

A photo posted by Michael Matti (@michaelmatti) on Oct 13, 2015 at 10:28pm PDT

The view over Çamlıhemşin from the castle

 

Get out of the big city and get yourself completely rejuvenated amidst the natural beauty of Rize, Çamlıhemşin. Witness how @michaelmatti + @wilderness_culture felt when looking at this amazing view from Zil Kale Castle. #TurkeyHome #BlackSeaHunt #OffTheBeatenPath

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Oct 13, 2015 at 9:00am PDT

The lake and village of Uzungöl

 

Uzungöl, which means #LongLake is another priceless gift of Mother Nature

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Sep 30, 2014 at 5:38am PDT

The arched bridges of the Fırtına river valley

 

The unforgettable nature walks are just some of the incredible things you’ll experience on your trip to Rize! #TurkeyHome #Nature #BlackSeaHunt Photo by @michaelmatti

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Oct 22, 2015 at 4:52am PDT

Lakes and peaks of the Kaçkar Mountains

 

How about a trip to Kaçkar Mountains, one of the best #trekking sites of Turkey? The highest part of the Pontic Mountains offers you a journey with full of adventure! #Turkey #HomeOf #Kackar Photo by @acargulcan

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Dec 1, 2014 at 7:58am PST

Pokut Plateau

 

A spectacular view of the natural wonder of Çamlıhemşin in Rize along the Black Sea. Surrounded by the Kaçkar mountains, with lakes and waterfalls aplenty this is magic for those who want to get lost in nature. #Turkey #HomeOf #Rize Photo by @aonurgokce

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Jan 31, 2015 at 4:57am PST

Lake Abant

 

Want some peace and quiet from your holiday? The incredible nature of Lake Abant is just sitting there, offering the opportunity for you to relax and rejuvenate! #TurkeyHome #Serenity Photo by @gezginkereviz

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Nov 28, 2015 at 5:02am PST

Castle in Sinop

 

Are you ready for a journey through history when you tackle Boyabat Castle in Sinop, a well-preserved castle with traces of three different empires? #Turkey #HomeOf #Sinop

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Aug 23, 2015 at 1:49am PDT

Garzavan Plateau, Rize

 

Garzavan Plateau in Rize’s İkizdere district just can’t wait to welcome the nature-lovers amongst you to a spot with more shades of green than you’d imagined was possible! #Turkey #HomeOf #BlackSea Photo by @okanrakici

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Sep 10, 2015 at 12:39am PDT

Waterfall in Artvin Province

 

The unique natural beauty of Artvin is simply astonishing! #TurkeyHome #Artvin #Nature Photo by @michaelmatti + @wilderness_culture

A photo posted by Turkey.Home (@turkey_home) on Oct 28, 2015 at 12:39pm PDT