The Black Sea Coastline: A Driving Guide from Trabzon to Artvin

If you want to take one of Turkey's most striking road journeys, the answer lies hidden along the Black Sea coastline. Stretching from Trabzon to Artvin, this route is one of Turkey's most driving-friendly, with its hundreds of shades of green, the moments when clouds lean against the mountains, and scenery that shifts at every bend. But there's no experiencing this route by public transport; it calls for the right car, the right plan, and a little flexibility. In this driving guide, we cover all the route's stops, the points to watch out for, and the choice of vehicle.

An Overview of the Route

The road distance from Trabzon to Artvin is about 215 kilometres. Without stopping, and when traffic conditions allow, this distance can be covered in 3.5–4 hours. But this is a route built for stopping, not for speed. Once you factor in the Uzungöl turn-off, the Rize tea gardens, the Hopa coastline, and the valleys before Artvin, a full day can easily be set aside for it. Spreading the route over two days and spending a night in Artvin lets you experience the scenery at its best.

Stop 1: Central Trabzon

Trabzon is the starting point of the route and also one of the Black Sea's most deeply rooted cities. The Hagia Sophia Museum, the Boztepe viewing terrace, and the historic bazaar are enough to explore the city in the morning hours. If you're renting a car from Trabzon Airport, getting to know the city with a short tour after pickup makes the start of the route more meaningful.

Stop 2: Uzungöl

99 kilometres from central Trabzon, about a 1.5-hour drive. Uzungöl is one of the Black Sea's best-known spots, with its mountain-ringed lake and timber architecture. In the early-morning hours, the mist-covered surface of the lake carries the place into almost another dimension. For anyone who wants to take photographs, sunrise is the most rewarding window of time. After Uzungöl, you can return to the main route and carry on toward Rize.

Stop 3: Rize and the Tea Gardens

After a journey of about another hour from Uzungöl, you reach Rize. In Rize, Turkey's tea-production centre, the tea gardens stretching along the road make up the greenest part of the route. The Ziraat Garden and the historic buildings in the city centre are enough for a short break. After Rize, the coast road continues toward Hopa, and the scenery gradually begins to change.

Stop 4: Ardeşen and the Fırtına Valley

About 35 kilometres east of Rize, Ardeşen is the gateway to the Fırtına Valley. The road into the valley is narrow, winding, and demands close attention behind the wheel. For that reason, if you're planning to explore the Fırtına Valley, choosing an SUV or a high-clearance vehicle makes for safe, comfortable driving. The stone bridges within the valley, the villages clinging to the valley walls, and the silhouette of the Kaçkar mountains make this turn-off one of the route's most rewarding stops.

Stop 5: Hopa

Hopa is the last large settlement on the Black Sea coastline. About 160 kilometres from Trabzon, it sits at roughly the 2.5–3-hour mark of the route. As the point where the coastline opens up widest, Hopa is an ideal stop for a sea-view break and to refuel. The turn toward Artvin begins here too; after this point, the route heads inland toward mountainous terrain.

Stop 6: Central Artvin and Its Surroundings

From Hopa to central Artvin is about a 35–40-minute winding climb. Artvin is a steep city set inside a valley, offering a different view from every point. The city centre is small but its surroundings are vast; Borçka Karagöl, Yusufeli, and Şavşat can be considered extensions of this route. Spending at least one night in Artvin and exploring the surroundings by car is the best approach to completing the route.

Choosing a Vehicle for This Route

Most of the Trabzon–Artvin route consists of modern highway. However, the Uzungöl turn-off, the interior of the Fırtına Valley, and the area around Artvin involve narrow, winding, and at times poor-surfaced roads. For that reason, it's worth being careful when choosing a vehicle for this route.

If you'll be driving without leaving the main coast road, a mid-size car or above is plenty. If your plan also covers Uzungöl, the Fırtına Valley, and the area around Artvin, a high-clearance SUV is the more suitable choice for both safety and comfort. If you're planning the route in the winter months or early spring, opting for vehicles with four-wheel drive or a winter-tyre option is recommended.

Practical Information Along the Route

Fuel stations are sufficiently available in Trabzon, Rize, and Hopa; in interior spots like the Fırtına Valley and the area around Artvin, options thin out. For that reason, filling up at every major settlement is the safest approach. Mobile internet is strong along the coastline; signal dropouts can occur in the Fırtına Valley and on some highland crossings. Backing up the route with an offline map keeps navigation reliable at these points. Along the coast, the weather can change suddenly with the Black Sea climate; a raincoat and layered clothing should be with you in every season.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the drive from Trabzon to Artvin take? 3.5–4 hours without stopping. Once turn-offs like Uzungöl and the Fırtına Valley are included, you should reckon on a full day.

Can the route be travelled by car in the winter months? The main coast road is largely open in the winter months. The Uzungöl road and the area around Artvin, however, can carry a risk of snow and ice. Winter tyres or a four-wheel-drive vehicle are recommended for this period.

Is car rental possible from Trabzon Airport? Yes. You can pick up a car from the Trabzon Airport office and start the route directly. For a drop-off option in Artvin or Hopa, it's recommended that you review the one-way rental conditions when booking.

Is a special vehicle needed for the Fırtına Valley? It can be entered in standard cars, but for the narrow, winding roads an SUV improves driving comfort and confidence.

The Black Sea Awaits, Your Car Is Ready

This route from Trabzon to Artvin offers one of Turkey's most striking driving experiences. For the comfort of the coast road, the thrill of the highland turn-offs, and Artvin's silhouette leaning into the valley, all you need is the right car. For a wide vehicle fleet, flexible pickup points including Trabzon Airport, and one-way rental options, visit Europcar Turkey.