Things To Do
in Çarşıbaşı

Çarşıbaşı is a small coastal district in Trabzon Province along the Black Sea. Surrounded by pine forests and dramatic sea cliffs, it blends fishing heritage with scenic hills and a relaxed pace. The town offers easy access to Trabzon’s larger sights while preserving traditional cuisine and warm hospitality.

Visitors can explore the harbor, markets, and nearby Kaçkar foothills for a well-rounded Black Sea experience.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Coastal Charm
morning
:

Begin your day with a stroll along the picturesque coastline, where the gentle waves kiss the shores of Çarşıbaşı. Stop by a local café to enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast, complete with fresh bread, olives, and menemen. The sound of seagulls and the scent of the sea create a perfect start to your adventure.

afternoon
:

Visit the local market to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and pick up unique handmade crafts. Sample some fresh seafood at one of the nearby restaurants while enjoying views of the tranquil marina. Engage with locals and learn about their traditions that have shaped this charming town.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy spot at a seaside restaurant to witness the panoramic views painted in hues of orange and pink. Enjoy dinner with fresh catch of the day and local details that highlight the rich flavors of the Black Sea region. Wrap up your day with a leisurely walk along the waterfront, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Heritage and Historic Treasures
morning
:

Start with a visit to the nearby ancient ruins, where you can explore the remnants of past civilizations that once flourished in this area. The morning light illuminates the historical artifacts and structures, providing a glimpse into the rich history of Çarşıbaşı. Enjoy a guided tour for deeper insights into the significance of these sites.

afternoon
:

After a historical insight, head to a local museum to learn more about the town's heritage and artistic expressions. The afternoon provides plenty of opportunities to engage with exhibitions showcasing local artists and traditional crafts. Take a leisurely lunch in the museum’s café, surrounded by art and culture.

evening
:

Explore the local nightlife by visiting a traditional Turkish tea house, experiencing the warm hospitality and lively conversations. Try your hand at playing backgammon with the locals while sipping on aromatic tea blends. As nighttime arrives, walk through the charming streets adorned with lanterns and enjoy the soft sounds of music in the air.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
🫖Cup of tea or coffee$1-2
🚌Local transport fare (short ride)$0.5-1.5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-70
🧺Souvenir item$5-20

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful Black Sea coast and mountain scenery
  • Friendly locals and traditional cuisine
  • Limited nightlife and tourist infrastructure
  • Occasional rain and humidity
  • "Merhaba" - Hello
  • "Lütfen" - Please
  • "Teşekkür ederim" - Thank you
  • "Affedersiniz" - Excuse me
  • "İngilizce biliyor musunuz?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Bu ne kadar?" - How much is this?
  • "Nerededir?" - Where is it?
  • "Yardım edin" - Help!

Places to Visit in Çarşıbaşı

Visit one of these nice places.

Çarşıbaşı Harbor at Sunrise

Golden light over boats and nets with the Black Sea backdrop.

Old Town Streets

Narrow lanes, wooden houses, and stone walls offer classic architectural textures.

Coastal Cliff Viewpoint

Sea cliffs, pine forests, and sweeping coastal lines ideal for dramatic seascapes.

Tea Terrace Overlook

Terraced tea fields on rolling hills with traditional tea houses.

Culinary Guide

Food in Çarşıbaşı

Çarşıbaşı sits in the Black Sea culinary belt, where fish, cornmeal dishes, fresh greens, and tea define everyday meals. Expect hearty stews, grilled seafood, and rich cheeses, all washed down with strong black tea.

Çarşıbaşı Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Hamsi Pilav

Rice cooked with fresh anchovies and herbs for a classic Black Sea flavor.

Must-Try!

Mıhlama (Kuymak)

A melted cheese and cornmeal dish served hot with bread; perfect for dipping.

Hamsili Ekmek

Anchovy-stuffed bread baked to crusty perfection.

Laz Böreği

A sweet pastry layered with walnuts and molasses, reflecting Laz culinary heritage.

Akçaabat Köftesi

Spiced meatballs from nearby Akçaabat, commonly enjoyed with a yogurt sauce.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Çarşıbaşı Weekly Bazaar

A local market offering fresh fish, seasonal produce, olives, and regional snacks.

Harbor Fish Tezgahları

Open-air stalls near the harbor where you can buy and often sample grilled hamsi and other seafood.

Climate Guide

Weather

Çarşıbaşı experiences a Black Sea climate with mild summers, cool winters, and frequent rain year-round; humidity can be high, especially in spring and fall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Hospitality

Greet with a handshake or nod; addressing elders with polite forms is appreciated.

Tea Etiquette

Offering tea is common; accept politely and drink modestly before returning the cup.

Dress and Behavior

Dress modestly in towns; removing shoes is customary in some homes and traditional spaces; avoid loud behavior in religious or rural settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

The area is generally safe for travelers. Watch for petty theft in crowded markets, use common sense around the harbor at night, and be cautious on slick roads during rain. Keep important documents secure and have travel insurance.

Tipping in Çarşıbaşı

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

If service charge isn’t included, a tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Turkish Lira is standard; many places accept cards, especially in towns, but markets and small eateries may prefer cash.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm, humid days with refreshing sea breezes; frequent but often short rain showers.

Autumn

Mild days, cooler nights, and increasing rain; sea remains comfortable for swimming early in the season.

Winter

Cool and wet with occasional coastal fog; higher elevations may see snow, while the coast stays milder.

Spring

Lush landscapes and blooming flowers; frequent showers mean flexible plans for outdoor activities.

Nightlife Guide

Çarşıbaşı at Night

Nightlife in Çarşıbaşı is subdued compared to bigger cities. Expect cozy tea houses, seaside cafes, and small eateries in the evenings; for a wider range of bars and live music, head to Trabzon, about an hour away by road.

Hiking in Çarşıbaşı

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Kaçkar Mountains foothills

Popular hikes starting from nearby towns; lush valleys, forest trails, and distant mountain views.

Derebaşı Trail

Coastal-forest trail with sea views and varied terrain near Çarşıbaşı.

Airports

How to reach Çarşıbaşı by plane.

Trabzon Airport (TZX)

Nearest major airport serving the region; offers domestic and some international connections; typically 40-80 km away depending on route.

Rize–Artvin Airport (RZV)

Smaller airport with connections to major Turkish cities; about 120-180 km away.

Ordu-Giresun Airport (OGU)

Regional airport with links to major Turkish cities; approximately 180-200 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

Çarşıbaşı is a compact town with a walkable center; the harbor area is easy to explore on foot, while some hillier streets may require a little effort. It's well-suited for a short stay where most attractions are close by, but expect some up-and-down terrain if you venture to viewpoints.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Turkish

Majority residents with Laz and Pontic heritage; generally welcoming to visitors.

Laz

Laz communities maintain distinct language and music; some locals may speak Lazca alongside Turkish.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The sport of choice in the region; Trabzonspor has a strong following; catch a match when possible.

Traditional Wrestling

Kuvāti? Traditional regional wrestling events in some towns; cultural demonstrations may occur in markets.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light in Çarşıbaşı; local dolmuş minibuses connect to Trabzon and nearby towns. On major roads, expect typical Turkish driving patterns; coastal routes can be winding and slower in rain; taxis are readily available.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Çarşıbaşı.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy lentil and bean stews, sebze dishes, cornmeal kuymak, and fresh salads; ask for olive oil-based preparations and avoid heavy meat stocks.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available locally and in nearby Trabzon, with more extensive hospitals in the city. Carry travel insurance, keep a list of medications, and bring any necessary prescriptions.

Discover Turkey

Read more in our Turkey 2025 Travel Guide.

Turkey Travel Guide