Things To Do
in Şalpazarı

Everyday life shots: vendors, tea houses, colorful produce and wooden architecture give authentic portraits of rural Black Sea living.

Rows of hazelnut trees on hillsides provide textured, seasonal landscapes — especially beautiful in late summer and autumn during harvest.

Open pastures, rustic summer houses and mountain panoramas deliver sweeping sunrise and sunset opportunities, with clouds often rolling through valleys.

Small rivers and stone bridges near villages offer classic Black Sea scenery and reflections — good for long-exposure water shots after rain.

Local anchovies prepared many ways (fried, baked, in pilaf). Try hamsi tava (pan-fried) at seaside-style lokantas or family restaurants in the area.

Must-Try!

A buttery, melted cornmeal-cheese dish typical of the eastern Black Sea; rich and great for breakfast. Available at breakfast spots and some local restaurants.

Corn is traditional here — enjoy cornbread, cornmeal porridge and related snacks from village bakeries or home cooks.

Fresh hazelnuts, roasted nuts and simple desserts featuring local hazelnuts are sold by producers and in town markets.

Weekly and daily markets sell fresh vegetables, hazelnuts, cheeses and homemade preserves — ideal for tasting local products and buying snacks.

Small tea houses and street vendors offer tea, simit (sesame bread rings) and pastries — perfect for casual sampling and people-watching.

Polite greetings (handshake or a nod) and taking tea if offered are important; hosts value politeness and interest in local life. Accepting small offers of food or tea is a friendly gesture.

Dress modestly, especially in villages and when visiting mosques. Women may prefer to wear a headscarf in conservative households, though it is not required generally.

Remove shoes when entering private homes; bringing a small gift such as sweets or packaged tea is appreciated.

Always ask before photographing people, especially older residents or women; a simple verbal request or a smile goes a long way.

Tipping is appreciated but not compulsory: leave around 5-10% in restaurants if service is good, round up fares for taxis and offer small change to service workers. In small village eateries, rounding up or saying thank you is common.

Turkish Lira is the local currency. Credit/debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but many small shops, markets and rural vendors prefer cash. ATMs are available in larger towns; carry cash for remote areas.

Greening hills, mild temperatures and frequent rain showers; great for wildflowers, newborn livestock and quieter trails. Bring a waterproof jacket and layers.

Warm but not hot in town, with cooler evenings on the yaylas; peak time for highland pastures and outdoor gatherings. Expect more visitors on weekends and during local festivals.

Hazelnut harvest season and colorful slopes; can be wet and muddy but very atmospheric. Cooler temperatures and fewer tourists make it a peaceful time to visit.

Cold and often snowy in higher elevations, with rain and occasional snow in town; some rural roads may be slippery. If traveling then, prepare for heavier clothing and possible travel delays.

The closest major airport serving the region with domestic flights and some international connections. From the airport, reach Şalpazarı by car or bus in roughly 1–1.5 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Another regional airport across the coast; travel time to Şalpazarı is longer (2+ hours) but it provides additional flight options. Transfers usually require a car or intercity bus connections.