The real magic of the Black Sea is not on the coast — it is up in the highlands, above the clouds. Driving from Trabzon to Ayder means tea gardens, valley villages and stone bridges along the way. Here is a realistic, road-tested plan.
The route from Trabzon to Ayder
Ayder plateau is about 120 kilometres from central Trabzon: coastal highway to Ardeşen in Rize, then inland through Çamlıhemşin up to the plateau — around 2 hours in total. After Çamlıhemşin the road narrows and winds, but the scenery — the Fırtına River, arched stone bridges, timber mansions — pays for every curve.
Driving tips for highland roads
- Fog is part of the highlands' character; lights on, no hurry.
- Afternoon showers are always possible — keep your distance on descents.
- Fill the tank on the coast; stations thin out on the mountain road.
- Time your return for daylight — safer and prettier.
Travelling as a group?
Highland trips are best with a crowd. For up to nine people, our Renault Trafic 8+1 minibus takes everyone and their luggage in one vehicle — and being automatic, it does not wear the driver out.
Our SUV picks
For smaller groups a tall SUV is the most comfortable choice: the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for families with its 7 seats, the Renault Duster for its mountain-road toughness. Every car is fully insured — what that means on a plateau road is explained in our insurance article.
Tell us your route — we will tell you which plateau is open in which season and which way back is more scenic. We have driven these roads for 25 years; out-of-town driving terms are simple too.