Fındıklı Plateau

Description

Located inland from Sürmene, this Black Sea plateau is surrounded by spruce and beech forests and is known for its misty views and cool air.

Story

Fındıklı Plateau is a cool and quiet world stretching up to cloud level behind the steep sea-facing slopes of Sürmene. As you climb from Trabzon’s humid coastline, you first pass tea plantations, then a tightening belt of forest, and eventually reach the plateau’s gentler rolling meadows. Even in summer the air stays fresh and cool, making it a natural refuge for locals escaping the Black Sea’s oppressive humidity. The plateau takes its name from the hazelnut trees that once grew abundantly in the area. Today large-scale tea cultivation has retreated closer to the shore, but Fındıklı Plateau is still colored by wild hazelnut bushes, rhododendrons and a variety of wildflowers lining small paths. From late spring onwards, the grasslands turn into shades of purple, yellow and white; when the mist briefly clears, the distant blue of the Black Sea appears for a fleeting moment. Like many high pastures in the region, Fındıklı Plateau’s history was shaped by transhumant animal husbandry. For centuries, families from Sürmene and nearby villages brought their herds to these cool heights in summer and stayed for months in wooden plateau houses. Although the fully nomadic lifestyle is no longer practiced, wooden houses built on old stone foundations still carry the traces of this past. Some have been converted into simple summer homes, while others remain the center of a modest, agriculture-based life. The most striking aspect of the plateau is its silence and the fact that its natural character has largely been preserved. You will not find loud entertainment venues, sprawling resorts or artificial attractions here. Most visitors come to hike, take photographs, lie back on the cool grass waiting for the fog to lift, or simply listen to the wind and the birds. Clouds often rise abruptly and cover the entire view, then disperse just as quickly, turning the plateau into a living stage. The surrounding trails offer gentle walks that are suitable even for those without great physical condition. In the early morning or close to sunset, the light falls softly on the slopes, moments that are especially ideal for photography enthusiasts. It is essential to bring a cardigan or light jacket, because even in midsummer the temperature drops noticeably when the fog settles. Visiting Fındıklı Plateau is not only a nature trip, but also a short glimpse into the mountain culture of the Black Sea region. The narrow lanes between the houses, wooden fences, small gardens and the occasional sound of a kemençe fiddle quietly tell the story of the area’s identity. For most visitors, spending a few hours away from noise and rush becomes the greatest luxury of all.

Visit Tips

• Before going to Fındıklı Yaylası, check the weather, as visibility may be limited on foggy days.
• Don't forget to wear comfortable shoes while hiking in the plateau; the ground can be slippery and uneven in places.
• Don't miss out on tasting local flavors; especially the plateau cheeses and fresh herbs are quite famous.
• Don't miss the sunset while sipping your tea in Fındıklı Plateau in the evening; the view is truly enchanting.

Photos