I've been once before as a teen and brought my partner with me this time. We enjoyed it very much! The walk up is very long and tiring, definitely take a breather now and then when climbing up the stairs to get to the peak. Beautiful views and well preserved. Only downside is that the Turkish Army closed it down early the day we went for something so we did rush a little.

Beautiful place. Shame that people don’t respect the no smoking and no littering signs. Also be wary of cafe .. asked for a Turkish coffee as had just seen them make one .. only to be told no.. only coffee available is from the espresso machine at €3 a cup. On leaving saw more customers having Turkish coffee.. definitely feel like it was a ‘tourist tax’ .. ..so be warned 😡

We got in just nefore 3pm and we're told to get down to the ticket office by 4pm. Tho on the outside signboard it says last entray 4.30pm That's apparently not the case today. This seems to do with it being part of the military base So changes to opening time can occur at anytime without notice. The view was really pretty we first went to john's church/chapel then we went to the peak 734m above sea level. The walk up there was not hard. I'd rate it medium difficulty tops. The road is a bit uneven and can be slippery after rains So make sure you wear proper shoes for that. We got to the top around 3.35 So 30-35min is enough for a person who is moderately fit to get up and we got down just before 4pm. Made a few other stops to see the beautiful queens' window too. We didn't visit the cistern next to the beautiful Windows unfortunately as we ran out of time. I think 1.5-2hrs is probably good for here. 1hr is a bit short. There doesn't seem to be public transport here whatsoever. We got a taxi up there and when to the monastery then back to town for 70euros...

Lots of people have wondered how accessible it is for older, less abled folks to access the castle. I visited yesterday & I am 71. Yes I am very fit for my age but for such an awesome setting do NOT let other misleading reviews stop you going. The castle is easily accessed from the car park where a little cafe is located. It's currently,50 tl entrance (just over a £1) & even just inside there is the most incredible view of Kyrenia. The steps for levels 1 & 2 are perfectly adequate & not very tough (see pictures) if you do not venture inside the first lookout towers which are more of a challenge. The are some awesome things to see within the first two levels like the Byzantine Church. There is also a super little cafe with an amazing view of the north coast at Kyrenia, selling their refreshing lemonade (& mocktails) & a small selection of small gifts & postcards. Now there is the third level to explore & I spent 90 mins on that level it's astounding! Again see pictures of steps & now I would say you have to be reasonably fit or very determined if a slow ascent is within your capabilities. There are astounding parts like the royal apartments with amazing views but the higher up you go the more arduous it gets until the pinnacle of the summit at 732m. some 333' higher than the car park. Steps are a lot more uneven but with care & a firm grip of the handrails it's achievable. Various pictures illustrate some of my descriptions. Some reviews talk about unstable poor handrails, this is not the case they were all solid & firm & reassuring. Some people describe litter plastic bottles etc. Well the castle has provided loads of do not litter, pop in a bin signs but there will always be the mindless uncaring idiots who ignore this, don't let it distract you off visiting. It's an awesome feat of human achievement to the highest level & it has been there a 1000 years. The road 3 miles from the dual carriageway can be accessed from the dual carriageway in either direction despite what Google maps might show (I came from Kyrenia & turned right) & the road shows a few hairpin bends, again don't let this put you off, they are wide & easily driven. What more can I say except done let a visit pass you by if you are anywhere near. Allow 4 hours if you want to visit & photograph every nook & cranny! Hope the photos help you make the right decision, Go Go Go, it's awesome!

Well worth visiting, magnificent views, but you need to be reasonably fit to make the climb. You need good balance. Not for children under 12 yrs of age.

Worth a visit. Entrance cheap 1 eur. Takes 2 hours at least to see all, so don't expect to see and go quickly. Enjoy and feel. Lot of hiking - which is good, but even old people made it..

Beautiful. The hike to the top might be challenging for some people but well worth it for the fantastic views. Wear shoes with good grip. Probably our favourite spot on Cyprus.

A beautiful ruins to look around. We did a tour which we found informative whilst walking around and appreciating the architecture of the building and ground. Finish off our visit with a fresh cold drink at the cafe by the entrance. 8 minute walk uphill from the car park where our coach dropped us off.

Worth a visit for sure. Parking may be tricky but great gothic half ruined architecture. The mountain backdrop makes for a dramatic scene. You can see everything in about half an hour

The ruins of a former monastery. They still house a small church. All in all, nothing "wow"... The area is beautiful, clean, full of greenery and flowers. In addition, from the monastery courtyard you have a very beautiful panorama, with the sea and Kyrenia visible in the distance. There is also a restaurant, adjacent to the monastery.

Bit different from the normal ruins. The restaurant, bar and cafe is attached to the abbey so I felt a bit strange but it's a popular place for locals because of that. Therefore there is shuttle bus service, 30 TL for a single ticket, very easy access and a nice view. There are nice hotels and restaurants. You can take a bus from a big parking space. There's some signboards there.

Walking around Ballapais monetary, there was no audio guide or tour guide available to purchase on the day. You just walk around yourself. Tickets are available to purchase on the day and parking was available. A few of cafes and restaurants near by to enjoy afterwards.

It's amazing place to visit around Girne. It has great architecture and nice place for photography.

It has amazing views. Interesting ruins to walk around - lots of stairs to see everything. Inexpensive to enter. Not much information about the building.

A small port, not very spectacular. A mix of small boats, pleasure and fishing. On the shore several restaurants with terraces. Not very crowded, around 2:00 PM. The area looks decent, seems recently renovated. In the immediate vicinity is the castle, in a rather bad condition.

The harbour is beautiful. You can walk all the way round the harbour and past the castle. There are some lovely shops, bars and restaurants, we found a great rooftop bar for cocktails and beers with views over the harbour. Definitely spend half a day wandering round and exploring the side streets that lead off the harbour. On our previous visit we took a boat trip along the coast which is also beautiful.

Beautiful place . So atmospheric. The food is out of this world .

Great place to relax and people watch. Numerous cafes and restaurants.

Underrated harbour This peaceful place reminds me of portofino a very well known harbour in north Italy Only it’s nicer and the food is great

This is a very beautiful place. A piece of Cyprus's history. Every turist in North Cyprus should visit this place.

Gorgeous place to visit. Unlimited restaurants. Great shops. Boat tours. Castle tours. Pretty much a full day out. Upmarket seaside bars and casinos. Lots to do and see. Extremely hot in the summer though so remember the sun tan lotion. Well worth a visit.

This is a great place to visit, especially at sunset. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes because of the stones, and steps. It’s easy to be there 2 hours or more. They have a small cafe in the courtyard, a gift shop and a museum. The WC costs 10TL. The entry fee is 50TL.

Girne Castle is undoubtedly a beautiful and fascinating place. Its history, architecture, and the view of the harbor are all truly impressive. Walking through its ancient halls and standing on its walls overlooking the sea made me feel like I was touching the layers of history that have shaped our island. But as a Greek-Cypriot, visiting this castle also stirred deep emotions. I couldn’t help but feel like a stranger in my own homeland—a feeling that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. There’s a quiet sadness that comes from knowing how divided we are, despite sharing the same island, the same sun, and the same humanity. One day, I truly hope to see a Cyprus where people from both sides treat each other with more kindness, respect, and understanding.

Nice place to visit and spend time in many restaurants and cafe shops, some a bit overpriced or have small portion but there are few good ones. ever since the area were renovated it's get nicer and have good atmosphere. On weekends and holidays it's get crowded.

Amazing view from the castle! This is the biggest castle that I visited in Cyprus. This is the must go place if you want to see a beautiful port, sea and mountain.

This fortress was much bigger than what I expected. It definitely worth to visit if you are in Girne. It was a bit dirty with empty cans and water bottles everywhere. I hope the staff (and visitors) pay a bit more attention to keep it clean.

Great big castle to visit. Tickets can be brought at the entrance. Hot weather can make it hard to go around, but definitely recommend going to the top of the castle for amazing views. Little cafe at the middle of the castle serving food, coffee and cold drinks, unfortunately my food arrived 20 minutes after my partners and you have to pay extra to use the toilets in the castle which I found odd as you use the cafe an pay entrance fee to the castle. Make sure to check out the Ancient Shipwreck Museum, housed within Kyrenia Castle. Not much maintenance in the castle as it’s common to see cigarette butts or rubbish on the floor.

The most impressive castle in Cyprus, although even that is not very well preserved. It houses a small archaeological museum dedicated to a small, very old wreck. Otherwise, nothing remarkable. All you can do is walk along the dilapidated walls and admire the panorama, which is quite beautiful. In the inner courtyard there is also a small kiosk with a terrace, where you can have a drink.

An amazing place to see. We had a hire car to get us to the border from Ayia Napa. We asked the information desk to call a taxi. 20 euros to the Ghost town and the driver was really helpful, gave us his card to call him when we was ready to be taken back. Check opening times as it closes around 5. It's so eerie at the same time very sad to see.

This place is an absolute must see - it feels like you are on a movie set, only everything is real. You can easily use 2-3 hours here and still not see everything. You feel the vibe once was and it sometimes catches you as being a bit scary. I for sure wouldn’t like walking alone around here in the dark hours at night. I feel for the thousands of displaced people that lost everything and I wish for them that they one day will be able to return and get back all their properties they lost during the war in 1974.

Lovely place. It's so silent and deserted. Better to get there early before the bubbling tourist troop in.

A really puzzling experience, tbh. You walk in a city that has been completely abandoned 50 years ago, all the buildings are crumbling down, and you feel like you've been teleported in some sort of post-apocaliptic movie, but at the same time you see hundreds of tourists and locals in swimsuits cheerfully swarming in all directions like in any regular touristic area. In all this, every few blocks, some guy in a camo uniform guarding a checkpoint tells you that you cannot enter a certain street because part of the city has been turned into a luxury resort for the Turkish military. Very weird feeling. Interesting, tho.

Great visit. We hire the scooters, which was a great choice as the walk can be long

Nice beach, crystal sea when the beach is empty. The restaurant has many drinks and food, same price as greek side.

An amazing place to learn about the history of Cyprus and how it was lost it time of 1970's. Felt very sad too and a little eerie seeing all the empty shops and houses going derelict that were once full of life. You only have access to certain roads and it is mostly fenced of and security guarded, but definitely worth a visit to walk or cycle around. Their was some information boards. No cars allowed. Their is access to a lovely beach at the bottom with cafe and toilets. Access is free

Had a really nice stay with my family and the service was amazing. The staff were so attentive and kind. They were helpful at meal times with our baby and always made an effort to talk to her and engage with her. The hotel is huge and there is good entertainment. There were plenty of bars and a lovely cafe. Soft play and games room for kids. I feel it is more of a 4* resort and that’s fine but I don’t think it’s quite 5*. Having said that we would absolutely stay again.

Rested in July 2025. Very satisfied. Very large selection of food, in the dining room there are many waiters who bring everything, clean it. The dining room has a beautiful view of the sea, close to the sea. Good service in the bar. The beach is beautiful, there are free sunbeds, always cleaned. There is security on the beach. The sea is very clean and warm. Temperature +35. There are also 2 large pools and 6 bars on the hotel territory.

Fantastic hotel and unforgettable vacation! This hotel truly exceeded expectations. Beautiful sandy beach, clean and spacious pools, and great water slides for those who enjoy some fun and activity. Every evening featured high-quality entertainment: themed shows, live music, and lively parties. There was always something to enjoy, and the atmosphere was vibrant and engaging. The food was outstanding – a wide variety of fresh, delicious options including royal shrimp, octopus, sushi, and various types of meat. Each dinner had a different theme (Mexican, Chinese, Italian, etc.), which kept things exciting and flavorful throughout the stay. Rooms were cleaned daily, and the staff was professional, helpful, and always friendly. The weather was also surprisingly comfortable for July – warm, but not overwhelmingly hot. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a well-rounded, relaxing, and high-quality vacation.

This hotel was very clean and well maintained. It's a well organised hotel, plenty of food, and a massive selection of different dishes to choose from in any of the multiple restaurants. There were very well shocked bars to get a drink from. We strolled up the pier one evening and stumbled across a disco with late evening entertainment with a massive tray of shots... and another bar. All of the staff were very polite and friendly. The pools were kept very clean. There was a splash pool with large slides and lifeguards to keep everyone safe. We will go back next year.

I had an amazing stay at Salamis Bay Conti Hotel! The location is absolutely perfect - right by the beach with stunning sea views and easy access to everything you need. The rooms were clean, spacious, and comfortable, with all the amenities you'd expect from a 5- star hotel. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, always going out of their way to make sure we had everything we needed. The food was also a highlight – delicious and with a great variety at every meal. The pool area and beach are beautiful and well-maintained, making it a perfect place to relax. Overall, this hotel really exceeded my expectations and made my trip unforgettable. Highly recommend it for anyone visiting the area

Clean hotel, friendly staff, delicious food. The furniture is not very luxurious, and the hotel is not brand new; but it feels like an authentic, familiar place. The sea is sandy, which makes swimming very enjoyable.

I’ve been coming to this Hotel for many years and cannot fault it. As soon as you arrive at the hotel reception staff will be there with a big smile on their face warmly greeting you. Room views and the cleanliness is amazing. Different theme menu’s everyday. Entertainment all day long. Guest Relations Team welcoming and resolves questions. Special thanks to Ms.Cemaliye Gr. Asst.Manager.Family oriented and professional Safe Hotel.Highly recommend.

Hey there! If you're ever in Turkey near Mersin, you should totally check out Gilindire Cave, also called "Mirrored Lake Cave." It's a pretty amazing natural place. Inside, you'll see these super cool rock formations called stalactites and stalagmites. They've been forming for ages, and with the special lighting, they look really awesome. Just a heads-up, though, it can get super humid in there, so be prepared for that! But the best part is definitely the clear lake at the very back. It's so still that it perfectly reflects everything, making it look like a mirror. Seriously, it's a great spot for photos! Getting around inside is pretty easy thanks to the stairs and walkways, which are generally good for walking. However, there are quite a few steps, so it can be a bit tiring, especially on the way back up. Scientists have even found stuff here from the Ice Age, which is pretty neat. So, if you're into nature and seeing something a bit different, Gilindire Cave is definitely worth a visit. You won't regret seeing this hidden gem!

Breathtaking views scenery both outside and inside must see. Entry fee as of today was 19TL definitely with it. I recommend once inside cave go all the way down first then slowly come back up enjoying cave views as straight up can be tiring. Great lake view at bottom.

Really beautiful drive and Goodview right before the entrance entrance fee 60 liras which equals $1.50 Lots and lots of stairs that trip starts going down it ends in a lake down the cave but you have to get all the way up upset stairs after finishing Really hot comparing to the average temperature outside,, especially because of the stairs Going down there and up back it takes around 45 minutes Friendly guy in the tickets place

I have visited Carlsbad caverns in New Mexico and Waitomo caves in New Zealand. The Gilindire caves in my opinion are much more enjoyable caves to visit. Inside the caves is a very well designed walkway and stairs the entire length/depth. The cave descends probably down to sea level and terminates at a platform overlooking a large crystal clear pool. You can hear bats 🦇 in the cave but I couldn’t spot them. In spring of 2025 the cost to see the cave was 60TL or $2 USD. Staff are exceptionally friendly and welcoming! If it’s the middle of summer it would be a nice thing to do to escape the heat. I’ll definitely come back and visit.

Very impressive, not cold inside, water surface lays by -47meters to sea level, 560 steps down, amazing lights inside, really cheap entrance

Worth to see. More than 70 m depth. Very high humidity. And a lake at the bottom. Nor for everyone.

Also known as Aynalıgöl Cave, Gilindire Cave is located 7.5 km southeast of Aydıncık district, between Sancak Burnu and Kurtini Creek. The cave, whose entrance faces the sea, can be reached from the sea and land. The Gilindire Cave, which is 351 meters long in total, is a horizontally developed cave. The inside of the Gilindire Cave, which is right on the edge of one of the beautiful bays of the Mediterranean, is covered with all kinds of dripstone formations. These stalactites, which have reached enormous sizes and are extremely beautiful in appearance, have divided the main gallery into many halls and rooms. In addition, the large lake at the end of the cave and the stalactites, stalagmites, columns, walls, curtain dripstones and cave needles that form islands on the edge of this lake have turned the cave into a fascinating environment.

The turtle beach is a lovely clear water and up north the donkeys that roam free

The donkeys by the gate are running quite a scam. They try to block the way if you don’t bring carrots... We managed to get away but be prepared.

Amazing experience! Crazy road, it’s not safe if you have a simple car 🚗. The road is not good but it’s worth to do. A lot of emotions

Dipkarpaz National Park in Northern Cyprus is a peaceful nature reserve with stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes, perfect for hiking and relaxation.

One of the beautiful corners of North Cyprus that survived to date..hope they keep it as it is..İt one of the main tourist attraction site..beautiful beaches, donkeys and nature..

Nice place to visit donkeys and very beautiful natur and beaches

Bring some food for donkeys, carrots, carobs.. Beautiful beaches, picnic place, road is bad but machines are there.

I really like this place. There are lots of cafe's and lots of shops. I went to the amusement park at marina twice, it was fun but I do wish for it to have more Rollercoasters and rides. There's not much when you go there and the roller coaster train isn't even that fast or scary. But I really like It there. 👍

Very popular place to spend summer evenings, with a lot of good restaurants in the area packed with customers. A lot of options to spend a nice evening sightseeing or enjoying the best Turkish cuisine have to offer.

The atmosphere is nice. The staff were very attentive. Good thing is it iwas closed or else we won't enjoy the place. The salad was good and it was fresh. Love the cake it was very moist. I also like the view. Overall I recommend this place.

Wonderful place , expensive brands, nice view and very clean

Mersin marina mall very nice mall with different choice of fashions brands and different types of restaurants and cafes, for family with kids there is games city and kids will enjoy, and for adults people they can enjoy walking there and take coffee or foods in coffee shops and restaurants i recommend this mall

Excellent service. We love coming for breakfast here. Tasty food, attentive stuff and a beautiful location by the water. There is an administrator here that speaks fluent English and is super friendly and professional. You could recognize him by a moustache. PS: if you like strong, dark roasted coffee, you need to try it here. PPS: our bill here was always correct, unlike other places.

Nice marina with plenty of nice shops and restaurants. Staff at the entrance barrier are very kind and helpful. Nice walk along the promenade into Mersin. Would defo recommend this place during the day or evening fir a meal and walk around the shops and look at the boats.

The view of the falls is fantastic.. You definitely must see and take pictures when you're in adana or mersin it takes only 30 to 40 minutes to get there by car.

The view and location are very nice. It would be much better if they could organize the tables and seating a little more. The prices are a little high.

Tarsus Şelalesi is a waterfall located in Mersin, Turkey. It is a popular tourist attraction in the region, known for its picturesque setting and natural beauty. The waterfall is located in the Tarsus district of Mersin, and it is surrounded by dense forests and lush vegetation. It is fed by the Berdan River, which flows down from the mountains and through the forests before plunging over the edge of the waterfall. The waterfall is approximately 30 meters tall, and it is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and hiking. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the waterfall, offering a range of local dishes and refreshments.

You might get lost looking for it but follow the water. Beautiful and in the middle of the city.. small but still a breath of fresh air and great for down time or picnics

I saw many videos about the waterfall of tarsus on u tube and others sites that shows a huge waterfall but at the moment i got there i was disappointed cuz it's wasn't as i was expecting it would be

The Restaurant next to the waterfall has good food to offer and tastes good. The waterfall does look really nice and is a good place for people, who like to be close to Nature, besides that it isnt such a big place, but definetly worth seeing.

Very beautiful watercolor, nice restaurants where u can appreciate the view while enjoy good food.

A lovely historic bridge in the heart of the city, Adana. There are many historical places and museums around this bridge, so it is a lovely point to start visiting in the city 🥰

Adana Taş Köprü (Stone Bridge) was built during the reign of the Roman Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century A.D. It spans the Seyhan River (known in antiquity as Sarus) and is considered one of the oldest stone bridges in the world still in use today. Originally constructed with 26 arches, 14 of them are still visible and standing today. The bridge has been used by many civilizations over time, including the Byzantines, Seljuks, and Ottomans, and it has undergone several restorations. Known for its architectural elegance and durability, the Stone Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks of Adana.

Nice view, especially when walking on it. The bridge has been built for more than 1800 years.

A beautiful, well-preserved bridge. You can stroll to the other end and back, just as people have done for many hundreds of years. A view of the huge mosque to the north makes for a nice view. There's not too much to do at the bridge, so I'd recommend next heading towards that mosque through the riverside park on the west bank there, as the nice part of town is in that direction. Though beware of aggressive beggars and peddlers at the mosque.

Nice view. I saw it when the river was dry. Still nice. Some traditional music players might be there. Adana Landmark!

The stone bridge is located in the center of Adana city. It is very crowded on holidays. Sometimes local music is played. The view of the mosque and Sihon river is very beautiful. You can take good photos. There is no entrance here, it is open to the public

The bridge still stands after all these years, it’s simple but beautifully constructed, unlike those ugly bridges today. On the opposite site of the bridge, take sometime to walk the old town and the Ataturk museum.

A stunning mosque in the heart of Adana, it took 10 years from 1988-1998 to finish the construction of this serene magnificent complex. There’s a lot of greenery inside its premise which provides solace during the hot summers of this region.

If you are coming to the Mosque after seeing Taş köprü there is shortcut, an underground passage to the mosque but the passage stinks with urine and filth. You can make a bigger loop and pass through a traffic lights which are a bit far. But if you go through the underground passage the smell is terrible. Looks like an abandoned place. If you can bear the smell you can pass through it fast and reach the beautiful mosque that is worth visiting. I think municipal authorities should pay attention to this.

This is one of the greatest and beautiful mosque what I had ever seen! It's the second largest mosque in Turkey. There’re amazing views all around and exciting views inside.

Very beautiful mosque with awesome design and beautiful decorations. Very large interior and exterior surrounding yard. There is a huge park outside the mosque that has many activities for families and children. The mosque is also right on the river and a short walk from the old city.

This was my first visit to Adana. I explored the historical area around the clock tower, however the area near to this mosque was my favorite. It’s a big complex, the mosque it’s among the biggest most I’ve visited I. Türkiye. It’s supposed to be the biggest mosque between Istanbul and Saudi Arabia. The park around this mosque was my favorite place to walk in Adana.

It is one of the most important symbols of Adana, it has a fascinating structure and unique architecture, the Seyhan River flows past me, it is surrounded by the central park, which is a huge natural beauty, and it is one of the distinguished mosques that everyone should come and see.

Super nice and accessible. The inside is beautiful

Must do in the region. The open museum is less crowded then other places and you can see almost the same thing. The pass is well set with stairs and pavement. You will see different house carved into the mountain. It's included in the musuem pass and you can get a guide tours as well. You can park at the entrance. There is WC, snacks and souvenir shop at the entrance. Avoid mid day due to the heat, there is not that much shadow at this time of the day.

Zelve isn’t just a museum—it’s a whisper from the past wrapped in volcanic folds. Less crowded than Göreme, yet equally rich in spirit, this abandoned cave village sprawls across three valleys, inviting you to wander through centuries of cohabitation, resilience, and quiet devotion. 🕍 Christians and Muslims once lived side by side here until 1924, and you can feel that layered history in every chapel, chimney, and carved corridor. The terrain is rugged but walkable, with stairways and paths that guide you through homes, churches, and communal spaces—all carved directly into the rock. Zelve is not polished—it’s poetic. A place where silence speaks and stone remembers.

This open-air museum is the town where people lived in carved homes out of the mountains in ancient times. The place had an active population until 1952, when the Turkish government decided to move the population to nearby cities. You can expect to spend a few hours here and explore how life was in those times. Consider that not all the spaces are accessible and you should exercise caution.

Very nice site with numerous cave dwellings, churches, and work sites. Lots of walking here and some steps. Could use more signs describing what you see. Need about 2 hrs to see it all.

It was a nice place to visit. Nice walk, there were a little bit of stairs. Outside of the museum they had a toilet also 20 turkish lira.

We visited later in the afternoon and it was very quiet and serene. A lot less busy and crowded than the Goreme Open Air Museums. This one had a lot more cave homes around in the mountains but not as much church artwork. Would recommend going in the afternoon if you like a less crowded experience.

Can you imagine people were still living here until 1965? The last resident didn't want to move until one of their children passed away because of rock slide. As crazy as it sounds, I can understand why they didn't wanna leave. I mean, why would they? With that view that you can see everyday, a vast spread of magnificent rosey hued rocks and ancient structures, this place has a soul. Spare some extra hour to hike to all available spot. The pictures are gonna be worth it.

Either the special permission paper or guide is required to get to the top of the mountain. You can get the permission at the office "Melikgazi Kaymakamliği" located in the nearby city Kayseri. Otherwise you are not allowed to climb to the top. There is no specific information about permissions on the internet that is why I am sharing with you the personal experience. The information was provided by the local police station located at the bottom of mountain. They were very helpful. Good luck!

Wow, what a change in scenery! We are now in Cappadocia, a 1.5hr flight, east of Istanbul. A reasonably early start, then bus / plane / bus ... and we arrive. I cannot start to describe the landscape (refer photos I guess) it is so unique. Located south of Mount Erciyes, the region is known for its curious volcanic landscape and by the people who have lived here for centuries.

Mount Erciyes is a majestic mountain with a maximum elevation of about 3,900 meters. You can see the mountain from many points in Kayseri. It is the highest mountain in Central Anatolia.

You can not climb this mountain without a special permit

Erciyas Mountain is around 25 mins drive from Kayseri. Road accessibility is very good. It's the best place for skiers

Great skiing experience at a very small price. More than enough slopes and there is hardly anyone there if you go in the week. Would definitely recommend.

Mountain & Volcano with ski resort & hiking areas. As for January 2021 there is not so much snow, only 20% of slopes are opened to ski, and since there is a quarantine, so nothing works every Saturday-Monday, but in “normal times” with enough snow the views & the spot is fabulous to experience. The best way to reach is by car, since there are shuttles from Kayseri, but not too often and with long waiting time at many hotels in the city and 3 stop near the Ski Resort. The Mountain has different view from different sides: I was from Erciyes Ski Resort, but it is highly recommended the view from Develi town too.

I highly recommend visiting Sümela Monastery — it’s one of the most impressive historical places in the Black Sea region. The entrance ticket to the monastery itself is 20€, and it’s absolutely worth it. There is a long staircase to reach the top, so be prepared for some climbing, but once you arrive, the view is breathtaking. The monastery is built inside a cliff, and the atmosphere is magical — you can take amazing photos of the nature, the fog, and the mountains surrounding the site. If you love history, architecture, and dramatic landscapes, this place is a must-see. Totally worth the effort and the time! 🌿

Amazing place so glad to finally make it here! The weather wasn't good but it thinned out the crowds which we appreciated. Unbelievable story and impressive building skills in such a remote place. The surrounding Park is beautiful as well. The only negative impression is pay to park then pay to use the restroom then pay to enter the monastery. 1 price please.

Remarkable achievement—best appreciated from multiple viewpoints Sumela Monastery is genuinely impressive, particularly when you consider the engineering feat of building such comprehensive quarters into a cliff face centuries ago. The scale and ambition of the construction is what really stands out. What Makes It Special: - The real beauty is in viewing it from a distance—seeing the whole structure clinging to the mountainside puts the achievement in perspective - Inside, peer out from the windows in the quarters—the views and sense of exposure are striking - Don't skip the detour to Aya Varvara Kilisesi nearby—it offers an awesome distant view of the monastery and is just 70m at the entrance Practical Tips: - Lots of stairs and uneven surfaces—watch your footing and take it slow - The site itself requires careful navigation; not a place to rush through - The combination of close-up exploration and distant viewpoints gives you the full picture Why 5 Stars: Understanding what it took to build and maintain this place centuries ago, in this location, makes the visit worthwhile. The engineering and logistics alone are mind-boggling. See it from afar, explore it up close, then step back again—that's when it clicks. Well worth the trip to the Trabzon.

Beautiful monastery, built in 4th century. No amount of words can explain the beauty of the location and the detailed workmanship that went into building this place. The walk to monastery is short but steep, however the views along the way are worth the effort. It's definitely a great place to visit. It does get crowded pretty quickly as large groups visit it

That experience was a life time experience. I had seen photos before, but it was a hidden gem. When you climb all the stairs to see a monks city, very well preserved was very exciting. Highly recommended experience. My favorite part was to see the church, but very sad to see the murals were destroyed by the first visitors. Seeing all the priest rooms, the kitchen, the library made me to understand the life style of the monks that lived there for many years. The monastery is placed in an amazing nature that takes your breath away.

Magic place in the mountains! As we climbed up the mystic music was echoing from hill to hill. I am posting some photos. The monastery has a special energy and well preserved history of the early Christianity. At the bottom – Altun River (The golden River, which still has some gold.) One of the most mysterious places I have visited! Go see the magic!

Such a beautiful place, beautiful views, the ancient mosaic is mesmerising. You have to walk a bit before you see the mosaic, the forest during the walk is nice. We had museum cards, so it was even easier for us to enter.

A very well preserved mansion that belonged to a Greek (Ottoman back then) banker and used as his summer house. After the population exchange in 1923 he was forced to leave behind his properties (as did thousands of other Greeks) and return back to Greece. The property was gifted to Ataturk 1 year later by the people of Trabzon as he visited it and liked it a lot. The mansion itself is very beautiful and a sign of prosperity of the people back then. Both the interior and exterior are absolutely beautiful and worth visiting if you want to get a glimpse of how rich people lived back then. You can pay by card at the entrance.

The Atatürk Pavilion in Trabzon is a charming historic mansion surrounded by peaceful gardens and pine trees. It offers a glimpse into early 20th-century architecture and the life of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who stayed there during his visits. The interior is beautifully preserved, with elegant furniture and personal items, including the room where Atatürk signed his will. A visit here is both relaxing and meaningful — perfect for history lovers and anyone looking to connect with Turkey’s past.

Luxurious and full of history . I loved the furniture and tasteful decor. Everything was thoughtfully chosen and beautifully done.

Small but interesting summer residence of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with beatiful views on the sea and Trabzon

it was as described ,, amazing palace good area and there is cafe and Gold and jewelry store ...

Good place to take photos but nothing special. Bathroom are paid so tehy are so clean.

Historical place influenced by the West and Europe renaissance .The panoramic view and meticulously designed garden provide a serene backdrop that elevates the entire experience. It worth a visit.

Must visit place in Trabzon. No museum found there but the building and frescoes inside are marvellous. Also nice sea view. Women are allowed inside with covered head, they offer shawls at the entrance.

An outstanding place, highly recommended, entry is free of charge Good place to take photos There is a basement car parking ( we faced some difficulties in parking as the parking garage is too small )

From the magnificent and important historical places, you find a lot of designs, drawings and icons telling us the story of yesterday. Its location is wonderful and delightful

It’s amazing that it’s still preserved somewhat for you to see. And half the museum is a masjid (mosque) but you can enter from the side to see inside the masjid and also the other part of which visitors can enter and explore. The view again here is amazing.

Beautiful architecture with a rich history that dates back to more than 500 years.. Turkish newlyweds come here to take pictures because of the beauty of this place right by the sea.. i took a nice shot of one ;) Its worth the trip ..

Hagia Sophia Trabzon, a prominent temple both among the monuments of Pontus and among the Byzantine monuments in general, owes its importance to its connection with a variety of historical and archaeological parameters. First of all, it is a monument clearly linked, since its inception, to the local imperial dynasty of the Great Komnenoi. At the same time, the way in which the elements of its architectural design, painting, mosaic and sculptural decoration are combined could be described as unusual and perhaps unique. This uniqueness lies mainly in the coexistence of motile influences, which sometimes refer to the West (in relation to the particular geographical area) and sometimes to the East. Built outside the walls of Trabzon, but within walking distance, the Church of Hagia Sophia - a complex cruciform with a dome, narthex and three impressive propylons - forms the center of a larger fortified building complex. It is flanked by a chapel tower, as well as remnants of a smaller church and other buildings, most probably a monastery. Philological sources of the 14th century mention the monastery "of the Word of God Wisdom", but also "the monastery of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Holy Sophian". In addition, its burial function is strikingly evident and dominant in the shaping of the monument's identity, presumed by the funerary niches and tombstone inscriptions hosted in the temple. However, the function of the church as a cemetery seems to be included in the objectives of imperial sponsorship when it was founded either by Manuel I the Great Komninos (1238-1263) or by his immediate descendants.

An old church with a great view of the sea! A nice place to visit while you are near by Trabzon.

Uzungol lake is very pretty, surrounded by many halal restaurants and hotels to stay in. You even go glamping around, do some hikes in the area or take a long drive around. There are many picnic places on the way so you can stop on your way and enjoy a little picnic

Uzungöl is a priceless natural wonder located in the heart of the Black Sea region, about 100 km away from Trabzon, in the district of Çaykara. Nestled in a valley where you can see every shade of green, surrounded by high mountains, the lake looks like a painting. On misty mornings, a light fog drifts over the lake, and as the day breaks it transforms into pure tranquility — truly the capital of peace and serenity. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, and the walking paths around it are both easy and scenic, perfect for nature lovers. The little wooden houses, local restaurants, and shops create a warm, village-like atmosphere within this natural setting. In short, it’s an ideal spot to escape the city and breathe fresh air. However, like a shadow over its beauty, there’s also the issue of “concrete development.” In 2008, a concrete wall was built along the shore, which some environmentalists criticize as a disruption of its natural charm. This has also contributed to the problem of “overtourism.” New buildings and touristic facilities risk damaging the organic character of the place, and unfortunately, this can affect the visitor experience. Still, despite these small criticisms, what makes Uzungöl special is the authentic experience it offers with its nature, silence, and local character. In summer, it’s ideal for picnics and walks; in winter, covered in snow, it turns into a magical landscape. Nearby, you can also visit Sultan Murad Plateau, Ataköy Waterfall, and Demirkapı Plateau, which add even more richness to your trip. In conclusion, Uzungöl is impressive both in photographs and in real life. It’s a place where you can connect with the peaceful face of nature and lose yourself in its pure beauty. I would wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone. But it’s also important that we all take responsibility, even in small ways, to protect the sustainability of this unique area.

Uzungöl Lake is absolutely stunning — surrounded by lush green mountains with mist often drifting over the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Perfect for photos, peaceful walks, and relaxing in nature. Cafés and small restaurants around add charm, but it can get crowded during peak season. A must-visit in Trabzon!

Uzungöl is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited in Turkey. The lake surrounded by high mountains and green forests feels like a completely different world. The air is fresh, the nature is peaceful, and the scenery is simply breathtaking. In the early morning, the mist over the lake creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to describe in words. There are many nice walking paths, photo spots, and cozy places to enjoy traditional tea by the lake. There are plenty of restaurants around and the prices are reasonable. It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, a family trip, or even solo travel. If you’re in Trabzon or anywhere in the Black Sea region, Uzungöl is definitely a place you must visit! 🌿✨

08/08/2025 This place is one of the most beautiful places I've visited in my whole life. I went there in August and the weather was perfect. Make sure to wear something warm. Ask your driver to take you to the waterfall on your way there. When you get to the lake you can rent a bike for 10 lira/hour, or you can ride a boat for approximately 50 lira/20 minuets, and there is the parachute too, but it's expensive if you're with a big group (500 lira per person). I highly recommend going there especially if you're with your friends and have no babies.

I had my doubts about Uzungöl being worth the hype, but once I got there, I realized it absolutely deserves its great reputation!

Very charm, relex and nice place for family

An amazing place there are rafting options but better be careful it is a wild place.

Very nice place and activities

Just Amazing ❤️

We took a boat to see the water falls. I can't say less than WoW. It is amazing. You can touch the water falls water. also the water is crystal clear. The driver was very kind and gentlemen.

Amazing. Beautiful. The water is wild. Many activities around such as swings, rafting and zipline. Also many redorts and getaways but not to an extent of interrupting the nature.

Absolutely beautiful area. Cool weather even in the middle of the summer. Great for walking and hiking.

Wonderful

A heaven on earth 🌎, we took mini busses from Artvin, and we went for like an hour on the mountains. Up there many people are camping and there is a cafe and restaurant where you can buy whatever you need, it's a little bit expensive from the normal prices but not that much. Fishing in the lake is not allowed but you can book a tour with a small boat very nice place wish a wonderful relaxing view

Very beautiful place I would like to visit it every time

Larg lake with tourist attractions. Kids Playing yard . One restaurant with few menu meals.

Lovely lake and beautiful colorful trees!

(Translated by Google) The road conditions are poor, but it is really worth going. The environment is quiet, the lake is green and clear, and the trees surrounding the lake are beautiful. Although it is early May, there is still a lot of snow on the hillsides and trails around the lake to enjoy. (Original) 路況差，但實在值得一去，環境清幽，湖水綠的清澈，環湖的樹木又好看。雖然已五月初旬，湖邊周圍山坡及步道仍有不少積雪可供賞玩。

(Translated by Google) The road to the lake is a bit challenging, but it is worth going. The nature is magnificent. There is a fee of 180 liras at the entrance. There is a cafe-style place inside. Coffee is 100 liras and stale, tasteless. Moreover, it is in a paper cup. Tea is 30 liras and a paper cup for one. The employees are very rude and sullen. The most negative aspect of this business. It really does not suit you at all. (Original) Gölün yolu biraz zorlayıcı , ancak gitmeye değer . Doğa muhteşem . Girişte 180 Lira ücret ödeniyor . İçeride cafe tarzı bir yer var . Kahve 100 Lira ve bayat , lezzetsiz . Üstelik karton bardakta . Çay 30 lira ve uüne karton bardak . Çalışanlar çok kaba ve asık yüzlü . En olumsuz tarafı bu işletme . Hiç yakışmıypr gerçekten

(Translated by Google) My wife and I went on a Black Sea tour and we went everywhere, we only stopped by this place in Artvin, we went up 5 km, the road is very bad, there is a single lane road and there is a cliff on one side, even two vehicles have to pass, when you go up, we paid 180 TL for the entrance fee, the only place you can see and see is this small lake in the picture, there is no other place to see, when we were going down, the excavator was working, it was not in any trouble to give way, the road was bad and narrow, to top it all off, we waited like that for half an hour, you go down 5 km to come back, I said I will not come again, it is a place I regret going up, the upper parts of the road are worse, it will be missed, there is no part of it, for your information, we felt sorry for the fuel we spent for the money we paid (Original) Eşimle kendimiz Karadeniz turuna çıktık her yeri gezerek gidiyoruz Artvin’de sadece bu yere uğradık 5 km yukarı çıktık yolu çok bozuk tek şeritlik yol var ve bir tarafı uçurum olan yerden iki araç geçmek durumunda bile kalınıyor yukarı çıkıyorsunuz verilen giriş ücreti cabası 180 tl ödedik araç girişi için sadece görüp görebileceğiniz yer bu resimdeki küçük göl başka hiçbir görülecek yeri yok aşağı inerken kepçe çalışma yapıyordu yol verme derdinde hiç değildi yol kötü olması ve daracık olması cabası yarım saat öyle bekledik geri dönmek içinde 5 km iniyorsunuz bir daha gelirmişim gelmem çıktığım içinde pişman olduğum bir yer yolun yukarı kısımları daha bozuk kaçacak hiç payı kısmı yok bilginize verdiğimiz paraya yaktığımız mazota acıdık resmen

One of the best place you should visit when you travel to sochi. You can spend all day with family and friends with lot of fun and enjoyment. Rent scooter,bicycle. Take a ride of amazing rollercoaster. Have look at sport car museum. Music fountain show in evening for 1 hr. Lot of sports stadium.

Amazing place. Was there during the World Cup.

It can be a superb place to visit if there is a tournament or match underway, without any its will be just see the outer stadium. The best way to explore it is with a electric scooter(single and dual) with cost around 500 rubles for 30 mins. Park is superbly built and managed. A true master piece.

Great place. Calms your mood enjoyable sochi park opens till 6pm it is amusement park and the Olympic park is open all day but visit at night to see its actual beauty but for rides go in morning

This place is in bigger area . good for long walking . but u can hire transport available right ther also. i m impressed to see the maintenance of such large area even after years of olympics. at some points they ask for entry tickets to enter in buildings .

A must visit place! The evening fountain show is a treat to watch :)

Bike renting, speed scating, huge free space to drive electric scooters, kids are happy here

Not bad! Not a great place for a lunch, but pretty much entertaining for a decent entry price. A lot of people just be patient.

It's a beautiful park! It's very clean and you could have a nice walk! The stadiums are so beautiful!😍

As of 2017 this place is unbelievable well maintained, with lots of stuff to see. It can be a bit expensive though, depending on what you want to see and do.

Nice big place for race, football, stuff. Near sea, railway station and airport.I thought in Russia place like this impossible, sorry.

Had a lovely time visiting the park and had a guided tour which was well worth it. We came back in the evening for the musical fountain show

Places for international events and festivals. Very clean and tidy. I have many memories from wfys festival.

I love every single day there!

If you are lucky to go there on a sunny day in January, it will give a vibe of Himalayan. The temperature is comparatively low in altitude. So dress up yourself properly. The cable car experience is excellent. To do ski you have to reach there before 10:00am.

Very cool ski resort, well organized with day and night ski!!!! Sleds open almost 24 7. The only downside is that the nightlife is very limited, to say the truth had no power to get out after full day of ski.

Great place. A must visit if you are touring Russia. We were here in April. But March is better if you want to ski.

Generally feels like they could have done better with the resort... Some runs are fantastic, not too long but fun. Most of the other slopes are long and narrow, which is less fun. Lifts are OK but the Russians should learn more about queue management. We had two times where we waited 20-25 minutes, other waits were long too. If the site is crowded then you feel it well on the slopes. The good :excellent site for beginners, the area between slopes is very nice for the powder seekers. Bottom line - not the same as the alps but a nice alternative nevertheless.

very modern ski resort although it is not the French Alp it is very recommended for family and weekends. best compensation money value

Nice ski resort, close to Adler, Sochi City, close to International Sochi airport, easily accessible with car, train or buses. Relatively not expensive. About 100 km of pistes.

this is a very beautiful and very welcoming place. in short this is the best ski town that i ever been in. Also there is a lot of different restaurants like italian, asian or just a steakhouse and so... the only minor problem was the lack of the english language, most of the russian there doesn't talk english

Very nice for beginners! Slopes are quite wide and not too flat to get bored, the view is beautiful. However, if you are advanced, it will definitely feel too easy here. I personally just loved the night-skiing - you can ski until 11pm! Slopes are nicely lightened and everything looks so atmospheric 💫 Organization is still to be somewhat improved - queues in front of the lifts are usual thing and can take quite long!

Loved it! Great service, not crowded, all sorts of activities available. I believe it's the only place in this resort to practice cross-country skiing!

Super complex. We went ice-skating (great) in Galactica followed by swimming in the Aquapark (the outdoor pool in the snow is something else). We then finished the day with night skiing under lights. Nice, easy and wide slopes, (D1 was a nice blue for novices) plus some more challenging pistes for the more advanced. Thank you, we had a great time!

Nice for beginners and medium level riders

Really cool. Lots of things to do with kids

Just horrible to say the least. The lowest lever of service remained the same from "soviet era", you are supposed to be guilty for clumsy skiing maneuvres however there is NO snow coverage in Gazprom ski resort. Rude comments from the staff, some disrepectful remarks - those are the memories I'm gonna bring from this trip. Rip-off in terms of prices: 2000 RUB -ski pass for 1 day, 500 RUB parking fee ( for 1 hour), 200 RUB 1 hour for the storage of the staff in a locker, very high prices in restorants, 9000 RUB for 2 adults - 2 hour training with an instructor. That's not even worth it, there is no snow by 5th of January

Great ski resort even if you stay down mountain. Suitable kid/newbie hills and plenty of other hills too!

Dombai offers breathtaking views, fresh mountain air, and a true winter wonderland experience. The slopes are great for intermediate skiers, and the surrounding nature is simply magical - perfect for both skiing and scenic walks. The infrastructure isn’t as modern as in Europe, but that’s part of its charm. Lifts can be a bit outdated and queues are common during peak season, but the incredible beauty of the place more than makes up for it.

It's really good place

January 2021. Not a lot of snow to ski, but this is not due to the service. The old lift is simply awful, slow and non convenient, and mostly, dangerous. The new one is ok, but definitely over crowded. To rent the skies is not hard, full of small places, missing an organized big one. 3 stars are only for the mountains, which are very beautiful. The rest, I suggest: with the same money, you can fly to Italy or France or Austria.

One of my favourite place in Russia I visited is Dombay. Very attractive nature. I visited in Summer, it was so nice. I enjoyed rain, snowfall and sunlight at the same day. It was really amazing experience I had about Russian nature.

Best ski resort in southern Russia, very nice environment with authentic culture of that region.

Too much snow and strong wind not so many large decents

Beautiful place, nice small village.