RIZE
Rize, 75 km east of Trabzon, is built on a mountain slope and covered with tea bushes which look like puffy green pillows. Be sure to see this typical Black Sea city's 16th-century Islam Pasha Mosque and the remains of a Genoese castle. From Ziraat Park you can take in a splendid panorama of the whole area. A lightweight summer cloth of good quality and printed with colorful patterns comes from the Rize area. During the Summer Tea festival you can purchase the best blend of Black Sea tea.
Turning inland after Ardesen, on the road leading east from Rize, you come to the beautiful little town of Camlihemsin straddling a rushing stream. Nearby is the Firtina Vadisi (Valley of Storms) with the beautiful Zir Castle, and stone bridges from Byzantine times. After walking around Ayder's rolling meadows, you can relax in one of the many hot-springs.
For those who like mountain climbing, this is the best starting-point for scaling the Kackar Mountains. This emerald range is one of the best and the most challenging for climbers, in Turkey. South of rizeon the Kackar mountains, Anzer village offers the world-famous and healthful Anzer honery, and it is a nice area for trekking and for its botany.
East and west of Rize; Cayeli, Pazar, Ardesen, Of and Findikli all enjoy a sub-tropical climate, lush green settings and traditional chalets. The Camburnu coast is covered with golden pine trees; many species of migrating birds stop-over here, and it is a lovely area for resting and for taking pictures.
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