Rize Attractions
Situated on a narrow coastal strip in a small bay at the foot of the steeply rising Pontic mountain foothills (new town) stands the provincial capital of Rize. The port which exports tea and wood, tea production and more recently tourism (excursions into mountainous hinterland and tea plantations) are the main sources of income. In antiquity the town was called Rhizion (Rhizous, Rhition, Rhitium) and was a port for the territory of Kissioi. In medieval times it was known as Risso. In 1461 after Mehmet II captured Trebizond it became part of the Ottoman Empire.
Offering a fine view over the town the ruined castle (Rize Kalesi) with its tea garden dates from the Middle Ages. The view of the town from the Botanical Gardens (Ziraat Bahçesi) is also particularly impressive. The garden itself which can be reached from a steep road near the western entrance to the town has a collection of sub-tropical flora including an informative range of tea plants.
Offering a fine view over the town the ruined castle (Rize Kalesi) with its tea garden dates from the Middle Ages. The view of the town from the Botanical Gardens (Ziraat Bahçesi) is also particularly impressive. The garden itself which can be reached from a steep road near the western entrance to the town has a collection of sub-tropical flora including an informative range of tea plants.
Ayder, Turkey
(Near Rize)
On a plateau about 8km/5mi southeast of Rize and surrounded by woods lies the town of Ayder with its small thermal spring.
A hotel was developed here to encourage tourism.
A hotel was developed here to encourage tourism.
Camburun Plaji, Turkey
(Near Rize)
About 11km/7mi to the east of Rize near the village of Çamburun (Pine Tree Cape), some fine beaches are situated under a steep rocky cliff face. They can be reached by descending 211 steps which have been cut into the rock.
Camlihemsin, Turkey
(Near Rize)
A visit to the small regional center of Çamlihemsin 80km/50mi east of Rize will entail an exhilarating journey through the tea plantations and along the wild Firtina Çayi valley with its stone bridges and enormous old farmsteads.
Lazistan
Southeast of Rize the wild mountainous country of Lazistan (Tatos Daglari) stretches up to the snow-tipped Kaçkar Dagi peaks just under 4,000m/13,120ft high.
