The Black Sea Region - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 179

The Black Sea region is a vast area, one of the largest in Turkey

in fact, and yet because of its long shape is relatively easy to navi-
gate. It is, however, one of the least visited by tourists, especially those
with children, so you and your family will have to be keen enthusiasts
of scenery and landscapes to really appreciate its beauty. While there
are a couple of national parks, such as the Ilgaz National Park (see
p. 194) near Kastamonu, attractions that might appeal to children like
water and theme parks are definitely not a major feature of the region.
Stretching from the coastal areas around Akçakoca (see p. 184) to
the west, the Black Sea region runs right through the Kackar
Mountains to the city of Artvin (see p. 184) which lies close to the
country's border with the Eastern European/Western Asian country of
Georgia. Along the way it passes through the town of Amasra (see
p. 184), a pretty town that huddles around its harbour, and the
UNESCO city of Safranbolu (see p. 186), which, with the historic
Trabzon (see p. 186), is a highlight of the region. There are a few holi-
day resorts, notably Sinop , Rize , Fatsa and Ünye (see p. 186.), Ordu
with its landmark castle and beaches (see p. 186) and the attractive
bays of Inkum , Amasra and Cakraz , Cide and Inebolu (see p. 184).
While the Aegean and Mediterranean regions are famous for their
beaches and holiday complexes, the Black Sea region is largely known
for its breathtaking scenery. It is green with mountains and plateaux,
forests dotted with villages, fields of tobacco and tea plantations,
hazelnut orchards and fruit groves and, of course, its dramatic coast-
line of small beaches and coves. Along its coastline are fishing hubs.
Anchovies, in particular, are caught in large numbers and play an
important part in the Black Sea region's cuisine.
Hotels and restaurants are not as plentiful as you might expect to
find in places like Istanbul or the holiday regions, but there are some
good ones catering for children, particularly in Trabzon, Safranbolu
and Rize.

ESSENTIALS

car at this point (see p. 34), unless
you are staying in Trabzon and
wish to take a taxi to your hotel
before exploring the hire car
options. There are buses to neigh-
bouring towns from the airport.
Ulusoy ( b [phone] , www.
ulusoy.com.tr ) runs a reliable and
frequent service. Hiring a car (see
p. 34) is probably your best
option though, particularly with
all the luggage, buggies and the
like necessary for a family holiday.

Getting There
By Plane Most people travelling
to the Black Sea region of Turkey
will arrive at the international air-
port in Trabzon, possibly via the
airports in Istanbul or Ankara.
From here the city is situated at
the very heart of the local road
and rail network. It will probably
be in your best interests to hire a

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