Trabzon and Uzungöl: where to stay, city or lakeside

Turkey is no longer just Istanbul and Antalya for travellers from Algeria. Google suggestions, especially in Arabic, show a growing interest in Trabzon and Lake Uzungöl: hotels on Trabzon's main square, hotels on the lake shore, wooden bungalows, and how far the lake is from the city. It all comes down to one question: should you stay in town or by the lake? Here is how to choose.

At a glance

• Trabzon: a large city on the Black Sea coast of north-eastern Turkey, and the most practical base in the region.
• Uzungöl: a mountain lake and village in the Çaykara district, about 95 km south-east of Trabzon.
• Our advice: a few nights in Trabzon, then at least one night by the lake.
• Weather: rain is possible in any season, so pack a waterproof.

Trabzon, gateway to the Black Sea

Trabzon stretches along the Black Sea in the north-east of the country. It is the main city of the region, with its own airport, and the natural starting point for the mountains inland. People come for the scenery — the sea, the forests, the high plateaus the Turks call "yayla" — and for the feel of a real Turkish city.

Worth a visit: Trabzon's Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church not to be confused with the one in Istanbul; Boztepe hill, with its tea garden and views over the whole city and the sea; the Atatürk Pavilion, an elegant mansion linked to the founder of modern Turkey; and, up in the mountains, Sumela Monastery, clinging to a cliff. As for food, Black Sea anchovies (hamsi) are everywhere, and kuymak is the local speciality to try at breakfast.

Staying in Trabzon: around the Meydan

The Meydan is Trabzon's central square, lined with shops, restaurants and a tea garden. It is also what people search for most: "hotel trabzon meydan". The centre has hotels in every category. For a first stay without a car, it is the most convenient area: you can walk out for dinner and shopping, or grab a taxi to Boztepe or Hagia Sophia.

Others prefer a sea-view hotel, or one near the airport for a late arrival or a very early departure. Either way, read recent reviews before picking a cheap deal, and check the exact address on the map.

Uzungöl: the lake, the village and the bungalows

Uzungöl is a mountain lake tucked into a wooded valley between high peaks. On the shore, the village mosque is reflected in the water: it is the best-known image of the place. In the morning, mist often settles on the lake. The village now lives from tourism, with hotels, restaurants and souvenir shops.

You can choose between hotels, apartments and, above all, wooden bungalows. Three options:

• On the lake shore: a direct view of the water and the mosque. These are the most sought-after places, so book early in season.
• A bungalow on the slopes: quieter, often with a fine view, but check access (slope, parking, whether you need a car).
• A hotel in the village centre: everything is within walking distance, from restaurants to the lakeside path.

Day trip or overnight stay?

A return trip from Trabzon in a day is a classic excursion, but it takes up the whole day. A night by the lake lets you see it in the evening, once the tour coaches have left, and early in the morning, when the water is at its calmest. Bring a warm layer and a raincoat: you are in the mountains, and it can rain in any season.

How many nights, and in which order?

For 5 to 7 nights in the region, a simple plan works well: 3 or 4 nights in Trabzon (the city, Boztepe, Sumela, a mountain plateau), then 1 or 2 nights in Uzungöl.

Spring and early autumn are often recommended for the region, with fewer visitors than in midsummer. In winter, check road conditions in the mountains before driving up to the lake.

Visa: check before you go

In principle, since June 2026, Algerian citizens under 15 and over 50 can enter Turkey without a visa for a short tourist stay; others need a visa, or an e-Visa under certain conditions. Rules can change: check the current requirements with the Turkish consulate or on the official website before you travel. Our article on the Turkey visa for Algerians sums it up; we do not handle visa applications.

Book in Trabzon and Uzungöl and pay in dinars

On Nreservi, Trabzon is one of the cities on our Turkey hotels page: choose your dates, hotel and room, then send your request without paying anything at this stage. For a specific hotel or bungalow in Uzungöl, contact us: our team checks availability and price with the property. From Algeria, you pay in dinars with no bank card: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made. The process is explained in our guide to booking a hotel without a bank card. If you are also stopping in Istanbul, our guide on where to stay in Istanbul will help you pick an area.

See hotels in Trabzon

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.